Dani Ozaraga’s girl group dreams come true with XOXO

CEBU, Philippines — Teaming up with her fellow “The Clash” alumna to form GMA’s newest group, Cebu’s “Lagari Queen” Danielle May Ozaraga is the spice that gives the brand new singing quartet XOXO its extra kick.

Debuting last Saturday on GMA’s “Studio 7,” the all-girl powerhouse group XOXO is composed of Cagayan de Oro pride Muriel “Riel” Lomadilla Riel known as “The Diva” of the group; Davaoeña Lyra Micolob be known as the “Tough Girl”; and Bulacan native Melbelline “Mel” Caluag has been christened as XOXO’s “Sweet Girl.” Completing the picture as “Fierce and Sexy” is no other than Danao City, Cebu’s Danielle, fondly known as Dani.

Since competing in “The Clash,” the girls have been spending their days in intense workshops. Last July, Dani earned her place in the new generation of divas, XOXO.

“I was really grateful for the chance since the competition in this industry is really tough especially when you’re a solo artist. There are a lot of good singers here in GMA and finding a spot is really challenging. I said yes right away when I was asked if I could commit to a girl group because I wanted to try something new and it is one of my dreams to be in a girl group just like Little Mix,” she told The Freeman.

The 22-year-old Tourism graduate from the University of Cebu Banilad Campus admitted that transitioning into a group was a bit challenging after spending her whole life singing solo. But with the help of vocal coach Vince de Jesus, Dani and the other members’ inhibitions eventually disappeared. They have learned the value of collaboration since.

“The four of us have different singing styles. There’s Lyra who has a deep an raspy voice, Riel with a thick and powerful voice, Mel who has a sweet and high voice, and then I who is a belter. But despite our differences, we were amazed on how our voices harmonize well together without losing our individual styles.”

She feels grateful to be able to work with good friends, since the XOXO girls have already known each other since their days in “The Clash.” Almost like sisters now, Dani, Riel, Lyra, and Mel spend their time shopping, going on food trips and commuting together after workshops. At the same time, Dani takes pride in how seriously XOXO works when it’s time to hustle.

XOXO is GMA’s newest female group since 2008’s La Diva. With superb vocals and their brand of heart and soul, XOXO hopes to groove their way into empowering audiences through their sizzling performances. XOXO sets themselves apart as a sing and dance group who harmonizes and belts all the while throwing some moves.

“Our group promotes body positivity unlike other girl groups that sets standards on being sexy as skinny. I wanna prove to all that each one of us is sexy in our own ways. We don’t need to starve ourselves to achieve that 24-inch waistline just to be called sexy,” Dani said when asked how she feels being tagged as the fierce and sexy member of the group.

She hopes that XOXO will be able to redefine what it means to be sexy. “We want to empower people through our performances and show to them that we should be confident and not to be afraid to express ourselves,” Dani added.

“For me it is all about the attitude and the confidence in the body that you’re in. But since our performances involves singing and dancing, I am now starting to work out and having a healthy lifestyle not because I wanna be skinny but because I wanted to be fit in order to have strength and stamina to sustain every performance.”

After finishing strong in “The Clash,” Dani is not only part of a girl group but has also performed in all sorts of GMA shows and events, as well as tried her hand in acting trhough shows “Inagaw na Bituin” and “Magpakailanman.”

She said the most challenging part of working in the limelight is knowing that you can’t please anyone.

“There are really people who will try to pull you down but we are always told by our mentors to never listen to them and just go on with our craft or use those mean words as a motivation to prove them wrong. Our dance coach, Ms. Joe Abuda of Adlib, also keeps reminding us not to limit ourselves with what we can do so I really try to push myself more in every training and rehearsal that we have,” she said.

If there’s anything she learned from battling it out in “The Clash,” it is that she should always give her everything with each performance, regardless if it meant she had to sing, dance, act or do all three at once.

“Giving your all-out performance in rehearsals the way you would actually execute on stage so that during the show, it will just come out naturally. And also to listen and trust our coaches and mentors because they know what is best for us. No complaints, just do it!” Dani asserted.

Focused on acing their trainings and performing with all her might, Dani hopes that XOXO will get the chance to travel and perform in shows all over the country and even abroad. Like any other singing act, Dani envisions XOXO to hold their own concerts someday.

Until then, catch Dani, Riel, Lyra, and Mel in their next “Studio 7” performance this weekend and their upcoming single soon to be launched by GMA Music.