Geneva: No need to slow down

Geneva Cruz kicks off her holiday bar tour with a performance at the Dish (ABS-CBN Compound, QC) on Dec. 18, with special guests Ken and Chino and the Ntwine Band.

Sponsored by Smart Buddy, the concert series follows through with a festive pre-New Year bash at the grand opening of Ratsky’s newest outlet at Boracay on Dec. 30, as well as other popular watering holes in Manila until February next year.

Yuletide shindig serve is a fitting homecoming bash for the sultry songstress who just completed the second leg of her international tours. From September to November, Geneva circled the Asian circuit, and soon after hie off to Europe for another series of shows.

"It’s been a grueling string of shows," she exclaims, "but it was worth it. There’s nothing like seeing for yourself how pop music has become so much a part of the cultural mainstream in cities where you least expect it to be."

"And more importantly," adds the dusky charmer, "as an artist trying to broaden my musical horizons, it flatters me no end to see for myself how Filipino musicians are always held in such high regard wherever and whenever they perform overseas."

Such was Geneva’s surprise when she was asked to perform at the recently-concluded China-ASEAN Expo, held last Nov. 3 to 6 in Nanning, China. The four-day event culminated in an international music festival highlighted by the presence of acclaimed pop-classical violin virtuoso Vanessa Mae and other prominent pop stars from the other ASEAN countries.

Geneva was personally chosen for her stature as "an extraordinary artist encompassing both traditional and Philippine music and western styles," and whose singing prowess never fails to impress international audiences.

Even with the impending holiday rush, Geneva feels no need to slacken off. "After having been away for quite some time, I feel the need to touch base again with my devout fans," she says. "I’m also proud to be back under the management of ALV Productions, headed by my friend and mentor, Arnold Vegafria."

"And besides," Geneva adds, "this bar tour should also serve as a fitting prelude to a big Valentine’s Day show we’re cooking up for next year." Not one to rest on her laurels, the former Smokey Mountain alumnus is also preparing new material for her new album slated for release by mid-2005. She’s also planning to further her acting career soon, and is eyeing potential leads in the movies and TV soaps.

"I’m very excited about it because I’m planning to do duets with some of the biggest names in the live concert arena – who also happen to be my good friends," Geneva exclaims.

Meantime, watch Geneva sizzle at the Dish as she flaunts her curves, struts her steamy and sizzling dance routines, and belts out pop and R&B favorites.