A call too strong to resist

With the kind of family she has, it is almost a given that she would enter show business. But it looks like Danita Paner is intent on cutting her own path through the entertainment biz – as a rock-alternative singer.

Danita has inked a recording contract with Viva and is busy gathering materials for her first album, which is being eyed for release next month. The album will include some of Danita’s own compositions, and songs by guys from some of the top bands in the music business, like Rivermaya, Soapdish, 6Cyclemind and Mayonnaise, all favorites of Danita. She handpicked them to write songs for her, and they agreed.

The stellar lineup of composers – which includes Rivermaya frontman Rico Blanco, who has crafted many a hit song for his own band – should make this album a big hit before it even hits record stores.

No one is more excited than Danita. According to her, she tried to build a movie career for as long as she could. She made three movies, namely Pedro Penduko (for which she earned a Best Child Performer nomination), To Saudi With Love and The Jessica Alfaro Story, but in the end, it was music that won out. It was her passion, her calling, and it proved too strong to ignore. "I’ve done three movies, but it’s just not my cup of tea. I am more inclined to music," says the 17-year-old singer-composer, currently a college freshman at La Salle, taking up Entrepreneurship.

Danita first discovered her love for music in high school. At OB Montessori, where she spent her first three years, she even had a band called Phase One. One of the members was Alyssa Gibbs, daughter of Bing Loyzaga and Janno Gibbs. The band played at school events, but eventually went their separate ways. Danita transferred to another school to finish her senior year because she needed a more open schedule, then she decided to launch a solo career.

Danita knows her decision to pursue a career in music is not without its risks. Aside from the business being competitive in itself, there are the inevitable comparisons to sister Tina, now settled in Barcelona, Spain where she is producing shows featuring Filipino artists.

That’s one reason Danita chose a rock-alternative sound, to distinguish herself from Tina, who used to do ballads. Physically, the sisters couldn’t be more different – Danita is taller and her hair is longer, and she dresses differently. Her fashion sense is more edgy compared to her sister, but Danita knows that when it comes to the ins and outs of showbiz, Tina who has the edge. Not to mention their mom Daisy Romualdez who was a leading actress during her days.

"I’m proud to be her sister. I owe her a lot, because ever since, she’d take me with her to That’s (Entertainment). So I got exposed early on," says Danita.

What does she plan to do when the inevitable comparisons arise? Danita knows the pressure on her to succeed is great, especially coming from a family like hers.

And yet, she is more than willing to take on the challenge. But she also wants to prove she can make a name on her own, apart from her mother and sister. "That’s what I’m trying to prove," says Danita. "I know there will be a lot of comparisons. These are inevitable. But I know that if I work hard, I can make my dreams come true."

She is already on her way with the album, and there’s the prospect of her solo concert, entitled Danita! on Sept. 14 at Music Museum. Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual will be her guests, while Bong Quintana directs. Danita will perform some of the cuts from her album, which will be on the market by then.

School also starts in September for her at DLSU, (so she doesn’t start at the same time as everyone else does), so she will have to balance studies with career. It’s not going to be easy, but Danita wants it so much, she’s willing to do what it takes. "Sayang kasi ang opportunity (for a music career)," she says. "It’s not every day that an opportunity like this comes along. I want to succeed, because I really love music."

With her determination, things are really looking up for Danita.

The music business has a new star.