Girl power in rock

Pinoy Rock used to be dominated by boys and men. However, the past decades have seen female rockers rocking girl power in the local rock music scene. Inarguably rock has become more exciting and palatable with the brilliant, delicious voices of Sampaguita, Cynthia Alexander, Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal as well as band members Myrene Academia (Sandwich and Imago), Aia de Leon (Imago), Myra Ruaro (Brown Beat All-Stars), Cooky Chua (Color It Red) and Armi Millare (Up Dharma Down). Now, whoever says girls can’t rock is on his way to perdition.

An addition to this league of talented artists is Danita Paner who now seriously embarks on a solo career as a singer and composer. Danita is the youngest daughter of former Sampaguita star Daisy Romualdez and ex-PBA cager Manny Paner. Her sister Tina is now based in Barcelona where she produces shows featuring Filipino artists. Given her lineage and showbiz connections, Danita could have easily landed a movie role. Yet, she wants to make a name for herself as a rock-alternative singer.

Danita has formally launched a singing career with a debut album entitled Promotor released under Viva Records. It contains a selection of rock-alternative tunes specially written for her by her favorite bands like Rivermaya, Sandwich, 6Cyclemind and Mayonnaise. "They are all my personal choices," says Danita. The young rocker also penned several compositions in her first album.

Some of the tracks in the album include the remakes of Rivermaya’s early hit Himala and Pretty in Pink’s Cool Ka Lang as well as Tanong, Promotor and Di Ka Makuha sa Tingin, to name a few.

"I have always wanted to be a singer. I have tried doing three movies but I am a rocker by heart. After my third movie, I realized that my true calling lay elsewhere," Danita explains. Finally, she decided that it was time to bid goodbye to the movies and invade the music world. "Hindi ko talaga hilig ang movies. I’m more influenced by music. I love to rock and rock music is my passion. I listen to rock classics like Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, U2 and Clash. They are legends and their music will always stay. Their popularity continues even with the resurgence of new bands. I also like to listen to the music of Dishwalla, Coldplay and Incubus."

Danita’s affair with music started when she was in high school at OB Montessori. She was one of the vocalists of a band called Phase One which also included Alyssa Gibbs, the eldest daughter of Janno Gibbs and Bing Loyzaga. Their band, which was into pop-rock and alternative music, played regularly at school fairs and events. When Danita transferred to Reedley International School in her senior year, the members lost touch and went their separate ways.

Danita knows that her choice to pursue a singing career is not without its challenges. The business is competitive and then there is the inevitable comparison to her sister Tina. Danita is more than willing to accept the risks. She wants to prove that she can make a name on her own. One reason why Danita chose a rock-alternative sound is that she wanted to distinguish herself from Tina who used to do ballads. "I know that if I work hard, I can make my own dreams come true," she says. 

The singer feels very grateful to her mom who always sees to it that her daughter is keeping her focus. Mom Daisy doesn’t want anything that will distract Danita from her goals. The budding singer agrees with her mom. "Sayang kasi ang opportunity. It’s not every day that an opportunity like this comes along. Besides, my mom is a veteran in the business and she knows what she’s talking about," she says. It truly helps that her mom has been around in the business for many years that she already knows how to open doors for her youngest daughter. "My going into music would never have happened if not for my mom. She was in a meeting with Viva Music executives when she told them that I could sing," Danita explains. The executives were impressed with Danita’s demo tape and now she finally has her first album.

With sheer determination to succeed in the business, Danita is willing to balance her studies at DLSU where she is taking up Entrepreneurship with her singing career. "What matters most is that I’m happy with what I’m doing right now."

With the right combination of strength of character influenced by her formidable mom and an immense talent, she can be the next big thing in the music industry.

Listen to her CD, and believe me, this young woman can rock.