Aicelle on solo flight

MANILA, Philippines - Without a doubt, Aicelle Santos can be easily identified as a La Diva, one of the three lady members of the singing group La Divas. Maricris Garcia and Jonalyn Viray complete the trio. But lately, they are no longer seen performing together. Aicelle has been appearing on stage solo since last year with the stage musical Katy as her debut outing in the theatrical scene. Maricris, on the other hand, is into acting by doing supporting roles in the different GMA drama shows while not much has been heard about Jonalyn these days.

Thus, many have surmised that La Divas had separately taken a different route. More so now that Aicelle is starring in another stage musical titled Rak of Aegis, under the production of Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), which runs at PETA Theater until March 9.

Aicelle, in a pocket interview held recently, confirmed that La Divas had gone separate ways after arriving with a mutual decision.

“We and the Artist Center (management) have talked about it (disbandment) because we felt that at some point La Divas was not heading to progress so we decided to try working on our career separately.”

So far, Aicelle felt that the outcome is good and serving them well since each La Diva has proven their potential aside, of course, from singing. In her case, she discovers that she could also act when she started doing stage musicals.

Aicelle revealed that she didn’t expect that the theatrical stage would be her next performing ground. It was in 2012 when she started auditioning for different musical plays.

“That was the time when my sister was diagnosed with a cancer and I felt that I need to do something for my career so I could help my sister with her therapy.”

Armed with vocal talent, she tried out with high hopes that she would be considered for any role. By some twist of fate, as Aicelle put it, she landed a role in Katy topbilled by Isay Alvarez.

“I wasn’t part of the original cast of Katy. They needed a young version of Ate Isay’s character and since I auditioned for any role, they decided to give me the role. I’d like to think that it was God’s way of answering my prayers because it wasn’t only me who auditioned. I was No. 22 in the list, karamihan pa magagaling. So, I told myself that whatever the outcome of the auditions would definitely be, I’ll be fine with it.”

And since Katy was her first musical show, Aicelle said she truly worked hard for it “because I knew they’re expecting much from me.”

In Rak of Aegis, Aicelle portrays Aileen, a young promodizer who dreams to be a singing star by uploading her video on YouTube. Those who have watched the musical could attest to her excellent performance. But she admitted to feeling jittery every time she goes onstage. Thanks, to her co-stars, husband and wife Robert Seña and Isay for checking on her after her every performance.

“Ate Isay is always there to tell me what to do or where should I give more push. Same with Tito Robert, he’s ready to tell me to try this or that. Ang gagaling nila and coming from them, iba talaga.”

That’s why Aicelle is glad that they never get tired of supporting her “kaya nababawasan talaga ang kaba ko. Same with the PETA people. They are fun and easy to work with.”

Asked about her preparations for her role, Aicelle said the need to vocalize is a must, knowing how much vocal range is required for Aegis songs. Rak of Aegis is a rock-comedy musical that tackles Filipino resilience and at the same time pays tribute to the iconic band Aegis as it features the pop-rock group’s such powerful tunes as Halik, Basang-basa sa Ulan and Sinta. The musical is inspired by the recent calamities that wreaked havoc in the country.