APRIL

April has sung the National Anthem at the Seattle Seahawks, Sonics, and Mariners games, and just recently for the first WNBA home game in Seattle, all in one year. She has performed in Florida at Universal Studios and in Disneyworld's 25th Anniversary celebration. She has even appeared in a national commercial for "Beauty and the Beast, The Enchanted Christmas" a video shown exclusively on the Disney Channel. The depth and scope of her talent and accomplishments is even more incredible considering the fact that April has just turned 14 years old.

Born at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, April moved to Seattle, Washington at the age of one. Her natural singing ability came to light at the early age of four when her grandfather would encourage her to sing at community gatherings and parties. "I was a singing toddler," she admits. "My grandfather was president of the Filipino American League, and he would just have me sing at gatherings, the community New Year's Eve parties, and such. I got most of my talent from him."

April sets records with her youthful talent. She has appeared in numerous commercials, both locally and nationally, and has won talent contests from Washington through California. How did someone from Washington state end up on a California record label? "It was just a coincidence that when my cousin was born in 1999, my family came to California to visit him," recalled April. "Fiesta Filipina was taking place at the San Francisco Civic Center, and I entered it, and ended up winning 1st place!" Her voice and talent were quite obvious to Kamikaze Records President/CEO Kurtis Kato who was there to hear her sing.

April is showcased on Project: Kamikaze (Kamikaze Records, 1999) singing "Let These Feelings Go", co-written with her father Robert. When writing songs, April expresses her moods - they speak of friendships and relationships, of wanting to enjoy the fun of youth, and of those special people in her life. "I wrote one song about my Mom - how she's always there for me. She's like one of my angels."

Family and friends are the top priority in April's life. After all, she still has one more year to go at her junior high school in Seattle, and much more after that. During the school year she performs on average only about once a month. "I'm dedicated to school and family first," she confirms. "I want to go to college and become a family physician." She admits that being a big sister to her impressionable 6-year old sister is a responsibility that she takes seriously.

When April is relaxing, she enjoys going on the net or talking on the phone. Watching basketball and gymnastics are other pastimes, though she doesn't actively play sports. "I'm more of a spectator rather than an active participant!" she admits. "If there's really nothing else to do, I start working out!" she laughs. April always makes sure she has time to play with her west highland terrier Eddie. And she would never consider missing her favorite tv show, "Friends". Reading is also a pleasant way to relax for her. When asked if she has a favorite book, she replied, "Matilda (by Roald Dahl) is my favorite book. I've read it at least three times already. I've always liked magic, though I don't know any magic tricks!" April even draws cartoons, though only upon special request by her little sister. "I'm not really that good a cartoonist now, though I used to be pretty good at it. But I'll always draw if my sister asks me to." When it comes to food, there's no doubt about April's favorites: Grandma's lasagna and Filipino food.

Naturally, April loves listening to music. "All types of music!" she exclaims. "Pop, R&B, oldies - I listen to it all. I've dabbled in piano, but my voice is my music. I love danceable music!"

In the summer of 2000, April will begin a West Coast tour promoting her upcoming single "Crush (On You)", written and produced by JAE-E (who has produced such acts as M.C. Hammer, En Vogue, and One Voice). "It's a song about school and puppy love. The tour is still in the works, but I'm excited about it!" When asked about possible future travel plans, April's eyes sparkle. "I would love to travel and perform in Europe! And of course, the Philippines! I traveled to the Philippines two years ago to finally meet my relatives. Of course I want to return to my roots."

April has opened at a number of concerts, most notably for Kai and Pinay. The thought of finally doing her own tour is a dream come true for April. Having performed before 43,596 at a Seattle Mariners game, is she a bit nervous about the tour? "I've been singing since I was little, so instead of getting stage fright I get more excited! I love singing and performing in front of a crowd. I like connecting with the audience." April admits that it is hard to juggle her social life and singing life, but that she's taught herself how to do it. "I really want to sing, and I'm going to sing no matter what."

How amazing that someone so young and talented can also be so focused and grounded. Her advice for other young performers has definitely been her rule of thumb. "Keep the faith. If you really have a goal and you really want to achieve it, you will do it. Something will happen. You will do something to make it happen."

How fortunate we all are that summer will soon be here, and we can all look forward to hearing more from the teenager who is the sweetheart of the Pacific Northwest - April.

Click to see April's profile in the Newbies section.