Maronne Cruz

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Why EI Chose Maronne Cruz

Maronne Cruz might be one of the most familiar faces you would have seen in the platforms of Ateneo theatre. A 4 BS Management major, Maronne caught the attention of Everyday Idealists through her passion in the arts, particularly in theater and musicals. One of the most versatile performers in Blue Repertory, Maronne Cruz shares her story on discovering one’s hidden talents, honing it, and finding your self in it.

A True Artist Waiting to be Discovered

Maronne has always been exposed to theater, but she never knew it was meant for her. Since young, her family would always travel to New York (where they had a residence), and not a single trip would pass without them watching at least 3 musicals. She was never a stranger to the theater, but it wasn’t until her senior year in high school that she realized the curtain’s call.

Known by her classmates as the girl who’s good at drawing, she was the seen as the shy and nerdy type who just sketches in the corner. It took some ounce of willpower for her to try out and show the world her hidden talent in singing. “For a school musical, I just went for it and then I bagged one of the lead roles. “ Maronne shares. “Everyone was like “Oh, Maronne you’re good pa la’ and I’m like “Your fault for judging me” Kidding!” Maronne laughs.  “I’m joking, but that’s when I really realized na hey, I’m actually not bad at this. This is actually my calling.”

Maronne admits that at times she wishes she could still practice her craft in visual arts, but due to the demands of music theater, she can’t spend as much time on her “original talent” anymore. “Such a shame I don’t do it anymore but I have no regrets because I SUPER love Musical Theater. It’s my childhood, so there.”



You are ART.

When asked about what she strongly believes in, Maronne didn’t hesitate to share, “One of my biggest convictions is that you really can’t sacrifice the art, the creative, the expressive aspect of anything because once you take that out, it’s kind of like losing your soul.”

Maronne believes that people are brought alive by the beauty and art that they encounter. While art has always been seen as a way of self-expression, she thinks that it should not be taken for granted just because it is easily and readily available. For Maronne, there’s no such thing as just doing—only doing your best. “I also believe in no matter what you do, always do it with conviction and passion and you should never go halfway to anything.” She admits how she feels bad whenever she can’t give something her all, for she always tries her best to give her 100% in everything.

Everyday Idealists was inspired by the level of passion and entusiasm that Maronne puts into the creative, and thus we asked her what drives her to always push further.

“It sounds cheesy but I get the drive purely because I really really love what I’m doing.” Maronne exemplifies how it should be when you follow your dreams. She admits that she doesn’t care whatever’s at stake to keep her doing it. “I mean it’s kind of basic, if you really want something, you go for it.”  Maronne also shares how seeing developments in the whole field, and witnessing how her circle of groups also work hard, pushes her to be even more passionate about her craft. The wholistical improvements she experiences, particularly in Blue Repertory, makes her want to keep getting better and better.

The Show Goes On

Last year, for Maronne, was a highlight of her musical theatre career. She performed in two of her most notable productions--first in “Little Shop of Horrors, where she played the role of Audrey, and second, in “Bare” where she got the role of Ivy. Bare was one of the most awaited musicals of Blue Rep, from its successful staging back in 2009. Maronne bagged the lead role, and has been known for her exemplary performance in the said play.

Watch out for more of our Everyday Idealist Maronne Cruz, as this year she performs in Blue Repertory’s offering, “13”, which will be shown in the Fine Arts Theatre from July 25 onwards!

Nikki Jurado

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Why EI chose Nikki Jurado 

In the midst of the hype of foreign acts and celebrities, Everyday idealists was glad to have met Nikki Jurado, a passionate supporter of OPM (Original Pinoy Music). Nikki is an AB Communications senior at the Ateneo de Manila University. Currently, she works as part of the COA Executive Board as the Chief of Staff. With her love for music, she is also part of aMp (Ateneo Musician’s Pool), and volunteers for Musmos and Yabang Pinoy. Nikki Jurado exudes Filipino pride and believes in promoting this through music.

Music lover by heart and by blood

Our Everyday Idealist begins the interview by saying this with conviction: “I fight for Original Pinoy Music.”

Nikki grew up in a family of lawyers and musicians. At an early age, she was taught how to play musical instruments, particularly the piano at age 4. “Parang minsan nga iniisip ko, mas nauna pa ako nagbasa ng musical scores than actual letters”, Nikki admits. She was trained to be an orchestra pianist, but as she grew up, she realized greater interest in playing the drums and guitar. Because of this, it served as her motivation for forming and performing in bands.

“That’s why I got into a band, formed a band, pero nadisband, ganiyan…” After the disbandment, Nikki moved on to discovering new opportunities, but still in the field of music. She tried music photography. However, it was this experience that made her realize something; which later on became the turning point of her OPM life. “Nainlove ako with music photography and that’s when I realized, nauubos na yung mga kinukuha kong mga bands like Sugarfree, Rivermaya, Bamboo. And there’s a possibility of OPM dying or yun nga, and ayoko ‘yun mangyari.”


Save OPM

Nikki is the pioneer of the Twitter account “@saveOPM”, a campaign for OPM bloggers and bands to keep the Pinoy music industry alive. The account serves as an avenue where these musicians can share and promote their videos, gigs, and albums, among others.

Only on its 7th month, Nikki accepts that building the fanbase of the account still has a long way to go. However, with the support of famous Pinoy musicians, the campaign foresees a bright future ahead. Performers such as Ebe Dancel of Sugarfee, Apo Hiking Society, Sarah Geronimo and Yeng Constantino, to name a few, have been following the account and promoting it as well. To date, @saveOPM has secured more than 700 followers.

Nikki doesn’t stop in the online world. Aside from this, she also organizes free gigs for OPM artists every two months. No profit is gained from the shows, and thus, it serves as a free avenue for both up and coming and established music artists to promote their craft. They tie up with designers like Team Manila and other big names, to bring in followers. “Ang hirap, super hirap, kasi ayun nga ang targeted ng audience e, pero kaya pa, keri pa.”

No hate, just love 

If you think @saveOPM is all about rejecting foreign music and hiding inside the OPM nutshell, then Nikki says you are wrong. She, herself, listens to foreign acts as well. However, what Nikki wants to impart is that OPM, Pinoy Music, is part of our identity. For her, losing the Pinoy music industry is like losing our identity and reduces us to merely foreign listeners. “Di naman niya sinasabi na yun nga, huwag kang makinig sa iba, sinasabi lang niya na wag mong walain ang sariling sa iyo.”

Nikki belives in the huge potential that OPM artists have to offer to the music industry, and that we should not just let this pass. “Parang love lang yan, huwag mo ngang bitawan na sa’yo na nga e.”

Are you one with Nikki in her support for Original Pinoy Music?

Follow saveOPM on Twitter
Like saveOPM on Facebook
And hashtag #saveOPM when you tweet!

Watch out for their gigs this coming August and September!