How Toni deals with bashers

‘I chose not to dwell on those things. — Toni Gonzaga’

TONI Gonzaga is aware of all the bashing, but she is not letting the negative comments weigh her down.

The controversial host, in a press con last Saturday at Coffee Project in Quezon City, said that she would rather focus on the positive things that are in her life.

“Yung mga bagay na ganyan huwag na natin pagtuunan ng pansin. I chose not to dwell on those things. Hayaan na natin sila. Basta I made this decision, and this is one thing that I realized in life — any decision that you make, kung sinunod mo ‘yung puso mo, you will always be led to the right path,” she said. “So once na sinunod mo ‘yung puso mo, ‘yung itinuro sa’yo, pero pa gisnunod mo ‘yung decision na alam mong galling sa puso mo, you will always have peace in your heart. When you make a decision, you always have to check your heart if there is peace. That’s one thing na hindi mababayaran. When you have peace in your heart, that decision if right for you.”

Of course, her family — husband Paul Soriano, who has just been named as presidential adviser for creative communications and son Seve, plus her parents and sister — remains to be her solid support system. It was her husband who pushed her to do “Toni Talks” on YouTube. He also acts as her producer for her show on the Villar Group’s AllTV. Toni is one of the first artists to sign up with Advanced Media Broadcasting System Channel 2.

All in all, the actress, vlogger, host, recording artist has no regrets about her decisions — regardless of what others may think or say.

“The greatest lesson that I have learned is that when you know who you are, you will never be defined by the outside force. Kilalanin mo talaga kung sino ka dahil sa industriya natin, where a lot of people will try to define you, co-workers, the people you meet, the media, they will try to label you, all these things, but in the end, if you really know who you are, nobody can take that away from you,” she said. “You will be complete, you will be whole.

Nothing and no one can touch you. So when they accuse you of something, pero pag kilalang kilala mo ‘yung sarili mo, hindi ka maliligaw sa industry na ito.”

Aside from her talk show, Toni has a movie, “The Teacher,” which is part of the coming Metro Manila Film Festival. She gets to work with Ronnie Alonte, Loisa Andalio, Kakai Bautista, and Joey de Leon in the comedy film.

Toni said she has always admired Joey and looks up to him as her mentor. She was once a host of “Eat Bulaga,” where she got to work with the show’s iconic trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey.

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There’s a new artist on the block — singer, songwriter Tera.

Tera, an artist of Merlion Events Production Inc. and Tyronne Escalante Artist Management (TEAM), is unlike any of the newbies around. She is fearless, unique and well prepared.

During her launch last Tuesday at the ballroom of Seda Hotel Vertis North, Tera went all out presenting her talents in dancing and singing her own composition, “Higher Dosage.”

Tera, which means Earth in Latin, is ready to take on a different route. Instead of the usual cheery, bubblegum pop for youngsters like her, her alternative pop single has dark themes such as alcohol and illegal substances, and how people deal with their problems.

“‘Higher Dosage’ is a song I wrote in 2019. No matter what your age, gender, or nationality is, everyone has a struggle that they’re enduring. This song reflects that darkness,” Tera shared.

The triple-threat — songwriter, singer, and dancer – is aware that her music is going to be unorthodox, but she believes it is what makes her music necessary.

“There are already a lot of songs about love, finding it and losing it. What I offer to the audience is a real, some would say deeper, take on emotions, life events, [and] humanity.

My debut single is definitely different from what people are used to, but I think anyone could relate to it.”

It’s not all about shock factor. Tera is clearly ready for the long haul. She underwent a lot of preparation to make sure that her vision aligns with that of director Elena Virata, who, Tera said, was very “open minded and kind with the whole process.” Tera also trained with choreographers Douglas Nierras, Chrisy Sawada, and Froi Dabalus to bring her song’s meaning to life through their artistic, meaningful choreography. She also had piano training at the Yupangco Music Academy, voice masterclass with Monet Silvestre, and most recently, in The Madz Studio coached by Alfred Samonte.

During the launching, Tera also performed her two other singles–“Faí§ade” and “Sa Dilim.”

“This is a dream come true for me. I grew up watching live concert CDs of Michael Jackson and Beyoncé who both shaped me as a performer. Even as a child, I would perform for people and ever since then, I just never got tired of sharing my craft. Ultimately, I hope that people would relate to my songs and be blown away by my performances,” Tera revealed.

TEAM Manager Tyronne Escalante believes in Tera’s talent is all out in supporting the newcomer. “Tera writes her own songs and she is a natural-born performer. We can’t wait for everyone to know her and be just as amazed with her talent as we are. She brings something distinct to the country’s music scene and we’re supporting her all the way.”