An Interview With Lana Roi

I never thought of working with a celebrity, but here I am, sitting and talking stuff with the beautiful, Lana Roi. This half-German, half-Filipina beauty was born and raised in far West Canada. She is a multi-awarded achiever of the arts, an amazing singer and a commercial model that sums up to a very talented individual set to amaze and keep you wanting for more. Aside from being one of the luscious lady of Eurasia, she was Miss Global Teen Canada and Miss Mayan World in 2004, bagged the Ms. Vancouver Universe Canada in 2006, won the 2009 Century Tuna Super Bods Search and was a finalist of Canadian Idol. She was also voted as one of the top 20 hottest bodies in Metro Magazine issue in December of 2009.

Let’s get to know her better with this Q & A.

1. You are a singer, songwriter, dancer, model, host and a beauty queen. How does it feel to be talented like that?

I’m very thankful to be blessed with these talents which most came from hard work and practice. I’ve been singing and dancing since I was very young and from there, everything else just followed. It brought me to many places in the world and molded me to who I am today.

2. How did you start in this field?

I began singing and dancing when I was as young as 5 years old, as far as I could remember. My mother is the one who noticed my talents and helped me hone them and pursue a career in singing and performing. I started with Disney songs and I realized that I had memorized all the songs in each movie. I remember my first performance onstage was for a summer festival where I performed “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and the Beast.” I was shy at first and throughout the first song, I kept whispering to my mom to get me off stage but she kept telling me to keep going. I gained the confidence over time with practice and experience. I joined many competitions and performed at local events. I recorded two albums in Nashville Tennessee, USA when I was 14 and had my first concert tour after that. I was a Canadian Idol Finalist and won my first Miss Global Teen Canada pageant competition in 2004 where I represented Canada in Guatemala City against other countries around the world. I guess that’s when the modeling started. From there, it just kept going. I felt like I accomplished so much at such a young age.

3. What made you pursue your career?

First of all, I love music. It runs in my blood. Like most people, it moves you whether it’s a sad love song or a happy song. It controls how we feel. I love the adrenaline rush of entertaining. The reaction of the crowd really fills my soul after every performance.  The feeling I get being in front of an audience, making people happy and inspiring others really made me want to pursue this career. It became my life. I have traveled all around the world and had many amazing opportunities I would normally not have because of it. They always say to do something you love, so I did.

4. Who was your greatest influence or inspiration for getting into music?

Besides my mother who was a big influence in my life and career, I would say that my major influences and inspirations I look up to as artists are Shania Twain, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Selena, the Latin singer. The way they connect to their audience and the energy they bring are amazing. They are truly powerful in the music scene.

5. You were born and raised in Canada. What made you decide to work here in the Philippines?

Good question! Sometimes, life takes you to places without knowing the real reason, but I do believe that there is a purpose for everything. I moved here because I wanted change. Actually, it was hard to adjust living from Canada to Philippines. The culture and lifestyle are very different. However, I was curious where my mom, who happens to be a Filipino, came from. That’s the time when opportunity hit which I decided to try. I was given a contract with Viva Entertainment, which started my career here and after that, I decided to stay.

6. What is your first composition? When and for whom did you composed it?

My first short composition that I remember was made when I was six, I think. It was recorded on a tape because back then, it was just tapes. My mom was very proud so she recorded my song “The Rainbow” at home. I guess I wrote it because I loved rainbows. (hahaha)

7. Do you still get nervous whenever you perform?

Yes. I think, being nervous is something that gives me the energy and adrenaline rush before a performance. It’s part of performing. They say that if you are nervous, it means that you really care about what you are doing and you want to do it well.

8. What’s the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

The most fulfilling aspect of my “job” is knowing that it’s my passion and that I’m doing what I love. It’s not really a job for me. Entertaining others, especially the youth, is always rewarding.

9. Are there downsides to being a celebrity?

The only thing they say about being a celebrity is that you are a public figure. Therefore, there isn’t much privacy and you always have to look and act your best. Having fans means that you are making an impact in others’ lives. People talk about you because they are interested in you. It’s a good thing. Inspiring others is the reason why I’m doing what I’m doing. I think that fans should love you for yourself and who you are. We are all the same. We breathe, we eat and we dream.

10. If you had a soundtrack of your life, what song/songs would have to be on it?

Another good question! There are so many songs I would like to include, but to name a few, here’s a list of songs that would be on the soundtrack of my life.

• “I Got a Pocket Full of Sunshine” – Natasha Bedingfield
• “I Hope You Dance” – Lee Ann Womack
• “Just The Way You Are” – Bruno Mars
• “Diamonds” – Rihanna
• “Dance Again” – JLO
• “Let’s Get Loud” – JLO
• “I Was Here” – Beyonce
• “Please Don’t Stop The Music” – Rihanna
• “A Thousand Miles” – Michelle Branch
• “This Is Your Song” – Lana Roi
• “It’s Time” – Lana Roi

Those are lyrics worth listening, too!

11. Aside from Showbiz, what are your other hobbies or jobs that you are into?

My other passion is for animals. When I was young, besides becoming a performer, I wanted to become a veterinarian. I love dogs, most especially. Hence, I’m planning to start studying dog health and care and hoping to put up my own business regarding this. I’m also into cosmetology. I have a certificate in Hair and Makeup. My active business is Inline Films Camera Rental and Services. I also teach voice lessons at home. I started that in Canada and I’m starting to teach again. Other hobbies include sports and fitness. I love running, gymnastics, badminton, Muay Thai, swimming and biking. I have interests on flowers, nature, food, travel, the beach and movies.

12. Can you tell us more about your business?

Inline Films specializes in Aerial Cinematography and Inline Ronin dynamic shots. We cover for events, music videos and commercial projects. We also rent out cameras, lights and more. Check out the site www.inlinefilms.com for more details.

13. What charity is closest to your heart?

PAWS and End Polio Now are the closest to my heart.

14. What is your message for those people who look up to you and want to follow your footsteps?

I always say to follow your heart. What is it you want to do? What do you love? What do you see yourself doing for the rest of your life? Anything is possible. You just need hard work and dedication. Dreams are meant to become reality. Never give up. The impossible is possible.

15. Do you have any events coming up or recording going on right now?

I am writing again. I put up my own home studio so I can record whenever I have an idea. I’ll be working with an old friend in Canada who’s a music producer, so we will be finishing up some songs this September. Just follow me on Facebook or Instagram to keep updated with my shows.

Lana Roi is one of the endorser and performer of the End Polio Now campaign by Rotary Philippines, wherein I am also a member. Mutual friends made us meet. Now, I’ve been working as one of her assistants in publishing and editing committee.

Follow Lana Roi and her business: www.inlinefilms.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LANAROI.MUSIC/
Instagram: instagram.com/lanaroi/
Youtube: youtube.com/LanaRoiMusic
Twitter: twitter.com/lanaroi