One of the music industry’s most promising singers, having won awards from MTV Pilipinas and Awit Awards, Kyla is all set to prove that she has what it takes, and more. If you ask pop/r&b singer kyla what her greatest achievement is, she’ll probably say its winning Best New Artist and Best video at the MTV Pilipinas and Awit Awards last year. And it is… or was. On second thought, these awards (among the others she has already received since then) suddenly paled in comparison to what the 23-year-old achieved a few months ago.

“I graduated from the Philippine Christian University last March,” smiles Kyla, who took up Mass Communication. “I’ve received a lot of awards (for my music), but I have to say that getting my diploma would be the best. I humbly offer it to my parents and siblings for their unending support.”

It’s also another feather to add to Kyla’s(Melanie Calumpad in real life) now colorful cap. The success of her two albums, Way to your heart and Kyla, has since made her one of – if not the – most promising female artist (which, incidentally, is an award she received from the Guillermo
Mendoza Memorial Foundation this year) in the country today.

Now that she can fully concentrate on her career, Kyla is one happy – and busy – girl. Aside from fulfilling her duties as a recording artist for EMI Philippines, Kyla appears every Sunday on variety show SOP as one of the mainstays. It is here that she gets to perform alongside such established artists as Regine Velasquez, Jaya and Ogie Alcasid.

“I still can’t believe that I’m working with ‘big’ artists. I still get starstruck,” she admits. “I learn a lot from them, Ate Regine, as I fondly call her, is very supportive, and she gives me pointers every now and then. Imagine being onstage with Regine, Jaya,… I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Another artist who helped Kyla realize her dreams is Gary Valenciano. The two recorded a duet of Jose Mari Chan’s “Can we just stop and talk a while” for Gary’s latest album, One2One.

“I’ve been blessed that Gary chose me to be part of his album. He’s very professional and a perfectionist,” she relates.(The song and video actually won for Gary Best Male in this year’s MTV Pilipinas Awards.)

Gary’s being a perfectionist must have rubbed off on Kyla(he thanked her for her professionalism in his acceptance speech), because if you ask her what it is exactly that she still has to do to improve as an artist, she will most likely say “A lot!”

“I have so many things to accomplish,” she points out. “My ultimate dream is to be able to share my music not just (with the people) here in the Philippines but internationally as well. (I want to) do an album that will be released internationally (I dream big!); perform with Barbara Streisand; collaborate with local and foreign artists; and performing in a big venue. We’ll probably focus on that by next year.”

As an ordinary person, however, Kyla believes that she has “to overcome my being too shy at times!” For those who’ve just met Kyla for the first time, this diva-in-waiting does appear and speak like a young lady with a good head on her shoulders.

“Let’s just say I don’t let these things get to my head. I’m just starting (in the business). I will (try to) stay humble and sincere because I want to stay in this business for a long time.”

That means doing more shows, TV guestings and albums. But Kyla isn’t scared one bit. “The third album is schedule to be released by the end of January 2003,” she reveals. I’ll probably write a couple of songs – that is, if I have time to do it – and I already have some things in mind that might be good for the album. I trust my producers very much and I know that we’ll be able to come out with another good album.” And a newer, more improved Kyla.

Source: Kyla’s Official Website: www.kylaonline.net