Celebrating Geneva Cruz's 'Evolution'

From her Smokey Mountain days to her rise as a solo artist, Geneva Cruz is set to mark her 35 years in show business with a two-night concert in April. PHOTO FROM ALV EVENTS INTERNATIONAL

It's certainly a fine time to be thankful for all of life's many blessings, and what better way to do it than through a major concert, which coincides with her birth month and 35th anniversary in showbiz.Dubbed 'Gen Evolution,' the two-night concert series unfolds on April 4 and 5 at the Music Museum, Greenhills, 8 p.m. Directed by good friend and fellow Smokey Mountain co-member Jeffrey Hidalgo, the show also features Cruz's close showbiz friends and colleagues.

"This has always been part of my bucket list even from last year," Cruz confessed. "I feel it's high time to reacquaint the younger generation with my music and my brand of high-octane concert performance."

More than just a 'Best Of' compendium, 'Gen Evolution' also reprises the soundtrack of her times – the glory days of the analog age when radio reigned supreme, the crucial juncture after the tail end of the New Wave era, and in the local setting, the halcyon days when OPM was at its finest.

"It's a good story to share," she added. "By sharing my music, and the music from my time, I want my younger audience, the millennials, to appreciate the music from a creative level — the songwriting, the prose, which unfortunately we don't see or hear much of these days.

"And since this happens shortly after my birthday, I want it to be a big party where I can celebrate with friends and fans alike."

Though many might remember her as the sweet yet reticent child prodigy who burst into the limelight with Smokey Mountain, Cruz has since held her own as a concert livewire, whose dynamic presence — and sensuous allure — gives a nod to Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Gloria Estefan and even Miley Cyrus.

Cruz has also managed to level up her 'A' game by being a poster girl for women empowerment. As a fitness buff, she continues to defy age with the help of rigorous workouts and a positive mindset.

As a staunch patriot, she is currently a proud reservist who earned her rank of sergeant in the Philippine Air Force's Reserve Command last March 2022, and continues to support the organization's medical missions, tree-planting and clean-up sorties, and other grassroots outreach projects.

Through her social media platforms, Cruz continues to inspire others with her 'never say never' approach to life – bravely taking on challenges and other lifelong stumbling blocks such as taking up swimming lessons or even participating in her first-ever triathlon (the 2024 Clark Triathlon Classic).

Last year, she also proudly rekindled her songwriting talent by composing her very first Christmas song, "When Christmas Comes." Not many fans know that she started composing even when she was just 15.

"I've composed some songs that have been part of my past albums, starting from my first solo album when I was 15. Some of the songs I did include 'Love Can Wait,' 'To Manila,' 'Love Is Here,' 'Set You Free,' and 'Peace.' Writing has always been an outlet of mine. I've written more and composed the melodies on my unused files."

Cruz's longtime manager, Arnold Vegafria, lauds her for always managing to reinvent herself and stay relevant, especially in an industry where new stars pop up overnight.

"Even as a young girl, she was always fierce. She was a fighter. She knew what she wanted, and she would fight for something that she truly believed in. And it's amazing how even up to now, such a mindset has led her to accomplishing so many things – not just in music, but in finding her true calling and being a light that shines bright for others."

'Gen Evolution' is a production of ALV Events International and ALV Talent Circuit, with Nikko Rivera as musical director. For ticket inquiries, check out ALV Talent Circuit and Music Museum Group on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates.