Manila, Philippines – Nagsalita na si P-pop soloist Zéla sa isyu ng bullying paglatapos niya itong personal na ma-experienced as a child for being “quiet” and “different.”
Despite feeling like she didn’t belong, she knew that owning the stage was in her DNA.
“Perhaps I was bullied because they noticed something unusual about me. Perhaps I was too quiet as a child.
“I had to undergo bullying, and I believe it is important to say that,” sabi nj Zéla.
Sinabi ni Zéla na masakit maalala ang kanyang na-experience sa tuwing nagsasalita siya anout this issue but she has grown into a strong woman who is now even more empowered to speak up and own an arena full of worshippers and critics.
Zéla isn’t blinded by both admirers and detractors as she simply wants to celebrate a career built on women’s empowerment, from the songs she writes to the outfits she wears to the visuals she chooses — everything is about girl power.
“It is important to me to convey a message of female empowerment to the listeners because, first and foremost, I am a woman.
“Fortunately, there are more female voices now, and I am pleased to use this platform to advocate for women.
“I want to be a voice for women who are voiceless and afraid to be themselves, inspiring them to completely accept who they truly are,” sabi pa niya.
Zéla’s debut studio album, “Lockhart,” is an ode to women (but may also be enjoyed by men), with songs like “A.C.E,” “Arangkada,” “01/01,” “Z.L,” “G.O.A.T,” “Paraiso,” “Chaos,” “Bababa,” “Hanap Ka Na Lang Ng Iba,” and “Leave Me” that all talk about women’s emotions, experiences, struggles, and victories.
“The album’s title indicates that I’m committed (locked in) to my goals and what I want to accomplish in life.
“As someone who grew up abroad, I’m definitely trying to enhance my Tagalog vocabulary.
“That is why we incorporated Tagalog lyrics in our songs.
“Previously, my songs were all in English. The management has been encouraging me to speak more Tagalog.
“I wrote the songs on the album with the assistance of co-writers for the complete Filipino songs,” pahayag ni Zéla.
Zéla, who wants to collaborate with Sarah Geronimo and BINI, believes her wardrobe selections reflect her personality as a woman: fun, youthful, mysterious.
She went on to say that a woman who dares to wear an outfit that is not socially acceptable is an example of empowerment.
While releasing visuals such as music videos, promo materials, and official photos, the 24-year-old P-pop soloist managed by AQ Prime Music stated that deep colors were chosen to convey women’s intensity, power, and voice.
Now that she is on her way to accomplish even more for herself, her family, and her fans, Zéla expressed her excitement and gratitude.
And as she works toward those goals, she understands that having a pure intention and a clear vision will truly propel her up the ladder of success.
With girl power-infused music, statement-making clothing, and visually striking photos, Zéla, who was once bullied, now belongs to an industry that accepts her style of expressing feminism.
“It feels good to celebrate the voices of women and those who came before me,” pagtatapos ni Zéla.
“Lockhart” is available now on Spotify and other digital music platforms. JP Ignacio