MetroVan Independent News featured Fil-Can artist.
Lana Roi
Professional Singer, Entertainer, Performer, Songwriter, Former Beauty Queen, Dancer, Actress, Fashion Model and Host.
Among the artists who donated their time and talent to participate in the colorful celebration of the 7th Annual Surrey Philippine Independence Day Festival last June 6th at the Peace Arch Park was the beautiful singer, songwriter, actress Lana Roi. Born to parents Ewald Fenger (originally from Germany) and Virginia Fenger (originally from Davao City, Philippines), the former beauty queen titlist grew up in a northern small BC town of Terrace. In 2005, her family moved to Prince George, BC, then lived and worked in Vancouver.
Ever since she was a little girl, her heart was set in singing and performing. Now, she has been pursuing her entertainment career in Manila, Philippines since 2008. Lana experienced real stardom while sharing the stage with international top singers such as Neyo and Leanne Rhimes. She was also the opening act for Jennifer Lopez in her 2012 World Tour Concert in the Philippines.
In 2002, at age 13, she recorded two albums in Nashville, Tennessee and which were later released in Canada. She also headlined her former group, Manila’s all girl pop group Eurasia and successfully toured and performed in cities in Europe and Asia, mainly Malaysia and Singapore
In 2014, Lana performed in Resort World Manila and in Singapore. Recently, she released her latest Pop Album – Inner Base distributed by PolyEast Records now on iTunes, Amazon, Deezer and Spinnr.
Roi received accolades and awards such as “Outstanding Female International Performer and Songwriter” and “Asia’s Entertainment Diva” from People’s Choice Awards in the Philippines.
Lana Roi. Photo by George Bencze.
Below are excerpts of an e-mail interview with Lana:
How do you like Vancouver?
Vancouver is one of my favorite places to be in the world. Especially when it’s summer. We have everything here — nature, fresh air, friendly people, different cultures all together. It’s so beautiful and fun to be here.
We missed your performance at the Surrey Philippine Independence Day Festival. Was that your first time to perform in Metro Vancouver? How was that experience?
It’s been about 7 years since I last performed in Metro Vancouver. It’s great to be back again! I had a blast with the audience. They got up and started dancing too.
Where were you born? Do you speak Tagalog?
I was born in Nova Scotia but moved to BC when I was very young. I’ve lived in the Philippines since 2008. Siempre kailangan ko magsalita ng Tagalog.
You’re so talented. You’re a singer, songwriter, dancer… an all-around performer… and you had albums… what’s the best part of being a total performer in the Philippines?
The best part of being a total performer is that you have more to offer to your audience. You can dance, you can sing, you have the personality to connect with your fans. You make them happy, you make them smile. I write my songs as well so it gives me a chance to share with them something so personal and they can relate. I love what I do. I love entertaining and the adrenaline of being on stage.
Who’s your biggest inspiration? And why?
I got inspired to perform at an early age. Shania Twain and Selena were my biggest influences, they changed the music scene. They are both independent women and amazing performers. I also look up to Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé, great performers who really connect with their audience and leave you amazed.
Please tell us about your upcoming shows.
I perform regularly at Resorts World Manila. I have some upcoming shows but still finalizing the dates. Please add me up on Facebook to be updated with my performances on TV and Tours. I just finished touring in Malaysia and Singapore. I launched my album song “Minamina” on ASAP few months back. My album INNER BASE, under Polyeast Records is in stores nationwide in the Philippines and online sites like Spinnr.ph, iTunes.com and Amazon.com
My MTV for my single “It’s Time” is playing on MTV Philippines and MYX.
www.facebook.com/lanaroi.music
www.youtube.com/lanaroimusic
www.instegram.com/lanaroi
One of MetroVan Independent News’ goals is to uplift Fil-Can artists. What can you say to all the young Filipino Canadians who dream to be on the big stage someday?
My advice to the Filipino Canadian artists is to never give up and always perform from your heart. Do what makes you happy, you have to love what you do. Hard work does pay off. If you really want something go for it and give it your 110%. Always dream big because anything is possible.
