Why Christmas Is One Of Geneva Cruz’s Favorite Holidays
The Smokey Mountain alumna released her first Christmas song, “When Christmas Comes,” plus shares why “Kailan” is forever a favorite in her song list
The past year has been busy for Geneva Cruz with singing engagements, returning to school, and her duty as part of the Air Force reservists. In time for the holidays, the Smokey Mountain alumna released her first Christmas single, “When Christmas Comes,” directed by her good friend, actor, and former Smokey Mountain member Jeffrey Hidalgo.
“I feel happy,” Geneva said of the first Christmas song she wrote. “And I’m happy with the outcome of my proud creations. I want it to be upbeat.”
“Ang Pasko para sa akin talaga nakakasaya ng puso. Important sa akin ang Christmas time. Whenever I’m feeling low, I watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas songs,” she beamed.
Admitting she is dating someone, the “I Like You” songstress shared that she’s been working on the song for a while now. Thanks to another friend, Dan Gil, she finally completed the song and got Jeffrey on board to direct the music video, inspired by Central Park and New York.
“When Christmas Comes” according to Geneva is “about a woman catching feelings for her ex, who is currently long-distance.”
“She eagerly awaits his arrival and is giddy with excitement about seeing him again. The ex-partners share similar feelings and plan Christmas adventures, including riding Santa’s sleigh, enjoying formal dinners, and having fun together,” she explained.
Having spent Christmas in the US and the Philippines, Geneva said that it’s always been about family.
“I spent it with my son and my daughter, my best friend, and my late mom,” she shared, referring to Heaven, 28, and London, 10. “My sisters were all here pero pareho pa rin. Pamilya and friends.
Forever associated with “Kailan”
As one of the original members of Smokey Mountain, Geneva has been associated with the song “Kailan.” It’s always been part of her repertoire and, through the years, has taken a different flavor with different artists singing it. What are her thoughts about the interpretations?
“Ang sarap sa pakiramdam. Like what BINI did when they recorded ‘The Coconut Nut.’ Creation iyan ng maestro Ryan Cayabyab, who is a national artist,” she smiled.
“As an artist, I like [it] that the younger generation are singing our songs. It’s nice because it means the songs are still classical,” she said.
Even her daughter London would request her to sing the song, especially during karaoke bonding. “Pag may karaoke, she would go ‘Mommy, can sing Kailan?'”
She recalled the conversation with London, comparing her to a Gen Z or millennial. Of course, Geneva pointed out that she was a Gen Xer. But knowing that the song resonates with her daughter, Geneva agrees that music is universal.
It’s so universal that when asked for a memorable moment about the song, Geneva pondered before answering the question. She recalled the many conversations people have shared with her.
“The song was part of their childhood and that hindi sila kumakain ng baon nila sa skwela dahil gusto nila bumili ng record namin,” she chuckled.
” We’re talking about these people na ngayon career people na. Yung iba naman, para makabili ng Swatch watches noon sa Gift Gate (Geneva was an endorser in the 90s). Yung music, yung sikat nung childhood ko, hindi ko makakalimutan. It will always remind me of my youth.”
Stories of how she has inspired many people touched Geneva’s heart from copying her fashion to the songs she recorded. It’s a testament to the hard work she has done through the years.
“I know that we can never be perfect examples to other people but we can at least try somehow ayusin yung sarili natin. Never stop growing kasi somehow nakaka-inspire tayo, nakaka-influence tayo ng ibang tao.“
More about Geneva Cruz
Why Geneva Cruz Still Believes in Love Despite Two Failed Marriages
Geneva Cruz Receives Laang Kawal Special Recognition Award
Geneva Cruz Graduates As Part of the Philippine Airforce Reservist Command
