The ‘Ladies of the 90s’: Together again

August 4, 2009, 4:32pm

Rachel Alejandro, Geneva Cruz, Roselle Nava and Jessa Zaragoza were considered the top female singers of their generation.

Fast-forward to more than a decade later – their lives, onstage and off, have run different paths. Rachel and Jessa figured in a controversy recently, and Geneva made a splash via her much talked-about jungle-inspired cover for a men’s magazine, while Roselle has built a quiet life for herself away from showbiz. But one thing you can’t take away from all four of them is that even today, they remain the finest of performers.

They will prove that once again on Aug. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. when they take to the stage of the Skydome at SM North EDSA for their much-awaited show, “Ladies of the 90s.” Directed by Roxanne Lapus with Marc Lopez as musical director, “Ladies of the 90s” will showcase the four as individual talents, as well as together, in superb production numbers that will make sure the show is another “event” that will be talked about even after the last note has been sung.

Rachel, one of the most gifted voices of her generation, was – then and now – a most underrated performer. But Rachel, daughter of 70s icon Hajji Alejandro (from whom she obviously inherited her musical genes) is rare in the sense that she is a multi-dimensional performer who can sing and act, both on television and onstage. Her talent has been appreciated in productions like “Avenue Q,” where she led a cast of equally talented performers. “The Ladies of the 90s” concert will bring Rachel back to where she truly belongs and where she shines finest – the concert stage.

And who does not know Geneva Cruz? A member of the talented Cruz clan, she practically grew up in the business, finding her niche with Ryan Cayabyab’s Smokey Mountain. Another multi-awarded performer – she also made a name for herself in song festivals abroad – she has settled down to a life of domestic bliss with VJ KC Montero and her son Heaven by former husband Paco Arespacochaga. But Geneva, true performer that she is, will never really give up showbiz. She continues to sing and perform, and welcomes the opportunity to join her fellow 90s young divas in “Ladies of the 90s.”

Roselle Nava began her career as a talent of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, making her mark in “Ang TV.” She then went on to produce a series of hit singles and albums, including “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” the song that became a multi-platinum smash and catapulted her to pop music fame. Of late, Roselle has been touring and performing abroad. Recently, the local music grapevine was abuzz with news that Roselle is working on an album with Viva Records, an announcement that was welcomed by her long-time fans.

Of the four, it is Jessa who is the most active, fuelling reports that she is serious about making a comeback. Since returning to the Philippines with husband Dingdong Avanzado and daughter Jayda, Jessa has rarely been far from the public’s attention. She is making a comeback to acting as well, having signed on for a role in GMA-7’s production of “Rosalinda.”

To see these four performers together again on one stage is an event that may not happen again for a very long time – so make sure you’re there to be a part of it!

“Ladies of the 90s” is a production of Viva Concerts and Events. Tickets are available at SM Ticketnet and  Viva Concerts.