One of the most sought after artists in the country even before the pandemic, Moira dela Torre first made an impact as early as 2013 as one of the contestants in The Voice of the Philippines.
But it wasn’t until 2017 when she struck gold with her hit rendition of Moonstar88’s “Torete” and later that year, her interpretation of Libertine Amistoso’s “Titibo-Tibo” that won the grand prize of Himig Handog competition that year.
Moira was already a household name by 2018 as she released her full-length debut album, Malaya that yielded more big hits in the title track, “Tagpuan” and her well-received cover of Imago’s “Sundo.” Tickets for her first major concert, Tagpuan was sold out in four days. By the end of the year, she was the most streamed artist in the Philippines according to Spotify.
Riding high on this momentum, Moira continued to be busy throughout 2019 even as she tied the knot early that year with fellow singer Jason Hernandez. 2020 loomed to be an even bigger year for her as she flew to the United States to embark on the first leg of her world tour. Then Covid-19 happened and plans had to be put on hold.
Moira, however, managed to remain busy as she performed in fundraising concerts, made guest appearance on ASAP and even recorded new songs for an upcoming EP.
This month, she also became involved in “Heal,” a Southeast Asian collaboration track launched by ABS-CBN Music featuring an all-female line-up of stellar artists. The artists for the project are Yura Yunita and Rinni Wulandari from Indonesia, Valentina Ploy from Thailand, Haneri and Haven from Singapore, and Shalma Eliana and DOLLA from Malaysia.
Aside from Moira, six other artists from the Philippines also lent their talents for the project namely Jayda, Jona, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Lesha, and Xela. All participating artists will also donate their royalties (earned from the songs’ streams, views and downloads) for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Pantawid Ng Pag-ibig Program that will benefit Filipino families affected by the still ongoing pandemic.
In a recent interview with SoundStrip, Moira talks more about her involvement in “Heal,” how she kept herself busy during the lockdown that resulted from the pandemic and what she looks forward to when things finally go back to normal.
1) How did you get involved in the “Heal” project?
I was first called by Sir Jonathan Manalo, the producer and one of the writers of the song, and of course I was very honored to be a part of a roster of beautiful and empowered women. My solo parts are more of a supporting role, an emphasis to an already meaningful song that only seeks to help bring healing to a hurting world.
2) What were you doing or how busy were you before the pandemic began and the lockdowns took effect?
We’ve been working nonstop for the last three years. In fact, lockdown happened while we were on tour in the states for the first leg of what was supposed to be my world tour. Fortunately for us, even as our airline closed down and we weren’t allowed to go home, my family was based in the States. So we took that time to rest and spend time with my family and ended up staying for five months in Las Vegas.
I definitely miss hugging people, especially interacting with fans and meeting new people. Definitely, absolutely miss that.
3) What kept you busy during the lockdown?
I still worked from home, shooting for ASAP and other guestings. Doing a few fundraiser concerts from our living room. We recorded a few songs and finished a soon-to-be released new EP. I finally got to start on my book and we launched a cookie business. All of which have helped so much mentally and served as great therapy for my husband and I. My management, Cornerstone, and Star Music definitely played a huge part in keeping my career going even as I took this time to rest.
4) What about non-musical activities or endeavors?
For Christmas of 2018, Jason gave me a Kitchen Aid! Which introduced baking to me as a form of therapy during the summer of 2019. And while we were in the States, I started baking again and making my own cookie recipes. I never really meant for it to be a business– as it was just a way for me to get away from my thoughts and give my mind a break. But people seemed to like it that we put up Cookies & Moi and hopefully it launches in Manila soon
I also started a book which seeks to emphasize what I tell my listeners all the time– that they are stronger and braver than they think and that they are never alone.
It’s the stories behind my songs and the lessons I learned along the way. It’s still a long way to go, but it’s getting there
5) What do you see yourself doing when the pandemic is over?
I see myself a healthier being– physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally! I realized during quarantine that I am better able to love people and serve people when I take care of myself. A lot of us don’t realize how thinly we spread ourselves to please everyone that we lose ourselves in the process. That we get too tired to even pause and be grateful.
So after this pandemic, I will take care of myself better so I can take care of my loved ones better. And in that process, cultivate more joy by having exercised a strong muscle for gratitude.
No more taking for granted the little things.