Wishcovery Season 1’s Kimberly Baluzo Soars Higher with ‘Rak of Aegis’ Stint

Jul 8, 2019

From being hailed as Wishcovery Season 1’s first runner-up in 2017, Kimberly Baluzo is now taking on exciting musical projects, one of which is her much-anticipated “Rak of Aegis” stint which started on July 5.

Kimberly Baluzo plays Aileen in the seventh season of ‘Rak of Aegis’

The high-spirited Bicolana is one of the newest members of the musical’s stellar cast. For its seventh run, Baluzo was handpicked to play the lead role of “Aileen” (alternating with Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, and Shaira Opsimar) — a young lady who becomes a YouTube star in pursuit of greener pastures for her family. 

The smash Pinoy rock musical weaves the jukebox tracks of the popular ‘90s group Aegis and ushers in a refreshing musical mix of the country’s singing legends and a new breed of talents. 

“Rak of Aegis” is co-presented by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), the PhilPop MusicFest Foundation, and PLDT Home Fibr, and will return to the PETA Theater Center from July 5 to September 29, 2019.

We just finished the press launch of #RakOfAegisSeason7! And yes you heard it right! PETA's iconic Filipino musical…

Posted by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) on Monday, 3 June 2019

Camaraderie backstage

During the cast’s Roadshow guesting on June 3, they brought the band’s popular tunes aboard the Wish 107.5 Bus and expressed how grateful they are for the project.

OPM legends Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Noel Cabangon, Janine Desiderio, Renz Verano, and Bayang Barrios grace The Roadshow to promote their ‘Rak of Aegis’ stint

“I’m very thankful that PETA has asked me to join again. I’m excited for the newbies who will become part of our Rak of Aegis family,” gushed Sweet Plantado-Tiongson of the country’s premiere vocal group, The CompanY, during her interview with DJ Alice. 

Although she was a newcomer, Kimberly Baluzo admitted that she didn’t find it hard to settle in the group. She shared that she was welcomed with open arms and is being personally coached by her talented alternates.

Reprising her role as “Aileen,” Aicelle Santos sings an Aegis hit during the press launch of ‘Rak of Aegis’

“They never made me feel anything less than their equal. It doesn’t matter if you’re new or not. Everyone helps each other. During performances, they encourage me to stand strong and face my fears,” the twenty-year-old Wishful exclaimed. 

Fresh from her “Miss Saigon” UK tour as Gigi Van Tranh, Aicelle Santos is back in the musical to reprise her role as “Aileen”. During her Wishclusive interview, the songstress imparted her personal takeaways from the previous seasons and pieces of advice for the new Aileen.

Aicelle Santos, Joshua Bulot, Kimberly Baluzo, Derrick Monasterio, and Shaira Opsimar share fun moments during the ‘Rak of Aegis’ rehearsals on their Wish Bus guesting on June 3, 2019

“Just enjoy, because you’ll really learn a lot from it. When I started, I was just like you. I was nervous and doubtful if I can hit the right notes. But skills are eventually developed and strengthened. Great things take time,” she said. 

Better than she ever imagined

The charming and passionate Kimberly Baluzo, who hails from Daet, Camarines Norte, auditioned for Wish 107.5’s online singing competition, Wishcovery, when she was only eighteen.

WISHcovery pre-qualifier Kimberly Baluzo belts out Jessie J's "Nobody's Perfect" inside the Wish 107.5 FM booth! The…

Posted by Wish 107.5 on Thursday, 13 July 2017

Besting fifteen other contenders during the weekly battles, the Camarines Norte pride secured her slot in the finals after rendering an emotionally-stirring performance of the Mon Del Rosario-penned “Sino Ang Baliw” aboard the Wish 107.5 Bus. Her Wishclusive video, which earned a nod from the contest’s resident reactors, has already earned over 650,000 views on YouTube as of writing.

Captivating more and more listeners, her grand finals Wish Bus performance of the Bamboo-popularized track “Tatsulok” has showcased her fierce performing prowess and amassed over 3.1 million views. 

On the grand finals night, Baluzo bagged the first place award, took home PHP 500,000, and donated PHP 100,000 to her chosen beneficiary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Orphanage Foundation Inc.

Now happening: Our Lady of Guadalupe Orphanage Foundation Inc., the chosen beneficiary of Kimberly Baluzo, receives a cash donation worth Php 100,000. #WishcoveryGrandFinals

Posted by Wish 107.5 on Tuesday, 27 March 2018

Her short yet meaningful Wishcovery journey has led her to a path that she could’ve never imagined. She has inked a management contract with BMPI and Star Music, released a certified platinum album titled “Wishful Journey” together with her fellow Wishful 5 members (Princess Sevillena, Louie Anne Culala, Hacel Bartolome, and Carmela Ariola), and performed for the Dubai leg of the Asia’s Phoenix’s hit concert “Morissette Is Made.”

ALSO READ: Wish 107.5, Star Music Join Forces for Wishful 5’s Career Beyond Wishcovery, Wishful 5 Narrates their ‘Wishful Journey’ with 18 Songs on the 18th

“I was called to be an inspiration. This is the purpose why God made me — to use His given talent. I sing with all [of] my heart and this is what I’m praying for — this is my dream,” Kimberly said, describing the force that drives her during the Wishcovery season 1 grand finals night. 

Kimberly Baluzo gives her own spin to “Habang May Buhay” during the grand finals night of Wishcovery Season 1 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on March 27, 2018

“Thank you Wish 107.5 for giving this opportunity to showcase my talents. I wish [that] you will continue to search [for more] Filipino talents and never get tired of inspiring and helping those in need,” she added.

#ThrowbackThursday: Rak of Aegis Season 7 Press Launch

Mga kapitbahaaaay! Balikan ang patid-lalamunan na kantahan at rakrakan ng mga nagbabalik at bagong rakstars ng Barangay Venezia!!Ang hindi mo dapat palampasin? DALAWANG LINGGO na lang! #RakOfAegisSeason7 na mula July 5-Sep 29 sa PETA Theater Center!!! Go na sa TicketWorld Manila 891-9999, National Book Store branches www.ticketworld.com.ph para sa tickets o kaya tawagan ang aming mga showbuyers www.petatheater.com/rakofaegis

Posted by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) on Thursday, 20 June 2019

During the “Rak of Aegis” cast’s Roadshow gig on June 3, they performed some of the band’s karaoke staples including “Basang Basa Sa Ulan,” “Sinta,” “Mahal Na Mahal Kita,” “Mary Jane,” and “I Love You Na Lang Sa Tago.”

The stellar cast of ‘Rak of Aegis’ during their press launch on June 3, 2019, at the PETA Theater in Quezon City

Don’t miss the longest-running original Pinoy musical in contemporary Philippine theater, Rak of Aegis! The seventh season of the Liza Magtoto-penned show, starring Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, Kimberly Baluzo, Shaira Opsimar, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Bayang Barrios, Janine Desiderio, Noel Cabangon, Randy Santiago, Robert Seña, Renz Verano, Kakai Bautista, Neomi Gonzales, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Derrick Monasterio, Joshua Bulot, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, Vince Lim, Ron Alfonso, Jimi Marquez, Gie Onida, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Rody Vera, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Gold Villar-Lim, Teetin Villanueva, John Moran, Gio Gahol, Paeng Sudayan, Roi Calilong, Matel Patayon, and Carlon Matobato, runs from July 5 to September 29, 2019.

For ticket inquiries, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.You may also reserve tickets through www.petatheater.com/rakofaegis. To get updates from the musical, like and follow Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)’s official Facebook page.

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