Two years is too long to be cooped up at home. For singer-songwriter Adjeng who primarily makes music in the comfort of her home, she finally steps outdoors and out of her comfort zone to create the official music video for her new single “Kaya Mo Yan.”
Shot in Biñan Stadium in Laguna, Adjeng wants to use sports as a metaphor for her message, showcasing the grit and perseverance athletes have.
“It’s nice to be shooting a music video outdoors for a change. It is quite exciting because I won’t
just be singing but also doing a little dancing for this song, which is also out of my usual comfort
zone as a singer-songwriter,” she shares excitedly. Her previous music videos featured her
performing in a studio, showing her singing prowess. Despite being new to outdoor shoots and
content creation, Adjeng never backs down from a challenge. “That’s part of what my journey as
an artist is all about, it’s taking on challenges and growing and having fun in the process.”
In a conversation with the director of the music video, Direk Joao Manikan, “Kaya Mo Yan”
wants to highlight the achievements of every female Filipino athlete trailblazing in the scene.
Adjeng and the team see this as an opportunity to amplify her message- that no matter the
circumstance, you can reach great heights. When you make that decision to show up, pray
hard, and put in the necessary work even in the face of challenges and adversity, you can make
the dream happen.
The single was released in the middle of her stint as the first musician-ambassador of
MindNation, a mental health organization that offers psychological support and services in the
country.
After her single “Be Kind,” Adjeng thought it would be perfect to continue the theme of
positivity and encouragement, hence prioritizing “Kaya Mo Yan” among her long list of tracks.
She explains, “Since September Suicide Prevention Month and October is Mental Health
Month, it is awesome that “Kaya Mo Yan” and its message of hope aligns with my mental health
advocacy.”
As she sets her eyes on new goals for 2023, Adjeng sincerely hopes that “Kaya Mo Yan” will be
a beacon of light for those going through tough times. “Everyone is going through a battle we
know nothing about. Apart from being kind to each other and ourselves, we could all use the
reminder to keep powering through.”
Asked about the last time she said to herself, 'kaya mo yan," Adjeng answered: "The last time I said to myself ‘Kaya Mo Yan’ was when I was feeling anxious and worried about the delays of the shoot, this was during the time we had to reschedule the dates of the music video shoot due to the typhoon. I had been quite exhausted from a number of things and was burdened by worries. Grateful that my own song has been a helpful “note to self,” and even a fun reminder for the members of the production team who also went through the adjustments of our rescheduled shoot."
Adjenhg is Adrienne Sarmiento Buenaventura, a mom, worship leader, freelance writer, entrepreneur and singer-songwriter. “When I was born my Mom was struggling to get me to sleep at the right time,” Adjeng said. “So she was cooing me to sleep saying, ‘Adrienne, adjeng, adjeng, adjeng…’, so the nickname stuck (laughs). It became quite unique because you don’t hear a name like that everyday. Kesa naman yung full name ko itatanong pa kung pano i-pronounce and how it’s spelled, so Adjeng na lang para mas madaling maalala.”
Straight out of Miriam College in 2000, she first paid her dues as a frontwoman for showbands managed by Randy and Jun Santiago. Eventually, she released two professional albums as a recording artist with bands Sipol and Wink both under GMA Records, and eight digital music singles as a solo artist, all from her vault of compositions originally submitted for national songwriting competitions. Adjeng has also had a wealth of professional experience as a TV and events host, model, and theater actress.