Scarlet Snow Belo, daughter of Dr. Hayden Kho and Dr. Vicky Belo; Alex Vargas, daughter of Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas; Ondrea Sotto, daughter of Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy; Sam Cruz, daughter of Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz; Olie Reyes, daughter of Andy Manzano and Gp Reyes; Heather Samonte (daughter of Nadine Samonte). These are just some of the blue-blooded generation alphas performed at the RCBC Theater last Nov. 11. Recitals have leaped another level as RMA Music Academy CEO Jade Riccio leveled up her students’ first recital into a concert entitled “Art is Calling Me.” 

The soprano singer and vocal coach was in tears as she delivered her closing message, telling everyone what a proud mama she was to her RMA kids. After the concert, I had an exclusive interview with Riccio about her students' performance. “No bias, the kids were fantastic! My God, all the parents cried. They were cheering on their kids. Maririnig mo yung exchange of positive energy of the cast and audience. Everyone was rooting for the performers. It was a milestone because 99 percent of the kids performed for the first time. It was a surreal moment for me. Lahat sila Nakita ko personality nila backstage and all of them, I can tell with all my might, heart, and soul, all of them will make it because I have seen so much dedication from them. At a very young age, I can already tell they will have a bright future in music."

My favorite portions in the concert were two production numbers, “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “This Girl is on Fire,” a medley where the 6-13 year-olds performed with a live orchestra and dancers from Ballet Manila who danced to their singing. I was particularly touched when Jade was emotional in her duet with the amazing Niña Campos. Riccio adds, "I would like to thank the parents who supported their kids, especially Mr. Campos, the father of my soloist Niña Campos. I held back my tears when Niña and I sang, 'The Winner Takes it All.' It was a moment for me to see Niña deliver superbly. We had an awesome pianist, Gigi Frias. Madame Liza Macuja helped out by lending her dancers to Ballet Manila. I also want to thank SoundCheck – the best sound system in Manila. Thank you also to our sponsors Unilab, Greenfields district, Del Monte, and all the parents and families that supported their children - The Sotto clan, Dr. Hayden Kho and Dr. Vicky Belo, Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas and his family, and the families who flew from Ozamiz, Bacolod, and Cebu. The latter flew to Manila to rehearse and sacrificed some of their classes to perform. When I was in college, may mga na miss rin ako classes para lang makapag-perform ako onstage. I tell my students that a little sacrifice will go a long way. What I realized in concert is that all of them are not just dedicated, passionate, and hardworking, but they are all fighters! These kids are such fighters and while I was directing them, napapa-nganga talaga ako sa galing nila.  Standing there and performing takes courage, hard work, dedication, and passion. I was in awe of all of them. It was not just a first experience for them. It was an extremely great first for me. This is the first concert of RMA Academy. I mainly put up his concert because I want them to realize that the stage is the best teacher. I want them to have a sense of community when performing with each other so they can inspire each other. Seeing the kids having so much dedication and love for music makes me want to help them out more. I cannot wait to perform with them next year. Hopefully, we get the date 11-11 as well.”   

Starting Nov. 26, RMA will open a new branch in Kapitolyo, Pasig, but will keep the BGC branch open for the students from the South. You can book your vocal lessons by messaging any of RMA Studio Academy’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. You can also call or text the RMA Studio Academy at 09171600203. They also teach other instruments, from saxophone, guitar, piano, and drums to violin, music theory, and everything else.