Starting from her humble beginnings as a kid who fell in love with the voice of Lea Salonga, Luna Bella discovered her passion for singing and performing.

During an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin Entertainment on Dec. 22, Luna shared her musical journey at the age of four.

"After ko sabihin sa mama ko na gusto ko maging katulad is Lea Salonga, sabi niya sa akin mag-choir ka na lang. Pinasok ako ni mama as salingkitkit sa mga church kasi malapit lang sa bahay namin. So dun na siya nagstart every sunday lagi ako kumakanta," Luna said.

(After I told my mom that I wanted to be like Lea Salonga, she told me to go to choir. My mom made me attend the choir as an add-on to our church because it was close to our house. So that's when I started singing every Sunday.)

Despite the financial challenges she faced while studying, Luna did her best to become a scholar by auditioning for the College of Music at St. Scholastica's College. Her love for music has become an essential core of her life.

"Sabi nung dean namin dun sa high school nung pagraduate na ako try ko mag apply ng scholarship or mag audition ka muna sa music department, sinubukan ko naman and luckily nakapasok ako and yun yung nagtaguyod sa akin sa college na full scholar ako," she added.

(Our dean in high school said when I graduated, I should try to apply for a scholarship or audition in the music department first. I tried, and luckily, I got in, and that's what supported me in college: I was a scholar.)

Upon entering college to pursue her passion, she was discovered by the Marcy David Band.

"Actually grateful ako na manage ako ni sir Marcy David and his band kasi pumasok ako sa kanila as classical singer pero tiniruan niya ako, and sabi niya kailangan as a singer marunong ka ng iba't ibang genres. Binigyan niya ako ng repertoire ng mga pang dancing, ballroom and ballads kaya parang naging versatile na rin ako," Luna added.

(I'm actually grateful that Sir Marcy David and his band managed me because I joined them as a classical singer, but he taught me and said that as a singer, you need to know different genres. He gave me a repertoire of dancing, ballroom, and ballads, so I have become versatile.)

Aside from singing, Luna also does freelance modeling.  

From singing to corporate and private events, Luna showcased her talent at the Manila Bulletin's Newspaper-Christmas-Tree Contest held at the SM Manila on Dec. 22.

Badette Cunanan, Public Relations Manager of Manila Bulletin, highlighted the significance of MB's Christmas tree contest.

"We've been doing this event for more than 20 years, and this is in support of the advocacy. Even before sustainability was a word, we were already doing sustainability because of this project," she said.

With the theme "Peace on Earth, Love for All, and Faith in God," Ms. Badette shared that aside from the sustainability part, this project also creates a bonding moment for the family while creating their work.

"Outside of the sustainability part, our main reason is the same value that other companies are enjoying, which is bonding. Family bonding is one of the reasons many beautiful stories came out of this project," Ms. Badette added.

Twenty entries made the final cut, and three winners were announced before closing the event.

3rd Place - Entry no. 8  "Faith in God" from Pascual Family 
2nd Place - Entry no. 11 "Ang Pinakamagandang Pahina ng Pasko" from Christopher Sta. Rita and Marlon Fuentes 
1st Place - Entry no. 13 "Isla Mapayapa" from Edgar Cruz and family. 

Mainstream media 

After accidentally auditioning for Borracho Artists and Talents under Atty. Ferdie Topacio, Luna transitioned from performing on stage to being on screen.

"Parang accident lang siya kasi meron akong gig that time kay Sir Marcy na katabi lang nung Valle Verde, may nag contact sa akin na itry ko daw mag audition," Luna shared. 

(It was just an accident because, at that time, I had a gig with Sir Marcy; the place was just next to Valle Verde; someone contacted me saying that I should try to audition)

Out of 38 aspirants, only three passed the audition and Luna was one of them. During the audition, they asked questions about their personality.

On Nov. 27, Luna sealed the deal with Borracho Artists and Talents. She aims to become a role model and inspire others in the industry.

She dreams of working with esteemed singers such as Lani Misalucha, Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, and Morrisette Amon. 

Regarding acting, Luna hopes to collaborate with John Lloyd Cruz, Paulo Avelino, and Jodi Sta. Maria. 

In preparation for her upcoming projects in 2024, Luna is attending acting workshops.

When starting a new chapter, she relied on the "Ora et Labora" principle of prayer and work to keep moving forward.

"Quote siya from my university, na hindi lang puro wish, hindi lang puro dasal, hindi lang puro hingi kundi iwork mo din, and make it happen until your dreams will come true," she added. 

(It's a quote from my university that means not just wish for it, not just a prayer for it, or not just request for it, but also work and make it happen until your dreams come true.)