MARIAH ELIZABETH FRONDA: OUTSTANDING SONGWRITER/R&B ENTERTAINER By Sam Azurel 

Success stories are a dime a dozen; however, the ones that leave lasting impressions and are retained in our consciousness are those that have the power to uplift the spirit. Many will agree that Mariah Elizabeth Fronda’s story is one of hope and optimism. Born of a poor family from the Bicol Region, Elizabeth, however, was endowed with a gift – a beautiful singing voice. She started singing at the age of five, to the delight of her parents. It seemed that Elizabeth knew the path that she was destined to take even at an early age. She learned to use her talent by joining local singing competitions and winning several of these contests. As she grew older, she further refined her vocal skills, competing in more significant competitions that showcased her talent as a singer. At the age of 14, Elizabeth had mustered enough confidence to join a female band. Becoming the band’s lead vocalist paved the way for her subsequent performances in various local shows and concerts. However, the world of music is highly competitive; some become well-known, while others simply fade away despite their talents. Some superstars shine so brightly that they are famous by the time they publish their first album. Others languished along the way, waiting for the perfect time – which sometimes never comes. Elizabeth knew that it does not only take sheer talent and hard work to reach the top; it also takes an outstanding stage presence to bring any performance to life. Stage presence is that energy, charisma, and appeal that an artist possesses while performing in front of others. It is about being in your element as a musician, sharing the best of yourself with those around you. Elizabeth Fronda is one of those artists whose talent and commanding presence on stage inspire and electrify the audience. Moreover, her hauntingly charismatic voice lends her song a personal quality that stays with the listener long after the music has stopped. New opportunities opened up for the young singer in 1996 when she went to Japan on tour, where she met and collaborated with very talented musicians in Kansai, Japan. Guest appearances and performances in various concerts, radio, tv and shows gradually earned her loyal followers until her name became a byword in Kansai. Elizabeth released her first mini-album simply titled “Elizabeth Fronda,” in May 2014 .then later after getting an invitation performances international Hongkong, Indonesia, South Korea started. In the year 2017, the U.S.-based Annual Gawad Amerika Awards recognized her outstanding achievement and awarded her with the R&B, Soul, and Jazz Singer of the Year Award. She was also the recipient of the 2017 Singer-Songwriter of the Year Award given by the Guam-based JD Pnoy Global Web Radio Awards held at Luxent Hotel Q.C.Philippines. Elizabeth has collaborated with other musicians and artists in producing and releasing her music albums. She also started writing songs, one of which was her original composition, “Sayaw,” produced by Qristafa Dion, Chris Tydingco and was released by VAD Productions, Groovez Factory Nagoya Japan in 2018. “Tomorrow,” another one of her notable compositions arranged by Asidor Brothers, was produced and released by Yoshimoto Records in Kobe, Japan. Last year, Praise Inc. released Elizabeth’s latest single, “Biyaya Ka Sa Aking Buhay,” composed by Michael De Lara which quickly became one of the most requested songs on Rainbow 107.1FM. On November 21, 2020, the Annual Gawad Amerika Awards honored Elizabeth Fronda with the “Most Outstanding Composer and R&B Entertainer in Japan.” Elizabeth Fronda is one of the members of Asia’s Power Five formed this year 2021. A five Filipino Indie Artist Anthony Estrada,Lae Manego,Carmela Betonio and Erick Montre . The first collaboration song of the group is about their music journey, the love and passion to reach their dream. soon to release by early this year. “I hope to be able to reach my goals of performing in many countries in Asia and US this year, writing more songs and performing in my home country the Philippines and as in the words of “Malcolm X,” “by Any means Necessary.”