Rachel Alejandro: Music is in our DNA

Can musical ability be inherited? 

Ellen Degeneres once tweeted that some of the best singers in the world are Filipinos. Can there be any scientific explanation to corroborate that observation – that having a good singing voice is a genetic trait, like having kayumanggi skin?  

My sister Barni and I, for instance, don’t look anything alike, but you couldn’t tell our voices apart over the phone. I guess siblings can have similar vocal chords which in turn produce the same tonal sound.

She could have pursued a career as a singer, but was always terrified of being onstage. I started out just as nervous as her, but by sheer will and determination, I conquered my fears and in time developed confidence in my voice. 

Whether musicality is a common family trait the same way you may share the same “cute” stature (a definite Alejandro trademark!) as the rest of your brood, one thing I know for certain is that the love for music is passed down from parent to child, generation to generation. So in that sense, it is in our blood, in our veins. 

In just a few weeks, my dad Hajji, brother Ali, cousins Nino, Eddie and yours truly will be performing in 2 concerts dubbed “In The Blood” at the Music Museum. I’ve begun to jokingly refer to us as the Alejandro 5, as in the Jackson 5… or Voltes 5.   

As you can imagine, we’re excited and having a blast collaborating on the show. It’s a family act on and off stage!

Besides our performances, each of us has a special role in the production and something to bring to the table. Although my dad is the acting director of the concert, I’m the most organized (ok, the most makulit) so I coordinate schedules and bug everyone to get things done. I can be really annoying. I also teach dance choreography.

Nino, who can play any rhythm section instrument, is the musical director. A jack of all trades much like himself, his wife Michelle took our photos and created our website. Nino’s charming youngest brother Eddie is helping sell tickets. Ali and his video production team are taking care of the visuals.

My husband Carlos helps me with writing press releases and proposals. My mom Myrna and her group of friends are producers of our first night while my other “mom,” longtime manager Girlie Rodis, is our executive producer. 

The family that sings (and laughs) together stays together. For me, these shows are just a good excuse to hang out with my family more. I crave their company. Known for our sense of humor, we Alejandros are a highly entertaining, funny bunch. We crack each other up constantly. There is never a dull moment at our rehearsal sessions. 

To think that “In The Blood” almost never happened. We conceptualized it over 5 years ago but it never got off the ground because we couldn’t get our schedules to match. Today, it’s finally coming together with a lot of hard work and dedication from each of us.

The biggest motivation my dad and I have for doing this show is to showcase the outstanding talents of Nino, Eddie and Ali, who will no doubt blow away everyone who comes to watch.  

Our abilities may have been gifts from above but it’s what we are doing with them that truly count. This November, let us Alejandros show you what we got! – Rappler.com

Rachel Alejandro is a singer-actress and entrepreneur. Catch her performance at the Music Museum on Nov 15 and 29 in the concert, “In The Blood.” For tickets, visit alejandrointheblood.com