Nikki Gil - Disney Channel’s Highschool Musical

When Nikki Gilappeared for the first time in the Coca-Cola commercial, many were immediately smitten by her sweet singing voice and very congenial personality. The commercial was instrumental to Gil’s ascent in show business, and the jingle became a national anthem of sorts.

Nikki’s sunshiny persona brightens the boob tube in ASAP ’06, Breakfast Surprise and MYX. She is also set to host the daily reality search show Pinoy Dream Academy. Her voice constantly fills the airwaves as songs from her self-titled album, like “Sakayan ng Jeep” and “Glowing Inside,” have become easy listening tunes favored by the young. Her star reaches bling-bling proportions as she, together with Singapore’s Alicia Pan and Malaysia’s Vince Chong, sings “Breaking Free,” one of the sound tracks of the Disney Channel’s original movie High School Musical.

“Ever since I was a child, I have always been a Disney girl. So, when they offered me (the chance) to be part of it, I immediately said yes. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a Disney project?” exclaims Nikki. “Doing the video was a challenge and something that I will treasure. It was a challenge because it was my first time to work with people from other countries; a treasure because the artists and staff I worked with were all fun-loving and very good.”

“I feel really blessed to have been chosen to sing a song that speaks about believing in yourself and going after your dreams. After all, you need to believe in yourself before people can believe in you. You have to believe in your skills and talents before people can see that you have potential. It all starts from within,” explains Nikki on what the song means to her.

This self-confessed Disney fanatic says she loves Cinderella, Mulan and Aladdin for their storylines, heroines and outstanding music.

Disney’s High School Musical tells the story of two high school students – Troy (Zac Efron), a popular basketball jock, and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens), a nerd of the highest order – who share one passion, singing. It is a contemporary “break into a song” presentation and highlights the various cliques found in a typical campus — the jocks, nerds, skateboarders and cheerleaders. Through music, the two protagonists literally break free by believing in themselves and following their dreams despite the expectations of the dominant factions.

When this film for TV debuted on air early this year, nearly eight million viewers watched it. The soundtrack reached number 10 on the Billboard pop music charts two weeks after its release and it hit No. 1 weeks later. It also registered impressively during its Asian run.

In Manila, High School Musical ranked No. 1 in its timeslot, beating all other kids’ channels during its premiere. This prodded the Mickey Mouse network to release a soundtrack suited for this special market. A “Breaking Free” Asian version was born with Gil, Pan and Chang interpreting.

The Asian theme music adaptation has a stronger R & B and pop adaptation, which tapped into the rich musical influences of the region by blending various instruments like the Chinese flute, Guzhen, Pipa and Tablas to highlight the unique and distinctive Asian feel.

“Breaking Free” is not an alien concept to Nikki. She was a resident geek in high school and was her batch valedictorian. She successfully reinvented herself and broke free from the geeky persona by using her love for music and performance to boost her confidence and character. Of late, she managed to free herself from a blossoming romantic entanglement with Gabriel Valenciano.

Another stereotype from which Nikki wishes to break free? “That a showbiz personality cannot pursue her studies. I am a walking testament that breaking free is not bad at all.” This junior English Literature student from the Ateneo de Manila University adds, “I hope to be a positive influence to the Filipino youth of today. In my own little way, I know that this song will help me realize this dream.”

“Breaking Free,” the music video, premieres on July 23, Sunday after the broadcast of the High School Musical Sing-Along, 7:30 p.m. on the Disney Channel.

The Daily Tribune

Just got back from a 6 day project site inspection.

1. Manila-Lingayen(Trinity Beach Resort)
2. Lingayen-Laoag (Fort Ilocandia)
3. Laoag-Cabarra-Pagudpod (Fort Ilocandia)
4. Laoag-Vigan (Fort Ilocandia)
5. Vigan-Candon (Aloha Inn)
6. Candon-San Fernando La-Union
7. La Union-Angeles (Orange Lion)
8. Angeles-Bataan
9. Bataan-San Fernando Pampanga

Travelling by road is pretty tiring but heck a lot of fun. Driving through storm makes the travel less boring, hehehe. I cant show some of the photos I’ve taken, cause the company I’m working for already paid for the rights. It’s going to be a part of a documentary regarding uhm, oh I cant tell you that neither, hehehe. I’ll just wait til they show it on the local & international channels and maybe I could quote this entry back.
Meanwhile, here are the photos of me at Fort Ilocandia.
and Luzon trip photo

You guys might want to check-out my photo blog. I’ve posted some photos of some ABS-CBN studio sets, my Wowowee photos, some stock photos.
I’ve also posted a panoramic view of La Mesa Ecopark.
More photos to come…
Travel sponsored by our company

music video by kristt