Anja Aguilar

Anja Aguilar
Born	Angellie G. Urquico July 22, 1992 Marikina, Luzon, Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Occupation	Actress, singer
Years active	2006–present
Agent	Star Magic (2006–2010) Viva Artists Agency (2010–present)

Anja Aguilar is the screen name of Angellie G. Urquico (born July 22, 1992, Marikina, Luzon), a Filipino recording artist and Grand Winner of Little Big Star Season 2 in 2006.

Life and career

Anja Aguilar hails from Marikina, where she was born as Angellie G. Urquico, by which name she was known when she won grand prize at ABS-CBN’s singing competition, Little Big Star, hosted by her idol Sarah Geronimo. As early as four years old, she already exemplified her singing talent at birthday parties and family gatherings. She has since joined over 50 contests which include Batang Vidaylin on ABC-5 (now TV5) and Duet Bulilit on ABS-CBN’s then noontime show MTB.

After her breakthrough triumph in Little Big Star, acting opportunities also opened. She starred in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya, where she played a 12-year-old girl who fell in love with a 26-year-old guy, played by Piolo Pascual. She made a few drama series on ABS-CBN, such as Maria La Del Barrio, May Minamahal, and Palos. On film, she was seen in a minor role in Praybeyt Benjamin. She appeared in an indie film, Astig, starring Dennis Trillo, and another called Ugat Sa Lupa.^[1]

In 2009 Anja started a girl-group Pop Girls her screen name is Angellie Urquico in 2011 Anja left the group along with Shy Carlos and Nadine Lustre.

Anja signed up with Viva Artists Agency on May 15, 2010, and became a member of Pop Girls.^[2] The screen name “Anja Aguilar” came to be as a suggestion by VAA President Veronique R. Corpus. In January 2012, she was launched as one of ASAP 2012’s main talents.^[3] Her self-titled debut album was released in February.

The 10–track album “Anja Aguilar” has original compositions by the distinguished Vehnee Saturno, including the hit carrier single To Reach You. She also made an outstanding cover of Willie Revillame’s song, I Love You, which was used by TV5’s drama series P.S. I Love You as its theme song.^[4] Director Monti Parungao, the same guy behind the music videos of Bakit Pa Ba by Sarah Geronimo and Masasabi Mo Ba by Rachelle Ann Go, and reputed for his exceptional work in commercials and reality shows like Survivor, also directed the video of To Reach You.^[5]

Album

Anja's album features songs such as “I Love You,” and “When,” and the Tagalog “Nasaan Ang Pangako”.^[6]

TV Shows

Year	Show	Role
2006	Little Big Star	Herself/Contestant
2006–present	ASAP	Herself/Performer
2007	Sineserye Presents: May Minamahal	Pinky Tagle
2007	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Dream House	Rian
2008	Palos	Young Sylvia
2009	Squalor	Mameng
2009	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Teacher	Tara's Sister
2010	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bahay	Joy
2010	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Marriage Contract	Mark's Sister
2010	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Parol	Young Judy
2011	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tulay	Young Eva
2012	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kalendaryo	Pinky Chavez
2015	MTV Pinoy (Celebrity VJ)
2016	Class 3C Has A Secret	Freya & Tania (twins)
2017	Someone to Watch Over Me	Queenie

Movies

Year	Movie
2009	Astig
2009	Ugat Sa Lupa
2011	The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin
2014	The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin
2015	Your Place or Mine?
2015	Para sa Hopeless Romantic

References

1. TMA. "Anja Aguilar: The Next Sarah Geronimo". Writer. Manila Times. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
2. Tomada, Nathalie (April 21, 2012). "Anja is Viva's new bet". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
3. Abella, Charmaine. "Anja Aguilar performs with OPM's bests!". Writer. Viva Entertainment. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
4. Solis, Lolit (March 27, 2012). "Pagbirit ni Anja hindi nakaka-irita". Pilipino Star Ngayon. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
5. Martinez-Belen, Crispina (April 25, 2012). "Upstart Gets Break From Viva". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
6. Abella, Charmaine. "Anja Aguilar debuts first self-titled album". Writer. Viva Entertainment. Retrieved May 12, 2012.