MetroVan Independent News September 2015 | Page 17
MetroVanIndependent.com
September 2015
17
entertainment
Photo by Randy Ordinario
Ria Jade on stage.
ON SPOTLIGHT
MetroVan Independent News featured Fil-Can artist.
Ria Jade
Singer, Songwriter, Musician, TV Show Host, Motivational
Speaker.
By Zenia Marshall
Ria Jade is an 18 year old singer,
songwriter, musician, talk show host, and
motivational speaker. With a mission to
inspire, Ria hosts her own TV show now
on its 3rd season, “eveRIAthing”, on SHAW
TV/Shaw Multicultural Channel 116.
Ria Jade also founded the Star
Experience Songwriting Competition, a
successful event that was made to uplift
the youth and give talented teens the
opportunity to share their music. Apart
from having a strong passion for the arts,
she’s a big supporter of mental health,
anti-bullying and equality. With these
advocacies close to her heart, she works
on raising awareness and empowering the
youth to follow their dreams.
I’m very grateful that, two years ago,
Ria Jade interviewed me on “eveRIAthing”
and now I finally have the great pleasure
to interview her! Below are excerpts of an
email interview with Ria.
You're a singer, musician and
motivational speaker, what calling
speaks most to your heart?
The calling that speaks most to my
heart is being an artist. As an artist, I'm
able to express my emotions and my
words through painting, writing, playing
an instrument, singing, and performing.
Motivational speaking to me is also an
art. It's an art in finding the proper ways
to paint your inspiration in the canvas of
your audience's minds. Ever since I was
little, I felt like I was alive for a reason and
that was to inspire and help others. Art has
always moved me in one way or another,
so that is how I hope to inspire others. I
want to inspire them to stay creative and be
fearless in expressing themselves.
You just graduated high school,
what would you say were your
greatest challenges and your
greatest successes through your
high school years?
My greatest challenge during high school,
off the bat, was my senior year. I'm very
open about who I am and the things I've
been through. During senior year, I dealt
with a lot of anxiety and anxiety is still
"The most important thing that
I have learned from the guests
that I have interviewed is that
time is valuable and that nothing
should ever be taken for granted,
especially the people who help
you."
- Ria Jade
something that I battle every day, which
is one of the reasons why mental health is
one of my advocacies. I think it's important
for people, especially youth, to talk about
it openly so that they know they aren't
alone when they're facing the battle. They
should know its okay not to be okay. I dealt
with a lot of bullying and fake friendships
ever since I was in elementary school, so
the social environment in high school was
always the hardest thing for me.
I honestly don't think I would have been
able to survive high school if it wasn't for
my amazing teachers and counselors. I
think that everyone achieves something
great during their high school years, and
that for me was learning about who I
was and learning about my advocacies.
I learned more about who I was going to
be rather than who I wanted to be. I think
it's important for teenagers to stay true to
themselves and not give in to the thoughts
of others around them. Do things because
it makes you happy and become the person
you want to become, and try your hardest
to be better than the person that you were
yesterday. Don't worry about what other
people think and you will be happy.
What role does your family play in
your life?
My family plays a very huge role in my life. I
was surprised that a lot of kids my age are
a little distant from their families. I'm very
thankful that my family and I are very close.
We are each other's anchors, best friends,
and strongest supporters. Without them, I
wouldn't be able to do the things I did or
be the person that I am and they have been
there every step of the way. We take care
of each other and have been through thick
and thin together and I love them with all
my heart.
What inspired you to start a talk
show?
What inspired me to make “eveRIAthing” a
talk show was my love to help people and
inspire others. I love talking and meeting
new people and I love helping people in
any way I can, and with a talk show, I can
do just that. It's really fun learning about
new people and their journeys and all of
my guests have inspired me in one way or
another. People always say that the future
is in the hands of the next generation and
so I want to make sure that before I leave
this life, I will be able to leave a legacy
that encourages others to create a chain
reaction of inspiration. I aspire to inspire.
What is the most important thing
that you've learned from the
guests that you've interviewed?
The most important thing that I have
learned from the guests that I have
interviewed is that time is valuable and
that nothing should ever be taken for
granted, especially the people who help
you. I've always believed that gratitude is
one of the most important virtues that one
should have and it is always good to stay
grounded and humble. As they say, the
more successful you become, the humbler
you should be. All of the guests I've met are
so incredibly down to earth and I think that
is something that is really important.
Season 3 of eveRIAthing will be
airing soon! Is there anything that
you are particularly excited to
share that is coming up in the new
season?
Yes! I am super excited about Season 3 of
“eveRIAthing.” We just recently moved to a
new filming location and I'm in love with it.
I hope that our viewers will like it! Like past
“eveRIAthing” episodes, we will be having
workshops but the new ones that are
coming get better and better! We have new
challenges, new questions, more events,
the fan-favorite improv workshops, and
another thing I am super excited about is
the journey of The Star Experience winners.
Stay tuned!
What is the one thing you'd like to
tell your viewers?
I'd like to thank each and every one of
them and give them a big hug. I hope
one day I can be like Oprah and repay
each and every one of you, wherever you
are, with bottomless sushi and goodies.
For real though, I really am so thankful
for each and every on Hو[