Maasin lass shines abroad

A Maasinhon musical artist and song composer Cezka Mariz, now based in Brisbane, Australia, was discovered by American record producer Andrew Lane and was invited to record an album in America.

Cezka Mariz Lapurga, 19, will soon make all Filipinos proud with an international career. Lane is the songwriter- producer of international artists like Irene Cara and Backstreet Boys. Lane is also the co-producer of Disney movies High School Musical, Disneymania, Hannah Montana, among others. Cezka and her parents are expected to leave for the United States this week to discuss her international music career. “In our skype conversation, Lane told us that he loves the kind of music Cezka is into,” said Edgar, the proud father of the budding singer. Cezka’s songs that were posted in “You tube” was discovered by Lane and series of emails were exchanged before it was confirmed this week for Cezka to record an international album.

A winner in the McDonald/Quest News’ Pine Rivers Press and North Lakes Times Young Stars Award Annual Winner in the Arts/Education category for 2012, Cezka first started singing at church for the responsorial psalm at Dongon parish, Barangay Dongon, this city. She started performing in school programs in Saint Joseph College and had an opportunity to sing during an Independence Day celebration at the city at eight-years old, before the family migrated to New Zealand and later to Australia, according to her father Edgar.

Dreams come true! “I am so much excited. God knows and answered my prayers. I know this will open so many doors for me. This is something of a confirmation. This is so much I wanted to do and one step closer to my dreams,” Cezka said in an online interview. She said that apart from singing, her other passion is interior design and basic design. “Even before I graduated in high school, I had a certificate in interior design III. I went to Craigslea State High School in Brisbane,” Cezka said. “Our family generally loved to sing the karaoke, Filipinos favorite past time,” Cezka said. According to her father, who is an architectural draftsman, the family who is God-fearing, is in full support of Cezka’s dreams. “In eagerness to continue her interest in singing, she began a private singing lesson in opera as well as enrolling in the “Performing Arts School of New Zealand” & “the Performance.net”. It boosted her singing techniques as well as dancing and acting skills while she received high commendation in both institutions” said the proud father.

Cezka was born in the of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and was raised in Filipino and European traits complexity. Her father is from Baguio City and her mother Marlyn Dublan is from Maasin City and works as a registered nurse in Australia. Even in Australia, Cezka is very active in the church choir. She led the Couples for Christ (CFC)-Youth for Christ Praise & Worships in their church. Her passion carried on when her family decided to move to Australia and again, took private singing voice lessons as well as enrolling into Bright Stars Performing Arts Academy workshops. Edgar added that opportunities captivated her talent when Cezka involved herself in singing engagements through live band charitable concerts as the female lead vocal, gigs & guest appearances, live stage performances, and singing in a church choir.

Cezka also writes her own songs and on June 2011 she was invited by Marg Hynes, director of the Australian Institute of the Performing Arts (AIPA) to write and record an 8-track album for the 2011 Singer Songwriter Project recorded at Los Angeles, California which eventually became two – 8 track album. She was the only Filipino and Asian in the group. Cezka mainly writes acoustic music but also enjoys singing a few ballads, R&B and pop. Her single “Hey Babe”, recorded in Australia last year, is available in iTunes.apple.com.