It took 21 years for Myrtle to come up with dream CD

MANILA, Philippines - Would you believe that it took Myrtle Sarroza all of her 21 years to come up with her dream album?

“I was just waiting for the proper timing,” explained Myrtle, who was born on Dec. 7, 1994.

According to Myrtle, the album Now Playing…Myrtle (released by Ivory Music & Video) “is a product of all my life’s experiences.”

“I thank ABS-CBN and Megasoft Sisters family (which she’s endorsing) for making it possible,” she added.

Now Playing…Myrtle is a nine-track OPM fusion album, encompassing ballad, pop, R&B, dance and rap tunes, with influences of hip-hop. It includes the carrier single Mr. Pakipot (which has an acoustic version, now getting a good radio airplay), Heartbroken, Nasaan Ka Na, Sabi Nila, Still Love Me, Tadhana, Ngayon and Label (featuring Abra).

“My collaborating with Abra is most memorable because I look up to him as my idol,” said Myrtle. “I am honored to have created a song with him. He is one of my inspirations for this album,” which is produced by Jonathan Ong, available in all records stores nationwide and may be downloaded via iTunes.

Myrtle grew up in hip-hop/rap songs, “although I also sang kundiman in singing contests in Iloilo before I joined PBB. My other musical influences are Iggy Azalea and Meghan Trainor.”

She likes Heartbroken which could be the next anthem of the broken-hearted; while Ngayon is her “fight song” because it talks about “believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams despite other people telling you that you can’t…how I was discouraged to write my own songs but still managed to find my own sound and style.”

Four years in the industry taught Myrtle not to compare herself to other artists.

“I’m writing songs not because I want to be famous but to pursue my passion…to write music that will inspire and encourage others,” added Myrtle who comes from a family steeped in music. Her parents and grandparents play musical instruments. She knows how to play the piano, guitar and ukulele.

A Masscom senior in UP (cum laude candidate), Myrtle is in the cast of the Kapamilya show My Super D which is airing its finale episode before TV Patrol tonight. She also hosts ABS-CBN Sports & Action’s NCAA Basketball Season 91 championship.