How Barbie Almalbis keeps herself relevant
What sets Barbie Almalbis apart from others that came and went before her?
Well, she’s been around for 16 years—long before female artists from some reality TV show stepped into the spotlight.
As the quintessential pop rock artist, Barbie has charm and talent, which she has consistently maintained.
Plus, according to long-time manager and 12Stone Records head Tommy Tanchanco, “she's a very good guitarist”—keeping her musical chops razor sharp while managing to raise a family.
New album in April
"I saw her when she was 17 and right from there I knew I was going to manage her even in her 30s," Tommy recalled.
Barbie, who began her musical career with Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle, took up the guitar when she was in fifth grade.
It led to a musical career so robust and consistent, she is releasing a new album in April.
Tech helped
Barbie, now 36, is grateful her career is chugging along nicely.
"I feel blessed I'm able to do it and I can still spend enough time with my family,” she said.
“Thanks to technology, I recorded my last two albums at home."
Sought after
She has also lent her name to GlaxoSmithKline’s "No Hope Lost" campaign, which promotes vaccination against pneumonia.
Barbie also starred opposite megastar Sharon Cuneta in a commercial.
And last year, she was the lone female pop artist featured in Smart’s TVC featuring Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan and Rico Blanco.
Happy with the current scene
Explaining her longevity, the voice behind major 90s hits like "Torpe" and "Tabing-ilog" said that key is her outlook as a music fan.
"I'm very happy with the current music scene and I get inspiration from bands I watch play,” she explained.
“I don't really see any competition in this business. Each of us has a music and message to say even if at times we share each others' audience."
