Morissette’s EMBER: 15 Years of Fire, Faith, and Flight

blncmag
9 hours ago
5 min read

When Morissette first set foot on a stage in Cebu as a young girl, she couldn’t have imagined that fifteen years later, she would be standing as one of the country’s most celebrated voices, carrying the title of “Asia’s Phoenix.” For someone who once nervously entered singing competitions around her hometown, the journey from small stages to sold-out arenas has been nothing short of extraordinary.

This year, the powerhouse vocalist marks her 15th year in the industry with EMBER, a concert that not only celebrates her career but also symbolizes her rebirth, resilience, and reignited fire. For Morissette, the Phoenix is more than a nickname — it is the story of her life.

A Cebuana Beginning

“Born and raised in Cebu, I started joining every singing competition I could find on the island,” she recalls with a laugh. “That was really my training ground. My parents were the ones who pushed me, mentored me, and supported me while I balanced school and music.”

Those humble beginnings, marked by hours of rehearsals and small-town applause, shaped the artist who would later find herself performing for international audiences. “Cebu will always be home,” she says warmly. “It’s where I learned discipline, determination, and the importance of knowing where you came from.”

Manila and the Big Breaks

Her move to Manila was the turning point. The exposure to the capital’s vibrant music industry opened doors she never imagined. From her early stint in The Voice of the Philippines to becoming a mainstay on ASAP, Morissette steadily built her name.

“I started out mostly doing ballads. But in Manila, I was surrounded by so many different influences — pop, R&B, soul. That’s when I really began exploring who I wanted to be as an artist.”

It was in 2017, however, when her performance at the Asia Song Festival in Busan, South Korea, earned her the title “Asia’s Phoenix,” a moniker that would follow her everywhere. “At first, I was overwhelmed. But eventually, I embraced it. The Phoenix is about rising, and I felt that deeply. I had already gone through so much, personally and professionally, and I knew the name wasn’t just about my voice — it was about my journey.”

EMBER: The Fire Within

The Phoenix takes center stage again with EMBER, her 15th anniversary concert. The title, she explains, represents a fire that never truly dies. “Even when flames burn out, the embers remain. They’re the foundation, the proof that something was once burning — and with the right spark, they can ignite again. That’s what this concert is about. I’ve been through highs and lows, but the fire inside me is still alive.”

EMBER is not just a milestone show; it’s also Morissette’s first time taking on the dual role of performer and producer. “It’s more pressure, definitely,” she admits. “But it’s also more rewarding. I get to be involved in every detail — the music, the visuals, the storytelling. I want people to leave the show not just entertained, but inspired.”

Carrying Cebu’s Legacy

Despite her global reach, Morissette has never lost sight of her roots. She speaks passionately about representing Cebu and VisMin artists on bigger stages. “It’s funny, because growing up, I wasn’t as exposed to Bisaya music as I wish I had been. But now, I make it a point to sing in Bisaya, even when I perform abroad. It’s my way of honoring where I come from and showing the world the richness of our culture.”

Cebu, after all, has long been known as a breeding ground for powerhouse voices. To be counted among that legacy is something Morissette carries with pride. “Every time I sing in my native tongue, it feels like I’m bringing a piece of home with me,” she says.

Staying Grounded

For someone whose name is often accompanied by “Asia’s Phoenix,” Morissette remains refreshingly grounded. She credits this to her circle. “My family and my close friends keep me anchored. They remind me of what’s truly important. And above all, it’s God. His timing has always been perfect in my life, and I believe He placed me on this path for a reason.”

That faith, she says, has carried her through difficult moments — times when she questioned whether she could keep going. “There were many points when I felt like giving up. But then, an opportunity or even just a person would come into my life — like a sign from God saying, ‘Don’t stop yet.’”

Lessons for Aspiring Artists

For young dreamers who look up to her, especially those in the provinces, Morissette has a simple but powerful message: patience and perseverance. “Your time will come. While waiting, keep working on yourself — your craft, your discipline, your mindset. Surround yourself with people who truly want to see you grow. And most importantly, never give up. There will be setbacks, but those setbacks are part of the journey.”

“Even when the flames burn out, the embers remain. With the right spark, they ignite again — that’s my story.”

Defining Moments

When asked about her proudest moment so far, Morissette doesn’t hesitate. “My first sold-out concert at Araneta in 2018. Standing there, seeing a sea of light sticks, I felt proud of myself for not giving up. That was my ‘I made it’ moment.”

Five years later, she’s returning to the same stage with EMBER. This time, though, she’s not just a performer but also a producer — an artist in full control of her story. “There’s more weight on my shoulders, but there’s also more joy. No matter how it turns out, I’ll always be proud. Because I’ve made it this far, and I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Looking Ahead

Fifteen years may sound like a long time, but for Morissette, it’s only the beginning. With her own label, Underdog Music, which she runs alongside her husband and friends, she is determined to push creative boundaries and champion original music. She’s also more open to experimenting with new sounds and collaborations, as long as they remain authentic to her.

“I don’t want to limit myself to just one thing. I want to keep growing, keep exploring. Music is evolving, and I want to evolve with it — while staying true to who I am.”

And so, as she steps onto the stage for EMBER, celebrating fifteen years of music, Morissette does so not just as Asia’s Phoenix, but as a Cebuana artist who has risen, fallen, and risen again — stronger, brighter, and ready for whatever the next fifteen years will bring.