GMA Artist Center's pride: Aicelle Santos wins best actress

Aliw Awards 2014 crowned Aicelle Santos as best actress for her performance as Aileen in the hit rock musical, Rak of Aegis. In this musical ensemble that tailored the Filipino culture, Aicelle was able to redefine what being a modern Filipina is.

The story captures the life of Aileen, a promodizer, who is caught between finding true love and reaching her dreams. With a brilliant comic touch, Aicelle was able to dazzle the audience through her heartfelt and powerful rendition of the pop-rock band's songs.

For someone who also once dreamed of being a famous musical perfomer and eventually reaching her dreams, Aicelle intensely relates to Aileen.

"Siyempre, dumaan ako sa struggle na 'yun eh. At an early age, alam ko na yung gusto ko. And after failing and failing, minsan iisipin mong imposible na talaga," Aicelle affirms. But according to her, it really pays to keep on trying. And her experiences helped her represent Aileen's character.

Having two reruns doesn't only prove the production's success, but also the passion that comes from the entire production. They do not only inspire and encourage, but they also gained the power to educate.

"Sobrang thankful ako, kasi I worked hard for this. And I enjoyed every little part of it, kasi ito naman talaga ang passion ko. This award is a grand bonus." says the modest Aicelle, who is very grateful for the glory that's been awarded to her.

Rak of Aegis was conceived by Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) intention to represent the Filipino sentiment. And what better way to express this than belting out Aegis's top hits, such as Sinta, Luha, and Basang Basa sa Ulan? Not only did the story tell about the life of the characters that could relate to our own lives, it also brought life to the country's social issues.

Balikbayans coming home for Christmas and musical enthusiasts who still haven't witnessed the production will be able to experience the spectacle from December 5 to 14, 2014 for it's third rerun.