BAGUIO boy Benj Cruz more popularly known as "Benj" in the music industry was recently nominated in five categories in the Awit Awards.
Groomed as a rock balladeer, Benj has been making waves after reinventing and reintroducing the 1970s hit song of British great Rod Stewart. The song "I Don't Wanna Talk About It" catapulted his ratings at Star FM, landing him to the 2nd slot in Manila and number one in the other provincial stations.
He also lately bagged the Best Rock Balladeer 2010 Dangal Ng Bayan title by the Consumer's Choice Awards.
Benj is happy to share his glory with the people of Baguio, having been born and raised in this city. He has hopped from one school to another throughout his elementary until he finished college.
His stint to the national music industry started when he joined the Philippine Idol. Though unluckily did not win, he was one of the finalists. "That show took me to this phase I am enjoying now," Benj says.
Asked about the fact that a lot of Baguio/Cordillera talents are now getting their share of the limelight and stardom through other talent search shows, Benj only has this to say, "Push on! No matter the stumbling blocks along the way. We have to work for our dreams, it is most satisfying that way when we get to the top."
Lately, Benj has come up to Baguio City to sing for a Cordillera Heroes Tribute after which he ran back to Manila to do his first solo concert at the Music Museum.
He is up and about touring and promoting his album whenever he can. And as a Baguio boy who believes in simplicity, he is still the Benj Cruz the locals here have known, loved and admired.