In an industry that often demands conformity, Miss Ramonne stands out as a beacon of originality and resilience. Her journey from the vibrant landscapes of the Philippines to the illustrious stages of Los Angeles weaves a tale of dreams, determination, and discovery.
“I’ve always aimed to make music my livelihood,” she reveals, reflecting on the pivotal moment when she decided to shift her focus entirely to music after participating in “The Voice Philippines” Season 2 in 2014. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would see her breaking barriers and charting her own path in the music world, moving away from commercials and modeling.
By 2016, Miss Ramonne had started crafting original music, signaling a new chapter in her career. It wasn’t long before her work began hitting the charts in Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia. “It felt like a validation of my hard work and a sign that I was on the right track,” she recalls. Her unique sound and compelling storytelling soon caught the attention of major brands, leading to collaborations that included becoming the voice behind the iconic “We Got It All for You” for SM Supermalls and partnering with global sports and fashion giants like Under Armour and Steph Curry with her anthem, “Can’t Hold Me Down.”
Reflecting on her diverse career, Miss Ramonne shares an intimate look at the moments that have shaped her. “It was a surreal moment, to say the least. To see my music cross oceans and be part of such empowering campaigns was beyond my wildest dreams,” she recalls.
The pandemic brought unexpected opportunities for Miss Ramonne, including a year-long tour around the Mediterranean with a cruise liner. “It was during a time when the world was on pause, but for me, it was a journey of musical exploration.” The experience culminated in a homecoming concert at the Araneta Coliseum, where she performed in front of over 8,000 people. “Standing on that stage, feeling the energy of the crowd, I knew every sacrifice was worth it,” she says.
When asked about her musical style, she responds, “I am a combination of soul, pop, and party.” Her most popular songs, including “Naku,” “Teka Lang,” and “Wasak,” certainly embody these styles.
Regarding her vision for her career, she says, “I would always say I want to be Beyoncé, I want to be like Beyoncé, I want that. I want you to hear a song and recognize the voice as Ms. Ramonne’s.” She adds, “The phrase ‘fake it till you make it’ doesn’t resonate with me because I don’t believe you have to fake it. You just have to do it, keep doing it until you make it, and even then, continue doing it. I’ve worked so hard and shed countless tears. For me, I just want to be recognized as a singer-songwriter.”
Aside from Beyoncé, Miss Ramonne also considers Alicia Keys one of her inspirations. “I had the opportunity to meet her in person,” she recalls. “I broke down in front of her, crying, overwhelmed by my move to the US and realizing my life would never be the same again. And there I was, feeling homesick, not knowing many Filipinos here. Standing in front of Alicia Keys, I was shaking. You have no idea how much it meant to me because I started my career as a commercial model and host, wanting to be more than just a pretty face. The first song I ever sang professionally was ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys. Standing in front of the woman who wrote the song that marked the beginning of my musical journey was surreal.”
She continued, “Alicia could see I was struggling and asked if I needed help. I confessed I was a singer-songwriter feeling disconnected from myself, unable to write. Alicia shared profound advice, emphasizing that songwriting isn’t about crafting the ‘right’ songs but expressing how you feel and making it right for you. She reassured me that it’s okay not to succeed in writing a full song immediately. ‘Start with one line each day,’ she suggested. ‘You may have a song after a month.’ Her words moved me to tears. It was a moment of clarity and encouragement, reminding me that it’s about the emotions conveyed through music that resonate with others, not just the lyrics themselves.”
Miss Ramonne’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. In mid-2023, Miss Ramonne answered the call to serve as a Civil Military Officer in the Philippine Navy, a role she embraced with pride. “Serving was an honor, but it also meant putting my music on hold. It was a tough decision, but one that I felt compelled to make,” she admits.
Now, as she restarts her music career in the US while pursuing a master’s degree in music business at UCLA, Miss Ramonne views every experience as a step towards her ultimate goal. “I’m not just a musician; I’m a student of the industry. I want to understand every facet of it,” she asserts confidently.
With an upcoming show at The Hotel Café in Hollywood, Miss Ramonne is ready to introduce her sound to a new audience. “I’m nervous but excited. This show is not just a performance; it’s me sharing my story, my music, and hopefully, inspiring someone out there to follow their dreams,” she says with a smile.
There’s a story worth sharing about how she found out about the Hotel Café gig. At the time, she was deep into her Master’s degree in Music Business at UCLA. On a memorable Wednesday, while in class, her phone unexpectedly buzzed with an email notification. The subject line read, “Booking Miss Ramonne.” It had been quite some time since she received such emails, especially being far from the Philippines where her usual performances took place.
Initially, she suspected it to be spam. Her inbox had been flooded with dubious offers before, leading to a bitter experience where her accounts were hacked. This made her exceedingly cautious about unsolicited emails. Despite her reservations, curiosity propelled her to investigate the sender and the significance of the Hotel Café.
To her astonishment, her research revealed the storied legacy of the Hotel Café. What began as a mere café had blossomed into a revered stage for acoustic artists, cultivating a rich history over the decades. Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, just steps from the Walk of Fame, the venue held an iconic status.
As Miss Ramonne prepares for her performance, she reminds herself of the power of perseverance and passion. “I’m so excited but honestly, I’m also a nervous wreck,” she admits. She recalls a lesson from her father: “When your palms are sweaty, your feet are cold, and your head is throbbing, it could mean you’re nervous or excited. It’s up to you how you interpret it. So for me, I’m both.”
From her early days in the Philippines to her global adventures and ambitious foray into the heart of Los Angeles’ music scene, her journey underscores a universal truth: With determination and a heart full of dreams, there’s no limit to what one can achieve.
As she looks toward the future, Miss Ramonne remains a symbol of inspiration, not just for her music but for her unwavering resolve to carve her own path in the world.
Miss Ramonne’s performance at the Hotel Café is slated for April 25th at 8:00 PM. For tickets, visit the Hotel Café website. Further details can be found by following Miss Ramonne on Instagram at @missramonne.
