For Angeli Chaves, life is about embracing confidence and connection. The 20-year-old Filipina pop artist and advocate is emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in the Filipino-American creative scene. Earlier this month, she took the main stage at Fil-Am Fashion Week, debuting her single “Unserious” live for the very first time. Just days later, on August 17th, she hosted a Sponsors Listening Party at Lakewood Racquet and Sport Club, offering supporters and collaborators an exclusive preview of her upcoming debut EP, “Star on Earth.”
A Night of Gratitude and Growth
For Chaves, the listening party was more than a performance—it was a heartfelt thank you to the community that has supported her every step of the way.
“I am so blessed to have been supported by such a generous community of leaders and businesses,”
she shared, expressing deep appreciation for every sponsor who made the evening possible.
This year’s Fil-Am Fashion Week also marked a milestone in her journey, as she was chosen to headline the main show. Walking on stage to perform Unserious live was a mix of nerves and exhilaration.
“Debuting a song live is always a little nerve-wracking,”
she admitted.
“But I reminded myself that nerves mean I care.”
Finding Balance and Purpose
Beyond the stage, Chaves balances school, family responsibilities, and a long-distance relationship. Through these challenges, she’s learned to trust the process and let go of perfection.
“At the end of the day, it was about being bold, being present, and having fun in the moment,”
she said.
“That performance gave me the spark to keep raising the bar, and now I want to carry that fire into every event this season.”
Chaves also acknowledges the contrast between recording in the studio and performing live:
“On stage, you only have one chance to deliver, and everything has to feel alive in that moment.”
Her current focus is on strengthening her stamina and stage presence—ensuring every show feels as electric as the first note.
“I’ve been working on my breath control, movement, and endurance so I can give the same energy from start to finish,”
she shared.
Her goal is simple yet profound: to make each person in the audience feel as if she’s singing directly to them.
The Making of
“Star on Earth”
Chaves’ debut EP, “Star on Earth,” is her most vulnerable and intentional project to date. Among its standout tracks is “Luxurious,” for which she is currently filming a music video. She envisions the visuals in glowing gold tones, symbolizing elegance and confidence from within.
Looking ahead, Chaves’ calendar is packed with both large showcases and intimate performances.
“What I love about my schedule is that it’s a mix,”
she said.
“Both types of shows challenge me in different ways, and that’s what helps me grow.”
By 2026, she hopes to embark on her first tour—regional or otherwise. Yet, her ambitions extend far beyond music. As a nursing student, Chaves continues to pursue her academic path alongside her artistic career.
“I’ve always believed that music and nursing go hand in hand—both are about healing and connection,”
she expressed.
“One uplifts the soul, and the other cares for the body and spirit.”
A Community That Lifts Her Higher
The Lakewood Racquet and Sport Club listening party underscored the strength of the community supporting Chaves. Below is her full list of acknowledgments to those who made the night possible.
Gold Sponsors
- Margie Pratt of UnitedHealth Group (Optum Care)
- M2J Studio
- Miss World America and Jasmine Mai Pratt of M2J Studio
- Norman & Mari Austria of Nbrothers Bakeshop
- Mary Ann SqLizama of Cucina De Mary
- Sheen Di of Pretty Party Please
- Lendale & Renmel Tiong of Blendful
- Dr. Mila Sprouse, President of PNA Emerald City Chapter (author of From Tomatoes to The Boardroom)
- Dr. Johnrich Randall Levine, CEO of RICH Training Resorts
Silver Sponsors
- Priyanka Chopra of Priyanka Signature Couture
- Santiago Miguel & Alejandro Vazquez of Santiago Alejandro
Bronze Sponsors
- Mary Charmaine Godino-Francisco & Paolo Francisco of Charm & Paolo
- Francis Franco of Franco Financial Strategies
- Tess Guerzon of Better Properties
- Nel Long of VP PNA
- Anthony Ogilvie, Pete Semon & Betty Zaloudek-Moore of Port of Seattle
- Tony Ketchum, Mayor of Chehalis
- Maria Theresa Ramos
- Addison DeBoer of FACWA
- Dr. Kerbie Barrantes of LAVIE Skinthetics Wellness Spa
- Joseph De Vera of PNA
- Attorney Claire Kintanar of Harbor Defense
- Fernan Lopez of PNA
- Dr. Glenn Pacio of Orchard Medical Clinic
- Ekta Saini, National Director of Miss World America
- Anna Valley
- May Deza Dominguez of MDP Realty
- Colors N Bloom
- The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce
- Jean De Vera
- Dovi Gomez Napora, Founder of Dovi Seattle
- Dr. Phoung Nguyen of Emerson Dental
- Anna Lyra Venaglia of Venaglia Payee Incorporated
Behind the Scenes: The Team That Made It Happen
Chaves extended her gratitude to the dedicated creatives, staff, and volunteers who brought the listening party and her ongoing projects to life:
Production & Creative Team:
Winston Cabiles (DJ), Perry Cucinotta (Photographer), MJ Gonzales (Photographer), Asaph Gaspi (Videographer), Kevin Quimosing (Videographer), Tristan Ramirez, Lorna Galvin, Thomas Galvin, Roxann Subiel (Volunteers), Hong Vo (Drinks), and Elenita Nigro (Dessert).
A special note of thanks went to Perry Cucinotta, her photographer throughout the release cycle, and to Jewels Fashion Next, which provided her stunning dress for the event. Jewels Fashion Next also featured Chaves on the cover of Kantana Magazine for her Top Model Showcase 2024 win and helped secure her Times Square billboard appearance in New York City.
The “Luxurious” Vision
The upcoming “Luxurious” music video continues this spirit of collaboration, guided by Director Ricardo Moreno and supported by a talented production crew including Sheen Di, Melanie Esclamado, Rubyeve Jumamil, Gigi Lynn, Melissa Hensley, Elenita Nigro, Margie Pratt, Sheila Spykc Ai-Dai, and Medy Santos.
Choreography & Dance Team:
Khayla Grace Maglipon (Choreographer)
Dancers: Mckenzie Proctor, Michelle Delvaux, D’Annalyn Faith Washington
Video Extras:
Jasmine Mai Pratt, Makayla Jumamil Daniels, Kiara Landon, Catalina Van Halder, and others.
Technical Team:
Pete Richmire (Audio Playback), Mike Zessin (Production Assistant), Matt Frasier (Technical Coordinator).
Family and Foundation
Above all, Chaves credits her family as her foundation. Her father, Jimbo Chaves, serves as Landside Supervisor at the Port of Seattle. Her mother, Tata Chaves, is a nurse at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Rehab Hospital, and her brother, Kirk Chaves, works as a journalist and broadcaster in Alaska.
A Star on Earth
With a new EP on the horizon, a strong network of sponsors, and an unwavering passion for her craft, Angeli Chaves is stepping into her own new world. Her Sponsors Listening Party on August 17th perfectly captured who she is—an artist grounded in gratitude, driven by passion, and ready to connect with audiences everywhere.
True to the title of her debut, Angeli Chaves is proving herself to be a rising Star on Earth.
By Olivia Nerpouni
