This week, BakitWhy.com is honored to present a new installment of "Real Talk". For this edition, we are featuring Pilipina Americans who have made it their life's work to empower and be that uplifting source of inspiration for those around them and for all of us.

We've posed some questions about their lives growing up, and they have all willingly shared some of their aspirations, beliefs, and hopes for the future. These are women who have continually changed the game--who are always living their truths and owning up to them and for that, we are grateful.

These are Pinays at the Forefront. 

Christina Luna has been that guiding light which continues to shine and lead the growing number of Asian and Pilipin@ American artists and individuals in pursuit of their dreams. With her valuable knowledge and expertise, she has garnered the recognition as being the go-to Artist Manager in the industry.

"These days, we need to get across who we are and what we do in 140 characters or less. Christina Luna. Artist/Event Manager @TheLunaCo. Advocate of International Asian Music Industry. Avid Writer and Reader. Writer for @Examinercom. Guest host for @UbeRadio. (source: Christina Luna's Twitter Bio)

But everyone knows that to truly know a person takes so much more than that. In the first spotlight of our "Pinays at the Forefront" series, discover what made this Pinay dream up a company that has made its mark and continues its positive influence on the Asian and Pilipin@ American industries ." --Gephine Fernandez

1) Who did you look up to when you were growing up and why?

There are several people who have weaved in and out of my life to really help shape the person that I am today. But the two people who have been constant in my life have been my mom and my grandfather. My mom is a single parent who really was a role model in showing me that you can do everything and anything and sometimes it’s going to have to be on your own. My grandfather moved here from the Philippines just to help my mom take care of me and through him I’ve learned a lot about character, faith and even got my Tagalog skills from him! Actually, all of my grandparents have been very influential in my life. I feel pretty honored to be able to have gained a lot of knowledge from them. Outside of my family there are two that I continue to look up to today. One being my piano teacher, Mila Edwards who I’ve been with for twenty four years now. There is something about her discipline and her focus that makes me move. Second is a long time friend and former boss, May Briosos. She introduced me to the Pilipino American entertainment industry and groomed me to understand our community of artists, of businesses, organizations – how they all fit together and why they are all dependent of each other. Outside of this, I am inspired by many people. Today however, I am most inspired by the artists I work with today. I look up to them for their talent, faith and heart.

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2) What were some of the issues/obstacles/challenges that you faced while growing up? How did you overcome them?

I feel very lucky. I feel like I didn’t go through many challenges growing up as many others have. I think because of the support my mom and grandfather gave me, I never felt like I had to deal with too many obstacles. A lot of people have had this perception of feeling sorry for me especially since I didn’t grow up with my father. I always thought it was weird because I had a pretty happy childhood. I did deal with the social pressures at school especially since I was very short (I still am haha), total book geek, and an arts freak. Middle school and high school people can be mean! Haha I learned to just stay focused on what I love to do, no matter what anyone said. I like to think that I still do the same.

3) What is your life’s dream? What are you currently pursuing in life?

I try to make my life’s dream take place every single day. Because really my only aim in my life is to hopefully be a role model of a person of faith. I believe that we are all called to do something, that there is a voice inside of everyone’s heart that moves them. And I really believe that the only way to be happy and fulfill your life’s dream is to follow that. So everyday I try to do that, in hopes that everyone around me will also do the same. I’ve tried my best to follow the track I feel like I’m led to and I can attest it is the greatest feeling and journey ever. The best part is that it’s not just a one time feeling. Currently I’m pursuing a business goal. But I hope everyone understands that my business goals are very much related to my personal goals and life dream. I started an artist management company a few years ago with the hope of being able to take some very talented Asian music artists and help them make a living from what they love to do. Essentially I created it to push artists to keep following that voice inside of them. If I can motivate more artists to keep going, then there will be more Asian artists in the mainstream. I’d like to see my business sustain itself and be able to invest into many artists for a very long time. Outside of this business goal, I’m pursuing balance in my life. I’m getting older so I’m trying my best to really enjoy the presence of my family, explore life and the world. (Oh yea, and I’m trying to exercise more. Tennis anyone?)

4) What do you have to say to the youth now? What is your special message to them?

My personal quote and mantra is – “Allow yourself to be great.” For the youth out there, remember your greatest dreams and desires can be achieved as long as you allow yourself to be great. Greatness doesn’t include pride, but it includes a great deal of strength and character. Once you understand what your strengths are and what your passion is, never let your own doubt or other people’s doubt take that away from you. That’s all yours. Also remember that there is a lot of knowledge to gain from history and from the past. Use it to get to your goals and to build your character, but don’t ever forget to share what you have learned with everyone around you – most especially the generation after you.

For more information:

Please contact c.luna@thelunaco.com for artist booking and entertainment projects.

The Luna Co. website: http://thelunaco.posterous.com/