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Simone Martinez

Jude Cartalaba

<p>At just 15, Simone Valderrama-Martinez is beginning to carve out a name of her own in music and theater. </p><p>The daughter of performers Lorenz Martinez and Shiela Valderrama, she grew up surrounded by the stage — but is now slowly stepping out of her parents’ shadows.</p><p>Recently, she and her band Four Squared won a Battle of the Bands competition in Bangkok, Thailand, with Simone as the group’s lead vocalist.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block" width="655"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772669603945PortraitsbyPaw_Simone 2025-19.JPEG" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="655"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Paw Castillo</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Looks up to both her parents</strong></div><p>Like her name, Simone seems destined for music. Derived from the Hebrew Shimon, the name means “to hear” or “to listen” — fitting for someone who grew up surrounded by song and theater.</p><p>“Growing up with performers as parents really influenced how I am today,” she confesses. “I was brought up with music and theater all around me, which was incredibly fun as a kid and really helped in broadening my imagination.”</p><p>She describes her mom as driven, who works hard, a huge perfectionist -- aspects she acquired subconsciously.</p><p>Meanwhile, what she admires about her dad is his creativity and passion, traits that influence her every day.  </p><p>“Both my parents are hardworking individuals,” she says.</p><p>Apart from her parents, Simone also grew up listening to numerous artists. The artists she looks to the most are Whitney Houston, Tori Kelly, and Michael Jackson.</p><p>“I like them because their music is the type that really resonates with me, especially the way they sing and perform. I admire their musicality and the way they represent themselves and their feelings through their music.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block" width="655"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772669653384PortraitsbyPaw_Simone 2025-57 (1).jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging" width="655"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Paw Castillo</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Succeeding at her own pace</strong></div><p>At 15, Simone has accomplished a lot. Still, she never stops exploring and making her milestones as an artist, individually. </p><p>Her first taste of musical theater came in 2017 when, as a child, she played Fan in &quot;A Christmas Carol.&quot; Years later, she took on the role of Teen Fiona in &quot;Shrek The Musical,&quot; a performance that won her Best New Female Artist at the 38th Aliw Awards.</p><p>The role of Princess Fiona was once played by her mom in Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group’s 2014 production in 2014 opposite Rycharde Everley (as Shrek) and Nyoy Volante (as Donkey).</p><p>Simone says her band Four Squared also helped her in many ways. “It boosted my confidence and showed me how to bond with others,&quot; she says. “Being in a band is something I love because it&#x27;s such a fun thing to build such a bond with friends.</p><p>“But that (singing in a band) isn&#x27;t really my main goal for the future, but if the opportunity comes, I’ll for sure take it into consideration.”</p><p>Like her parents, who chose careers in theater, she hopes to take on more musicals in the near future.</p><p>“Maybe do one with one of my parents. I want to take on roles that challenge me mentally and physically so I can see how far I can push myself.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block" width="655"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772669717043PortraitsbyPaw_Simone 2025-59.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="655"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Paw Castillo</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Advice to girls like her — and to herself</strong></div><p>Asked what advice she would give girls like her, Simone says: “Remember to never give up and to work hard.</p><p>“I’m still in the process of achieving my dreams, so I’m figuring things out myself. I think the best thing to do is believe in yourself and be confident in your talent.”</p><p>When asked what she would tell her younger and future self, Simone is quick to answer: “I would tell my younger self to keep working hard and that even through difficult times, everything will be okay in the end.</p><p>“I would tell my future self to keep striving for the best, think positively, and remember that there are many people by our side ready to support and cheer us on.”</p>

<p>At 15, Simone Valderrama-Martinez is stepping beyond the legacy of her parents, Lorenz Martinez and Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, building her own path in music and theater.</p>

At 15, Simone Valderrama-Martinez is stepping beyond the legacy of her parents, Lorenz Martinez and Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, building her own path in music and theater.

Simone Valderrama-Martinez steps into the spotlight beyond her parents’ shadows

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Simone Valderrama-Martinez steps into the spotlight beyond her parents’ shadows

Jude Cartalaba

Published Mar 07, 2026 11:22 AM PHT

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Updated Mar 07, 2026 01:06 PM PHT

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Simone Valderrama-Martinez

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