Janna Cachola, a multifaceted Filipina-New Zealander talent, has been captivating audiences since 1996 with her impressive array of skills, including acting, singing, and modeling. However, it wasn't until 2010 that she truly rose to fame, landing the coveted role in the New Zealand production of Miss Saigon.
This talented individual is also widely recognized by her professional monikers, Janna Cach and Janna C, a nod to the frequent mispronunciation of her surname "Cachola" (which, for the record, is pronounced "CATCH-OLA").
In the year 2006, a significant turning point occurred in the life of Cachola, as she embarked on a journey to audition for the renowned reality television singing competition, New Zealand Idol, specifically season 2. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, she was unable to progress beyond the initial rounds, marking a setback in her pursuit of a career in the music industry.
Undeterred by this outcome, Cachola continued to hone her craft, taking on various performances at bars in the Philippines. During this period, she also found the time to record a self-titled demo, a collection of songs that showcased her unique voice and artistic style.
Following this, Cachola expanded her musical horizons by joining several musical groups, further broadening her experience and skills as a singer.
In the year 2008, a life-changing encounter took place, as Cachola was discovered by the talented Kiwi rapper, Joshua Webb, who was instrumental in recognizing her immense potential. Webb, being a visionary, saw something special in Cachola and decided to take a chance on her, selecting her as a backing vocalist for the prestigious Parachute Music Festival, a renowned event that has become one of the largest and most prominent Christian festivals in the entire southern hemisphere. This remarkable opportunity not only showcased Cachola's remarkable talent but also served as a springboard for her future endeavors. She went on to make significant contributions to Webb's album, featuring on two notable tracks that further solidified her position as a rising star in the music industry. Furthermore, Cachola also had the privilege of collaborating with another accomplished Kiwi rap artist, Jzaman, which not only broadened her musical horizons but also enabled her to hone her skills and adapt to new styles and genres.
Cachola has embarked on an extensive career as a backing vocalist, traversing the stages of New Zealand and the Philippines under the pseudonym "Lyka", only to subsequently alter her moniker in order to avoid confusion with the renowned Filipino R&B artist Kyla.
Cachola made a significant career shift in 2009, deciding to temporarily put her music endeavors on the backburner to pursue her long-standing passion for acting. This bold decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she successfully secured the representation of an agent in Auckland. With her newfound agent by her side, Cachola began landing various roles as a background actor in a range of TV shows, commercials, and music videos that were filmed on the picturesque shores of New Zealand.
In the year 2010, Cachola embarked on a new journey by securing a role in the renowned musical production of Miss Saigon, which was staged in the picturesque city of Dunedin, New Zealand. She shared the stage with two talented individuals, Tina Braganza and Kimpoy Feliciano, who had gained widespread recognition on the internet.
However, the following year, Cachola's life took a different turn. She candidly confessed to experiencing feelings of profound sadness and low self-esteem, which had been affecting her mental well-being. In an effort to overcome these challenges, she enrolled in a confidence and modeling course offered by the reputable local modeling agency, Ali McD, based in Dunedin.
Cachola, a diminutive yet striking individual, was initially scouted by a prominent modeling agency due to her petite physical appearance, which seemed to defy conventional industry standards. Subsequently, she caught the attention of the renowned US-based blogger, model, and author Isobella Jade, who subsequently featured her as the "Petite Model of the Week", a testament to her burgeoning modeling career.
In October 2011, Cachola's talent and versatility were showcased in two short films, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. One of these films was the Detective Doctor Felon Mystery Woman, a captivating production in which she brought to life the enigmatic character of Scarlet, her portrayal a testament to her growing range as a performer.
Janna Cachola's family tree is adorned with numerous notable figures from the Filipino entertainment industry, boasting a connection to the likes of Juvy Cachola, a renowned personality in her own right, alongside Jean Altavas and Febe Magbanua-Pantoja, both respected professionals in their respective fields.
Furthermore, Janna's ancestral lineage boasts a fascinating chapter, centered around her great-grandmother, Marcelina Cachola, a courageous and selfless individual who played a pivotal role in World War II. Marcelina's bravery was on full display when she fearlessly approached the Japanese forces, pleading for the release of captured soldiers in Paete, Laguna, showcasing her unwavering dedication to those in need.
This remarkable heritage not only serves as a testament to Janna's family's rich history but also underscores the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by those who have come before us.
