Music is a one of the level playing field where Filipinos can etch one’s skills and reputation to achieve world wide fame such as Bruno Mars a musical prodigy from equally music minded American father and Filipina mother who settled in Hawaii.
And in a very special case, music is also where the 47-year old Filipina caregiver in Israel Ms Rose Fontanes achieved fame by winning the first ever X Factor TV talent show in that country, a no mean feat for a matured chubby mama whom one can consider almost at the bottom strata of a foreign country.
Philippine Secretary of Labor herself Ms Rosalinda Baldoz was among Filipino government officials who extolled Fortanes’s achievement as a Filipino Overseas Worker or OFW.
Not to mention Miss Jessica Sanchez who was runner up in American Idol singing contest in 2012, many Filipino singers are waiting in the wing for eventual recognition in the performing arts.
One could say that it would be only a matter of time when another Bruno Mars, a Rose Fontanes or a Jessica Sanchez would rise up once more in the field of entertainment music, affirming once more the admirable Filipino musical DNA.
In the meantime, young aspiring Filipino singers have to persevere in their respective circle of influence. Advising local Filipino singers in Sydney a few years ago, a local Sydney music producer and talent scout said be prepared in showcasing your talent an gifting in whatever social scene you are involved, be it in a church, in community gatherings, in school convocations, in small pubs and clubs.
The Filipino singing DNA was likewise highlighted in Sydney last January with the holding of a number of charity concerts for the benefit of Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines.
The headliners were accomplished performers in the mainstream, regular singers in the community events, up and coming recording artists and even some fresh graduates from singing schools, all donated their time and performances.
New aspiring budding concert impresarios and show promoters did not have a hard time at all forming ensembles to their concert promising to donate to a worthy cause.
Last Sunday January 12, community radio broadcasters and charity event stalwarts Ms Bless Salonga, Violi Calvert and Charles Chan assembled a throng of local entertainers at the Burwoord RSL Club for a successful night of fund-raising entertainment called “United” concert, in obvious reference to the ideal community response to a call to help super typhoon victims in the Philippines.
Days after the show, Ms Salonga herself thanked performers and reported the concert raised $7,000 in behalf of of the Rotary Club of Hills and Kellyville for its rehabilitation projects to benefit Typhoon Haiyan victims.
Those entertainers who performed free included Genelle Cross, Mary May Hapin, Rie Manaloto, Grace Pasco, Cleo Diana, Maria Lado, Marlisa Punzalan, Criz Guce, Brian Lorenz, and Marcus Rivera. Miss Ana Mateo who practised earlier fell ill and did not sing whilst Ms Sandy Caballero a friend of one of performer, obliged with a couple of songs. Sydney migration agent Mr Kris Albano was emcee and auctioneer during the show.
Earlier last December 15, a civic group led by former Philippine Consul Linda Baisa and supported by Western Union money remittance company held the Magkaisa Concert at Burwood RSL, Sunday December 15. It featured Rod Dingle, Lilian delos Reyes, Sammy Soriano, Lisa Budin, Albert Prias, Annabel Garcia, Maynilad Band, and New Horizon Band.