BY MARCO SELORIO – ON A SUNSHINY morning in Sydney City, the scent of freshly cooked corned beef, garlic rice and spam lingers in the air. Breakfast couldn’t come fast enough for Bernie Van Tiel, the multi talented 24-year old Filipina-Australian singer/songwriter/rapper/beatboxer/dancer and actor. We caught up with BVT to find out the latest news after an incredible 2017.
It has only been seven months since Van Tiel appeared in a popular Foxtel commercial that aired constantly at the Manny Pacquiao-Jeff Horn fight in Brisbane. That kind of exposure followed by a lead role in the web series “Jade of Death” has put Van Tiel right in the spotlight. And boy, she’s ready to claim it.
Van Tiel ain’t your average girl next door. She was born and raised in the countryside of Murwillumbah, NSW. She’s the second of four siblings and she stands at a strapping 5’11” frame. Her Spanish, Filipino, Dutch, Kiwi and French background is a seriously unique mixture, just like her favourite Filipino dessert, Halo-Halo.
She has a great photographic memory and the knack to learn fast on the fly. Because of that, she was able to learn how to play guitar, beat box and sing without any prior lessons.
Her creative instincts brought her game into music. With a pad and a pen, she started writing music and rap lyrics. At school, she was part of an elite talent program called TDP. As she improved in her new craft and built her musical network, Van Tiel found herself opening up and fronting for Pete Murray, Macklemore, Jason Derulo and Pink.
It seems like every step Van Tiel makes opens up a pandora’s box of opportunities.
Now she has decided to take her talents to the Philippines to see if the grass is greener on the other side.
“It’s my first time back in over a decade. It’s like coming back home to reclaim an identity that I’ve been out of touch with,” said an excited Van Tiel.
Manila-based agents, television producers and media have already begun calling for a chance to get a good look at this versatile talent.
A guest appearance on Nett 25’s Letters and Music show, a hosting gig at Elite International, a spot on 107.5FM’s Wish Bus and an invitational showcase at swanky bar Unit27 in front of a select group of executives. That’s just the entrée.
Van Tiel understands that one must strike while the iron is hot. Her moment has arrived and she wants to represent her family San Fernando, Pampanga to the fullest.
“I want to make my mother’s homeland proud and show everyone how talented Pinays can be,” added Van Tiel.
That’s the kind of Australian attitude that would help her navigate around the very competitive Philippine entertainment industry.
Whoever takes a chance on Bernie Van Tiel will find an incredible talent that’s ripe for the picking.