You sit down in a bar in Tokyo, as you listen to the band playing on stage you realize that the singer with the soothing voice is a Filipina accompanied by other talented Filipino musicians. The set-up is duplicated in other entertainment capitals in the world, be it in Singapore, Dubai, Las Vegas or Geneva, for Filipinos seem to be specially ordained by God to sing to the world. Cruise ships usually contract Filipino bands to entertain their passengers.
One writer also observed that whenever he goes to a Catholic church in any part of the world, he is certain to hear familiar angelic voices singing, those of Filipinos who are members of choirs or singing groups in the countless parishes around the globe.
In the Philippines, amateur singing contests in the barrios are staples as in radio and television. The karaoke phenomenon originated in the Philippines when Filipino Roberto del Rosario invented the Sing-a-long System in 1974, which was pirated as the “Miyata Karaoke” in Japan. When the musical, Miss Saigon, became a certified hit, Filipinos led by Lea Salonga became regular casts in Broadway.
Nobody could contain the Filipinos innate music talent as they started breaking into popular music such as the first all-rock band Fanny (with the Millington sisters); Bert Nievera (lead singer of Society of Seven); Nicole Scherzinger (of Pussycat Dolls); Apl.de.Ap (of Black Eyed Peas), Bruno Mars and Charice.
It has become usual for Filipinos to make it as contenders in the toughest and most popular talent show in the world today, American Idol. These included Thia Megia (Season 10 finalist), Ramiele Malubay (Season 7 finalist), Jasmine Trias (Season 3 finalist) and Camile Velasco (Season 3 finalist).
This week, Filipino-Mexican 16- year old Jessica Sanchez makes it in the final round where she pits for the title against Philip Phillips. Judge Steve Tyler predicts that she will be “last one standing” on the stage come finals night.
Sanchez is not only seeking to be the first singer of Filipino descent to win the title, but she carries with her the dreams and aspirations of Filipino singers wherever they may be, she brings with her the offerings of songs during masses by Filipino music groups and choirs.
Please say this prayer in the days leading to the finals of American Idol:
(Sign of the Cross)
We praise You Lord for the gifts you bestow upon Your children.
Your child, Jessica Sanchez, has shared her talent of singing in American Idol, giving us joy, giving us hope
Send Your Holy Angels to protect her from sickness, tiredness and complacency.
Keep her strong physically, mentally and emotionally. Give her spiritual strength in these crucial times of the competition.
We pray for her victory, as she not only deserves to win, but because she carries with her the dreams and aspirations of Filipino entertainers who perform in many parts of the world and in cruise vessels; she represents the many Filipinos who sing in choirs and music groups in churches.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
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