3 Filipinos win singing competitions in Europe

NATION OF SINGERS – Singing is a talent shared by many Filipinos all around the globe. And this is proven by the numerous competitions that Filipino talents win time and time again.

In the 2018 Euro Pop Singing Contest in Berlin, Germany, Jay Kent won over the crowd with a performance of his original composition, “Infinity.”

Meanwhile, Rachel Gabreza was hailed as the grand champion at the 2018 Stars of the Albion in London, United Kingdom.

Known for her soulful inflections, Micah Baybay won the grand prix at the 2018 Arpeggio International Singing Competition in Malta.

Comfortable in their own styles

Hearing their achievements, one can’t help but be proud of their talent. But these singers know one thing that many Filipinos often get wrong — that being able to belt (or birit, in Filipino) isn’t the only measure of one’s singing talent.

Kent, for instance, admits that he can’t belt. Instead, he writes and performs songs in a way that would make people feel how he feels.

Gabreza, on the other hand hand, performs “birit” songs but does not necessarily aspire to be identified as a diva.

“There are already a lot of divas out there. I want to be successful, but in my own way,” she said.

Gabreza also noted that musical taste varies around the world.

“When they see or hear someone good, they really show their appreciation — regardless of whether that person can belt or not,” she said.

Meanwhile, Baybay recognizes that her voice is better-suited for soul, so she tries to go by that genre when performing.