After Lea Salonga’s award-winning performances in Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, various foreign artists’ interpretation of Freddie Aguilar’s Anak in more than 80 languages, Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha’s well-applauded shows in Las Vegas, and many other veteran Filipino singers’ ground-breaking performances, comes a new batch of fresh talents that once again puts the Philippines on the international music scene spotlight.

“Little Whitney Houston”

When invited in the South Korean show, StarKing, to sing the Dreamgirls’ theme, And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, Charice Pempengco, then 15, was introduced by the show’s host as “The Little Whitney Houston”. Due to her power-belt performances, she was able to catch the attention of the world, even sharing the stage with music industry giants like Andrea Bocelli, David Foster and Celine Dion.

Charice started singing as early as four years old and began joining amateur singing contests in barangay festivals at seven. Being a product of a broken family, her situation never became a hindrance for her to reach for her dream of becoming a well-respected singer.

Although this 16-year-old girl continues to surprise the world with her amazing talent, her feet remain firmly rooted on the ground, which would definitely lead her to further success. They say a lot is still in store for Charice.

“Life Begins at Forty.”

Arnel Pineda’s story is a typical and literal one of rags to riches, of starting from scratch.

At a very young age, he decided to quit school to make a living for himself by collecting used plastic stuff, metals and papers to sell in junk shops. He would also earn money from cleaning docked ships at the pier. He would sometimes spend the night merely at the streets or outside his friend’s already crowded house.

In spite of all those challenges, Arnel, did not lose hope on his dream of becoming a musician. His passion in music led him to various opportunities, among were becoming a part of a Filipino rock band and performing in other countries. His band would do originals and renditions of other foreign rock icons’ songs… which eventually became Arnel’s instrument to further stardom.

After watching his band, The Zoo’s covers on Journey (an American rock band which popularized Open Arms, When You Love a Woman, Don’t Stop Believing and Faithfully) songs in Youtube, the said American band invited Arnel to become their new lead vocalist.

At 41, this five-foot-three-inch father of three never stopped believing. And now, Arnel, himself, could not believe his fate. About three decades ago, you might have seen this boy sleeping at the streets of Manila. Now, he’s rocking on the international stage together with other musical icons.

Youtube and Pinoy Artists’ Cyber Break

Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda’s current success seemed to happen overnight after their followers started posting videos of their performances in Youtube.

Youtube used to be just a website to upload and check out music videos, movie clips, television programs and advertisements. Now, this site already became an interactive area for talents and scouts to begin with. Youtube earn millions of hits everyday… among are definitely from people in the music production business, looking for fresh talents.

Charice initially lost the drive to pursue her dream of becoming a singer after not making it to the final two of ABS-CBN singing competition program, Little Big Star. Arnel, likewise, thought singing and writing songs for his then local band, The Zoo, would comprise his music career. The whirlwind success was completely unforeseen… until Youtube started doing its magic.

Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda mark the Philippines’ position in the international music scene… and with exemplary talents, we certainly must look forward to more Filipino prides, again catching the world’s attention in the cyber world.

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