In less then 24 hours from today,
Filipino-Mexican
singing sensation Jessica Sanchez will be competing in the final sing-off
against her lone contender, Philip Philips. The 16 year old has come a long way
from being a face in the crowd in her home state of California to being a
trending topic world wide. Why wouldn’t she be? She has wowed the judges and
the world with her belter voice and confidence. Lucky for her, she has made a
name for the Philippines in the international arena.
Filipino
communities
abroad have doubled their effort in voting for her since she was a finalist. In
a tweet by an American fan, she said that JSanchez has the most organized
fanbase. They have voting nights in clubs, bars and restaurants where they stay
up late to watch the show and extend for two more hours just to place her name
into where she is now. Fans cheer and scream as if they are also watching the
live show. Prayer requests for her are also flooding the social networking
domain.I’m sure her Mexican side is doing the same too.
Since the contest only allows
residents from the United States to vote, the best we can do here is be proud
of her because she is our kababayan. But more than that, Sanchez has taught our
race a lesson once again. This is the revival of the Filipino’s malasakit para
sa kapwa or genuine concern for fellowmen.
In this day and age, we are prone
to minding our own business because of the rise of individuality,
self-expression and liberation from the west. We do not extend our hand to help
anymore for the fear of being rejected, used or taken advantage of. With the
advancement in technology, expressing an opinion can be easily read by the
whole world.
However, when singers like Charice,
Ariel Pineda and recently trending JSanchez wow the whole world, we unite in
one goal of hoping that they’d take their success up a notch. We do whatever we
can to show support such as paying for tickets, being a fan, purchasing
merchandise, voting and so much more.
As complicated as JSanchez’
lineage may be (Filipino mother, Mexican father and American citizenship), we
know that part of her is our own. She’s got the looks, the voice and the
attitude of working hard but being humble – the trademark of a true Filipino. I
think we should be more focused on supporting the right causes such as this.
Having a Filipina actually win the contest is not ordinary. This is a million
times worth than wasting money on tarpaulins and T-shirts for banning an artist
who just came to perform in our country.
If the Philippines
is truly democratic, those who are opposing LGaga’s concert should learn how to
respect her Filipino supporters because of her catchy tunes and dance moves. I
do not think Lady Gaga fans are “satanic” as what some people perceive her to
be. While I respect their right to voice out their opinion, they do not have
the right to judge and shun away an international artist who has paid a lot
just to get here. Not to mention, her fans who have purchased tickets long
before.
True malasakit is not about
wasting time nagging on what you think is wrong for the next generation but is
supporting what may lead them to the right path. Who knows, JSanchez might
inspire the youth and is what the US music scene has been waiting for.
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