“I was with representatives from Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Laos and 6 other countries,” she says. “First, we did a group number, a song composed by the Thai King himself. Then I did a solo, ‘Kay Palad Mo’, first sung by Lilet.”
How did Boy discover her? “I came to Manila in 2009 as I want to learn more about the culture of my parents. My dad, Rey Reyes, moved to the U.S. in 1978 with his family from Dinalupihan, Bataan. He served as a cop in the LAPD for 22 years. My mom is Ilonga and her family moved to the U.S. in 1974. I grew up watching TFC and I dreamt of being an artista here. I studied in the school of the Aldeguer Sisters in West Covina. A family friend knew Tito Boy and I asked that he be invited to my birthday party at the Manila Hotel. I was so glad when he came. He heard me sing then he got me as a talent. I now live here in Manila. Palitan ang mom ko and dad ko sa pagsama sa’kin. I have an older brother left in the U.S.”
Why didn’t she try showbiz in the U.S.? “I did. I was 13 when I auditioned sa Disney and they told me they like me but they prefer a white girl with blonde hair. So I came to Manila and I now love the Philippines so much. Not everyone is as lucky as Jessica Sanchez.”
She’s all set to release her first album of revivals plus one original song, “Sana’y Pakaingatan Mo”, to be launched soon on ASAP.
