ROSE Fostanes and longtime partner Mel Adel were reunited in the finale show. AFP
For the finals night on Tuesday in Tel Aviv, Rose “Osang” Fostanes, 47, picked Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” a song deemed unlucky by many Filipinos. But that certainly wasn’t the case for the overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who got the top prize and a well-deserved standing ovation.
Top artists from the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene lauded the victory of the Filipino caregiver. There is talk that she cannot work as a professional singer in Israel because of her visa and that her admission of a same-sex relationship with Mel Adel may affect her future. Even so, these famous compatriots are proud of Fostanes if only because she did it … her way.
Sharon Cuneta
This again shows the world that Filipinos have a gift for music. Whether half-Pinoys like Jessica Sanchez or full-blooded like Charice, they aren’t so much the exception as they are the norm! I hope Rose Fostanes’ win opens more doors for local talents. I am happy for her and proud to be Pinoy.
Charice
More than her beautiful, soulful voice, Rose Fostanes stands out for her sincerity. She talks of hardships experienced by OFWs like herself, and she is proud to be a caregiver because everything she does is for her family. She has given not just a face but also dignity to millions of OFWs. The honesty of her heart when she admitted having a girlfriend made her, for me, a hero. She knew that her coming out on national TV would affect her standing in “X Factor,” but she chose to be honest, just the same. She is proud of who she is, and I am proud of her.
Lea Salonga
Yahoo! I’m just so thrilled and ecstatic for her. She took a chance, as every singing contestant does, and emerged the winner. She made her dream come true. Kind of amazing.
Joey Ayala
Rose Fostanes has a refreshing, mature voice. She made a good song choice (“My Way”) with a lush areglo. A real character! We’ve always known that there are a lot of good musicians here, but now the whole world knows as well. My wife Jessie says OFWs should pursue their passions, regardless of their jobs.
CHARICE. Photo by ARNOLD ALMACEN
Bayang Barrios
Her victory is a big inspiration—especially for OFWs, whose lives should not end with being a nurse, caregiver, driver… If they have the talent, and even if opportunities seem elusive, their time to shine will come if they never give up.
Ogie Alcasid
Rose is a shining example of Filipinos’ undying love for music and the amazing musical gifts that God has blessed our country with.
Celeste Legaspi
I am very happy about the success of yet another Filipino singer on the international stage. She is proof of our country’s endless wealth in music.
Cooky Chua
I am not surprised that she won. She sang “My Way” with passion and sentiment, which reflected her plight as an OFW. I felt sad when I heard that she couldn’t perform professionally in Israel. I hope she can use her international fame to promote original Filipino music and artistry.
Mitch Valdes
Hope her win will open doors for artists who have talent but lack looks, and we will see less of stars with looks but no talent.
Dulce
I reposted the news link on her victory on Facebook. Earlier, while I was cleaning the house, I was singing “My Way” and found myself crying.
Moy Ortiz
LEA SALONGA. Photo by ARNOLD ALMACEN
Her victory shows that Filipino musicality is innate and organic. It does not matter who you are or where you are from. This special gift of music flows from within our souls. Yes, it is another Cinderella story with a happy ending, but this is special because it happened to one of our own in front of a global audience.
Jed Madela
Another Filipino has once again proven to the world that we are all gifted. More than looks and hype, talent will always shine through.
Ryan Cayabyab
Bravo! Ang galing talaga ng Pinoy! I saw the finale, and I can say that she has a big, beautiful voice. She did a duet with her mentor (pop star Shiri Maimon) … but Rose held her own.
Quest
I’m very happy for her. I’d like to write a song for her someday. Galing!
Yeng Constantino
She was great, and she makes me very, very proud!
Noel Cabangon
Her excellent performance proved that Filipinos can conquer any world stage.
Martin Nievera
She showed that the unbreakable Filipino spirit triumphs over all challenges. There is a champion in all of us, and having the X factor is all about finding it, embracing it and letting it shine. Congratulations to our latest champion. What a great day to be a
Filipino!
Madonna Decena
Osang should savor this triumph, cherish the experience and reach out to our kababayan. She is an inspiration. This is just the start of her wonderful journey.