Prior to winning the reality talent search “X Factor Israel” earlier this year, Rose Fostanes—who’s currently pursuing a career in music—worked as a caregiver there for over 20 years. And while her former job may be a more stable source of income, Fostanes, 47, gave it up for a shot at fulfilling her dream of becoming a professional singer.
“Not that I was tired of being a caregiver; I just wanted to do what I really loved, though I wasn’t young anymore,” she told the Inquirer at the recent launch of her debut album, “Rose Fostanes: My Way,” under Star Records.
The move has been worth it so far, Fostanes said, thanks to Filipinos and Israelis who continue to support her. Back in Israel, she said, running errands now takes longer because of fans who ask for photographs with her.
Two albums
ROSE Fostanes
“Once, I went to the Western Wall in Jerusalem to pray, and I couldn’t get out because a lot of children approached me,” she said. “I’m recognized, and I’m happy about that. This is a new experience.”
She has detractors, too, Fostanes said, but she just ignores them. “Some say I can’t sing, but I wouldn’t have won if the Israelis and Filipinos didn’t think I could.”
Aside from her Philippine album, Fostanes has started work on another in Israel, where she is likewise slated to do shows. As “X Factor Israel” champ, she won a cash prize, as well as a management contract with Aroma Music.
“I was recently in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. The Filipinos there gave me a very warm welcome,” said Fostanes, who’s considering staying in the Philippines after fulfilling contractual obligations with her label.
Though she’s thrilled about making small, but purposeful, steps toward her goal, Fostanes—who also worked in Egypt, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates—said she couldn’t help feeling lonely once in a while because, “My mother isn’t here anymore.”
She said, “I wish my mom could see me now, but of course I still have the rest of my family to share my success with.”
Out and proud
Fostanes earned the respect of the LGBT community for revealing in the show that she’s a lesbian. “I’ve been very honest about it since the beginning. My partner and I have been together for 31 years,” Fostanes said, adding that Israelis are very open-minded about the matter.
“I’m glad to have set an example,” added the singer, who used to spend her days off in a karaoke bar called Mommy’s Place, which is frequented by Filipino workers.
Fostanes admitted that she was initially concerned about not being able to work in Israel as a music artist, since her visa permitted her to work only as a caregiver. But with the assistance of Israel’s Interior Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Fostanes was issued an entertainer’s visa, which she just has to renew annually.
Supportive boss
The new working permit was subject to her then-employer’s approval, which Fostanes got without difficulty. She never thought she would ever leave her employer, a woman suffering from Scleroderma.
“My boss was very supportive. Sometimes she would come to watch me, live, in the competition even if she had just come from the hospital,” Fostanes said. “She’s very kind, and wanted to see me fulfill my dreams. She told me not to worry; she was going to find another caregiver.”
Improvements
Fostanes’ album under Star Records include the hits “This Is My Life,” “Rain,” “Forever’s Not Enough,” and her winning piece, “My Way.” The record also features two original tracks, “Ris” and “If This Is Love.”
Asked what she thought she still needed to improve as an artist, Fostanes said that, aside from her diction, she has to build more confidence onstage.
“I used to get heckled for my appearance in local singing contests,” she related. “I’ll do my best to get over that, to become a better singer.”
(E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph.)