CHARIE Vega (3rd from left) chose the Euro Pop singing competition delegates (from left) Gian Gloria, Ana Ramsey, Chacha Cañete and Glee Nette Gaddi.
The grand prize for the coming ninth edition of the Euro Pop Contest: Berliner Perle may be only 500 euros, but for Charie Vega, who picked the Philippines’ delegates to the international singing contest, giving young singers the experience and honor of representing the Philippines was priceless.
The four-day singing competition will begin on Nov. 27 in Berlin, Germany.
“The prize isn’t all that much, but being part of a singing contest in Europe is a rare opportunity,” Vega said at a recent press conference. “The great thing is that the champion gets to record his or her winning piece in Berlin, which will then be distributed in Europe.”
Vega is the managing director of Vega Entertainment Productions, which also selects contestants for the annual World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States.
After a series of auditions, Vega selected five singing hopefuls: Natalie Martinez and Chacha Cañete (10-13 years old division), Glee Nette Gaddi (14-17 years old) and Gian Marla Gloria and Ana Ramsey (18-24 years old).
Still searching
Vega said she was still searching for one more singer to take the remaining slot in the 14-17 years old category.
Vega added that she and her team were still in the process of looking for possible sponsors to fund the trip, which will include airfare, accommodation and other expenses. She said she was also seeking support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Asked what prompted her to take on such responsibility, Vega said it was her desire to help aspirants to fulfill their dreams. “I’ve encountered a lot of good singers, but not all are given breaks,” she said.
Launched in 2005, Euro Pop was initially open only to European countries. But in 2009, Israel, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan were invited. This year will be the Philippines’ first time to participate.
“I’m very confident about our chances,” Vega said of the country’s delegates, who will be required to sing two songs in the competition—a world hit and an original composition. She also said the team was being trained by the singing group 5th Gen, which she manages.
Following in the footsteps
Ramsey, 21, has been singing and dreaming of becoming a famous music artist—just like her grandmother Elizabeth and aunt Jaya—since elementary school. She hopes that a good showing at Euro Pop 2014 will push her a step closer toward her goal.
“I’ve [wanted to] become a singer ever since I discovered that I have the talent. I’m praying for the best,” she told the Inquirer. “I’ll work hard before the contest; I’ll push myself.”
Among Ramsey’s musical influences are Beyoncé, Jessie J, Aretha Franklin, Etta James and, of course, her grandmother. “She’s supportive. I’m thankful I have her because not everyone is blessed to have a grandmother like her,” said the younger Ramsey, who has joined various local talent searches like “Star Power” on ABS-CBN.
“My lola is an inspiration and I hope to continue the family legacy,” she added.
Musical theater training
Gloria, a 24-year-old theater singer-actress, became interested in musicals when she was 13. She eventually decided to make it a career after earning her digital filmmaking degree from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).
“I would love to bring honor to our country,” said Gloria, who has starred in productions like “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Fantasticks.” She added that she and her fellow contestants had been doing cardio training to help them adjust to the cold weather in Berlin next month.
While she preferred singing pieces from musicals, Gaddi, also from DLS-CSB, said she had been focusing on pop music for the past couple of months. “I’ve been taking voice lessons since I was 5,” said Gaddi, now 17. “I’ve learned how to sing pop, jazz and classical songs.”
Despite winning five medals in WCOPA 2011, Gaddi said she still got nervous onstage. “I’ve entered lots of competitions, but I’ve never gotten used to the jitters,” she said, adding that she did not want to have any expectations about the contest.
“I’ll just do my best to win. I believe that things happen for a reason—if it’s for me, it will happen,” she said. “Representing the country is a lot of pressure, but I hope to also enjoy my first trip to Europe.”