Marlisa, whose real name is Marlisa Ann Punzalan, is a 15-year old Filipina protégé who is making waves abroad specifically in countries like Australia where she won the grand finals of the talent search reality show “X-Factor Australia” in 2014. And, get this, she happens to also be the show’s youngest ever winner. She was so impressive that she landed a recording deal with Sony Music Australia after that season of the talent search reality show had wrapped up.
Wow, talk about making an immediate impact! Marlisa has accomplished this in such a short time since she made her national television debut Down Under.
When I think of it, one can say she did break uncharted new ground for Filipinos by achieving this great feat in Australia. It just truly further cements our countrymen’s reputation of being truly musically gifted. Indeed, to hear about, and read that, another Filipino has “struck gold” overseas only makes me prouder that we come from the same nationality.
Truly, to those blessed with the “gift of singing,” Marlisa Ann Punzalan has proven that to “make it big” internationally is not only possible but more importantly attainable for those who have a dream and follow it no matter how many years it takes.
MARLISA
In my opinion, Marlisa is someone we should all keep an eye out for, especially in the coming years because I have a good feeling we will be hearing more of this bright young star in the near future.
Having started to join and win singing competitions at the tender age of 9 years old only, by now, Marlisa already has a stable foundation under her.
Her steady rise in the international scene can be attributed also to the fact that she has formed good work ethic that bespeaks of not only her superior talent but also of her maturity beyond her years as shown in the manner she conducted herself throughout the duration of her very successful run in the “X-Factor Australia” that effectively kickstarted her international career into the next level!
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She certainly has “it”
I would like to share a thought with my fellow music aficionados which comes to mind as I write this article about Marlisa. One of the many lessons I have learned in my continuing journey into our wonderful world of popular music is that for a certain individual to possess that elusive “It” does not really matter how young you are, or how old you are, as a matter of fact.
It is just that when you have that much sought after “It” factor—admittedly, a rare and sought-after quality—possessing that elusive quality will help carry you over for the rest of your professional singing career.
And in the young, talented Marlisa’s case, her highly impressive vocal prowess is her “It” factor which has caught the attention of everyone else who has had the good fortune of either hearing her sing or watching her perform.
I can even recall that just last year her name would be thrown in sporadically in discussions I would have with my fellow music aficionados. Right there and then—I just realize now—Marlisa’s name was already in circulation among the different music groups. This is a positive sign that Marlisa is generating mass interest already.
And that fact definitely made me want to learn more about her and curiosity has led me to watch a handful of her performances on the “X-Factor Australia” which were uploaded on YouTube. Her fan base has grown exponentially as more and more music aficionados have taken notice of Marlisa. And why shouldn’t this happen? After all, there is more to her than just being another pretty face with a decent singing voice—substance also lies within her which I will discuss below.
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A surprising mix of old and new traits
While watching some of her uploaded performances on YouTube, there were a few things about Marlisa that struck me and got me thinking, and I could not but help compare Marlisa to one of our finest singers in OPM history. Even at first glance and especially when I would observe her intricate and refined singing style, for some reason I could see a little bit of a young Lani Misalucha in her. Yes! Marlisa, perhaps unknowingly, does share some similarities with “Asia’s Nightingale” herself. But trust me when I say that this is more of a phase in Marlisa’s very young career and, without doubt, she will soon become more and more of her own person.
My second observation is that even though she covers popular songs in the Top 40 hits—as most everyone else does—her renditions still hold enough “self-identity.” This means that she gets to add her own personal touches to these songs leaving her imprint on them, from her vocal nuances and the subtle changes she employs to her singing techniques, depending on the genre of the song she is covering. All these are evidence enough for me that Marlisa knows exactly what she is doing and she inserts enough of her own personality in any song she has covered so far.
For example, when she performed a classic power ballad song from the early 90’s “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders, you still know it is not a mere cover on her part but it is really Marlisa’s own version of it.
I encourage my fellow music aficionados to watch her performances which have been uploaded on YouTube so that you will also see the observations I have pointed out above, as also to get a better understanding of what Marlisa has to offer on the world stage.
I will end my article about her here as there will be more things to learn about her and Marlisa has yet to reach her full potential as a singer and that is a good thing because this means she will continue to get even better over time.
Please do read below the dates and venues of Marlisa’s performances when she comes very soon. Here is your chance to see another bright young star who has carried on the “long proud tradition” of Filipinos making waves abroad because of their impressive level of musical talent.
Go see one of her live performances scheduled to take place here in our country as that would be an excellent way to welcome her back home.
Mabuhay ka, Marlisa !
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MARLISA LIVE IN MANILA!
With a promising international career, Marlisa gives back to her roots with “Marlisa Philippine Promo Tour” this February. The 15-year-old will be visiting the country with 3 days’ worth of itinerary, touring the Metro to promote her music:
• February 13 (Fri.) / 2 PM: Lucky Chinatown Atrium
• February 13 (Fri.) / 7 PM: Eastwood Mall Open Park
• February 14 (Sat.) / 7 PM: Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill
By the 15th, Marlisa will be meeting with media for some performances and interviews, allowing her local fans to get to know more of her and her music.
A busy life but a very exciting feat for a young girl. Marlisa and her sound are definitely ready to take over.
“Marlisa Philippine Promo Tour” is brought to you by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Eastwood Mall, Lucky Chinatown, VenicePiazza at McKinley Hill.
Follow Ivory Music & Video on Facebook for updates on your favorite artists including Marlisa at https://www.facebook.com/ivorymusicandvideophilippines.