From ‘Idol’ to ‘The Voice’

Patricia Bonilla and Mau Marcelo

Mau Marcelo (left) and Patricia Bonilla

When Patricia Bonilla was in elementary school, she found out that her mother, Mau Marcelo, was the first champion of the “Philippine Idol” singing tilt in 2006.

She related that she had only confirmed her mom’s achievement in Grade 4. “When I learned how to use the computer, I searched for her old music videos on YouTube,” the 14-year-old aspiring singer recalled. “That was when I realized it was true! I was so proud of my Mami! I really took after her as a singer.”

Mau recounted: “As early as 3 years old, I already noticed that Patricia could carry a tune.”

Soon enough, Patricia won her first singing contest. At age 5, a video of Patricia belting out “Habang May Buhay” made the rounds in cyberspace.

“It was taken during the recital of my music school in Lucena City,” related Mau, who now works as a singer-comedian at the Sun and Sky Al Rigga Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Mau quipped that she feels proud every time her daughter takes center stage.

During Patricia’s stint in “The Voice Teens,” Mau conceded that she had felt more nervous than the kid.

“At first, I had mixed emotions about it,” Mau owned up. “I was happy that she joined a prestigious contest, but I was also afraid because of the stiff competition. Still, she is a fighter and has a strong spirit.”

Although Patricia, who was a four-chair turner, didn’t make it to the finals, she was grateful for the experience just the same. “I learned a lot from the show. I was able to make lots of new friends my age. I also picked up new songs and techniques from my two coaches.”

Mau Marcelo (left) and Patricia Bonilla

Patricia was initially with Sharon Cuneta, but ended up with Bamboo during the Battles.

Apart from her dad Richie, Patricia’s most ardent coach (and cheerleader) remains to be Mami Mau.

“I tell her to be a dynamic performer onstage,” Mau pointed out. She likewise reminds the kid to be mindful of her diction. “That’s why she now has braces on, to correct the way she opens her mouth.”

Mau also teaches her daughter to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground, “to love her talent and always be grateful to God for the gift of music.”

Mau assured Patricia that life would go on even though she didn’t win in “The Voice Teens.” Mau herself lost in “Star for a Night” (in 2003, the same year future “The Voice” coach Sarah Geronimo won), before topping “Idol.”

Mau is set to have two shows in Singapore, with May May Entrata and Edward Barber on Aug. 6, and with KZ Tandingan and Ian Veneracion on Oct. 8.