‘The Voice Teens’ champ happy to prove her bashers wrong

Jona Soquite, declared the first grand champion of “The Voice Teens Philippines,” admitted that she was aware of the negative comments she got from netizens even before the season had its finale on Sunday night.

“They didn’t want me to win in this competition. But looking at the results now, I’m happy that I’ve proven them wrong,” the 14-year-old told reporters shortly after the ceremony held inside the ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City.

Jona garnered 44.78 percent of the combined text and online voting results. This was half of what second placer, Isabela Vinzon, 15, of Team Bamboo, received (22.42 percent). Team Lea’s Mica Becerro, 15, placed third with a score of 17.79 percent, and behind her was fourth placer Jeremy Glinoga, 17, of Team Sharon, with 15.01 percent.

Jona’s coach, Sarah Geronimo, had this to say to her ward’s bashers: “I’m already used to what you’re doing. I respect your opinion. You can clearly see how amazing this child is as a singer. She’s never boastful. She knows how to listen.”

Addressing Jona’s critics, who claimed that “The Voice” has had one too many belters, Sarah pointed out: “She isn’t your typical biritera. She’s versatile. She can sing any song you give her—and sing it well. I’m proud of her.”

Before impressing the audience with her version of R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” on Sunday night, Jona sang a duet (“Better Days”) with Sarah, then did a solo performance of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” on Saturday.

Jona is the third grand champion to have come from Sarah’s team. Lyca Gairanod was the winner of the first season of “The Voice Kids,” and Jason Dy won the title during the second regular season of the Kapamilya talent search.

Dubbed the “Tabing Ilog Sweetheart of Davao,” Jona has joined various singing contests in Davao City. She said this was to raise money so she could secure a home for her family that lives by a river.

That night, she finally got to keep her promise to her family. She won P1 million cash; P1-million worth of trust fund; a P2-million life insurance plan; fashion, business and dental-service packages, and a brand-new house and lot.

“My parents and I would still have to decide what to do with the money. What’s more important to me is the house,” Jona said. “Living near the river is dangerous. I want to transfer them to the new one as soon as possible.”