The end of another season

From left: Vanjoss Bayaban of Team Sarah, Carmelle Collado of Kamp Kawayan and Cyd Pangca of FamiLea

On Sunday night, a brand new The Voice Kids champion was heralded. From Pangasinan came Vanjoss Bayaban, a 12-year-old with a huge voice (he turned 13 yesterday… Happy Birthday to you!) who had his sights set on the biggest prize.

Sure enough, thanks to this three-chair turner choosing Coach Sarah Geronimo, he won the title in this, our show’s fourth season.

Out of so many thousands of young artists who auditioned for us singing in different styles and genres of music, this one young man did it. He won the cash prize (P2 million), the recording contract (with MCA Music) and the house and lot (worth P2 million). His life now will be forever changed.

The two other young artists, Carmelle Collado of Kamp Kawayan and Cyd Pangca of FamiLea, also performed well, much to the pride of their coaches and respective teams.

Next step

We are so blown away by—and proud of—all you have achieved! You can hold your heads very high knowing you have done your absolute best. The next step for all of you is the career, and I pray that you three have amazing ones, as you are just that talented and deserving of all that your hearts desire.

And now, we all rest for a little bit before the next round of craziness on our own lives.

Coming shows

In my case, I’ve got an Australian tour coming up beginning at the QPAC in Brisbane for two performances on Nov. 9, then the Sydney Opera House for one performance on Nov. 15, and two on Nov. 16, and finally at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on Nov. 20 and 21.

It’s always great fun heading to Australia, so if you happen to be around, please come for the stories and the music. We’ll be glad to have you!

Right after Oz, another helping of meat pies courtesy of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will be served, this time in Singapore at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8. It’ll be the exact same production as the one that just played in Manila.

Needless to say, the entire company is excited to bring this production over and we’re all looking forward to the shows and food tripping when we can. Already we are making plans to get together with our friends, so we know we’ll be coming home a few kilos heavier (and happier).

At this moment, I’m just enjoying whatever down time I have before I have to start filling up my suitcase once again. A rare few days of peace and quiet to prepare. I do relish and appreciate moments like this, but know that I’m only too excited for the craziness to come.

For all of it, I am grateful.