Hard work finally pays off for Vanjoss

“The Voice Kids” champion Vanjoss Bayaban

Vanjoss Bayaban’s favorite pastime is watching singing competitions on television with his father. Little did he know that he would one day end up being in one of those—and a massively popular one at that.

And now, he can call himself “The Voice Kids” Season 4 champion.

The 13-year-old aspiring recording artist, who hails from Asingan, Pangasinan, bested two other finalists at the talent search’s recent two-day grand finals held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.

Vanjoss, who competed under the tutelage of pop star Sarah Geronimo, belted out “Habang May Buhay” with his coach for the Duets round; “Titanium” in Upbeat Showstopper; and “You Raise Me Up” in Power Ballad.

For his performances, Vanjoss dominated the polls, with 62.11 percent of the text and internet votes to Carmelle Collado’s (Team Bamboo) 24.74 percent and Cyd Pangca’s (Team Lea Salonga) 13.15 percent.

“Always sing from your heart, draw inspiration from your family and dreams,” Sarah told Vanjoss before they took the stage.

Like his coach, Vanjoss’ singing talent was honed by his father. “I learned how to sing when I was 4 years old. My father (Bayani) was my teacher. We love watching competitions,” Vanjoss related. “I want to thank my father for always supporting me.”

Bayani, who also maintains a small welding shop in their hometown, was a kontesero himself. “I used to join amateur contests when I was young. So when I discovered that Vanjoss has that talent, I started to train him,” he said. “I watch contests and pick up pointers on how to help my son improve.”

“I’m so happy to see that our hard work is finally paying off,” Bayani added.

Prior to his win, Vanjoss said he wanted to take home the prize, so that his mother, Evelyn, a domestic helper in Hong Kong, no longer has to work overseas. “She works abroad so that I could go to school and provide a better life for me and our family,” he said. “I want to assure her that I will finish my studies.

And Vanjoss got what he wished for. His mother isn’t returning to Hong Kong anytime soon.

“Even when he was younger, Vanjoss would call me up after winning a contest and say, ‘Mom, I won P3,000—uwi ka na!” Evelyn related. “I’m so happy with what my son has achieved.”

“I promise that I will take care of them (my parents) habang may buhay,” Vanjoss said.