Why Manila visit is Jessica Sanchez’s big goal

JESSICA Sanchez on Skype. videograb

Jessica Sanchez’s endorsement contract with Philippine clothing brand Bench is said to be worth at least six figures in US dollars.

“We are thrilled to welcome the voice that has won the hearts of many. Truly proud to have Jessica Sanchez (@JSanchezAI11) part of the #Benchsetter family,” said Bench on its Twitter account last week.

This is the first Philippine product endorsement for the Fil-Am singing sensation after her first runner-up finish in “American Idol” this year. Jollibee is also said to have formally offered her an endorsement deal.

Sanchez, who turns 17 on Saturday, and Korean actor Lee Min-ho are the latest international celebrities to sign up with Bench. The list includes Bruno Mars, David Archuleta, Michael Trevino, Lucy Hale, Joe Jonas, and Super Junior members Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae.

‘Crazy stuff’

On Sunday, Sanchez chatted with her Filipino fans via Skype video at a promotional event held in SM Megamall.

Asked about her coming debut album, Sanchez said it would have “crazy stuff”  that would reveal both her fun and serious sides. (The album will be released in October on Interscope Records.)

Broadway.com said Sanchez was “in talks” to play the lead role in the film adaptation of the award-winning stage musical “Miss Saigon,” to be directed by Lee Daniels. Other online news sites reported that she was “in negotiations” to join the fourth season of the TV series “Glee.”

These will all have to wait until the end of this year’s “American Idols Live!” tour. The concert series—which features the top 10 finalists and has 45 dates in North America—winds up Sept. 21 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The visit to the Philippines, where her mother was born, is her biggest goal at the moment, Sanchez said during Sunday’s video chat.

An online post of the show’s repertoire indicates that Sanchez has seven production numbers and three solo spots. “Expect a lot of fun and dancing,” she told her Filipino fans.