‘The Clash’ 3 winner Jessica Villarubin bares most difficult part of her career journey

Jessica Villarubin

For Jessica Villarubin, winner of the third season of “The Clash,” the most difficult part of her journey was, quite literally, traveling to Manila and leaving her hometown in San Fernando, Cebu. She had second thoughts. Aside from COVID-19, Jessica was also wary of giving up her job, because she’s the breadwinner of her family of 11.

“I was scared and nervous to go to Manila because of the pandemic … But I decided to take the risk for the sake of my longtime dream,” she told the Inquirer.

The new GMA 7 recording artist was the only one among her siblings to finish her studies. And she paid for her tuition by doing gigs and joining amateur singing competitions.

She would have already been happy performing on television. But she got more than what she asked for. In the show’s grand finals last December, she went toe to toe with finalist Jennie Gabriel, and eventually triumphed after singing her contest piece, “Habang May Buhay.”

“I was in the bottom two twice prior to the finals. But I have learned that no matter what problems we run into, we shouldn’t lose hope,” said Jessica, who took home P1 million cash, a house and lot, a brand-new car, and an exclusive management contract with GMA Artist Center.

She dedicated her win to her family—her source of inspiration and the reason she continues to fight—and vowed to help them put up a business and continue their studies. Jessica is looking forward to performing with her fellow Kapuso artists, especially those who were part of “The Clash.” “I want to work with Miss Lani (judge) and Julie Anne San Jose (host), because they’re my idols” the 24-year-old belter pointed out. “I’m really excited to work with Kapuso artists. I will always give my best in every performance I do and I will continue to improve my singing,” she added.