Getting to wear nice clothes a dream come true for ‘The Clash’ champ Jessica Villarubin

Jessica Villarubin

As someone who used to only borrow clothes for singing competitions, “The Clash” season 3 champion Jessica Villarubin said getting dolled up for her very first music video was a dream come true.

“I used to dream of having nice dresses. Back when I was joining different contests, I would just rent or borrow from my fellow singers. I didn’t own my accessories … It’s especially hard when the contest is held in a mall—you have to put on a nice gown!” Jessica said, laughing. “I also borrow stuff from a cousin whose mother is a seamstress.”

That’s why shooting the video for her single “Beautiful,” was an experience she won’t forget. “Now, I get to experience wearing nice clothes and being made up, so I always make sure to take a lot of photos!” she said at a recent virtual press conference. “I felt so happy and giddy.”

Directed by Louie Ignacio, the video also features GMA 7 artist Yasser Marta. Jessica admitted that she was nervous at first, but eventually got the hang of working the camera. “I used to perform at hotels and such, and I feel comfortable in front of people. But it’s different when there are cameras pointed at you, zooming in and taking different shots,” she related.

Life-changing

“I’m very thankful to Direk Louie for guiding me through the process. I didn’t know how to act at first. But Direk coached me on how to emote … kung paano mag-aura!” said Jessica, who was also excited about the song, because it’s far from the usual love ballads she performs. “It’s danceable and I’m happy I’m getting good feedback. I want to show that I can do other styles.”

And when she finally saw the final edit, Jessica couldn’t help but turn emotional. “I felt like crying after watching it. Seeing the video made me realize just how much my life has changed,” she said.

Since winning “The Clash” in December 2020, Jessica has released two singles and recorded theme songs for two teleseryes. The Cebuana singer is also a mainstay in the weekend variety show “All-Out Sundays,” where she still gets starstruck. “Performing with the likes of Lani Misalucha and Aicelle Santos is nerve-wracking. But I feel excited at the same time,” she said.

“I still can’t believe that I now get to sing with some of the people I idolize and used to just watch on television. I get starstruck, because I aspire to be like them,” said Jessica, who has also gotten some valuable advice from her more seasoned colleagues.

“They always remind me to stay humble. They remind me that this isn’t an easy industry to navigate; you have to work hard and persevere because there are many talented people out there. They told me to keep on practicing and improving my singing.”

Positive outlook

Jessica, who recently signed with GMA Artist Center, said she’s happy with how her career is unfolding so far. “So many things have happened already. And it feels heartening to know that there are people who trust me, because I didn’t have much faith in myself back then,” she said.

Criticisms are inevitable, but Jessica chooses to focus on the positive. “Whether you do something good or bad, people will have something to say. There’s so many beautiful things happening in my life now and I want to focus on that,” she said. “Failure or rejection is part of the journey and will only help you become stronger.” INQ