Pinoys can Sing

"Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Walang tatalo sa Pinoy." Long live the Philippines. Nobody can beat the Filipino. That' s what Cora Bueno said after her son Vincent Bueno won the Austrian TV talent show Musical! Die Show on Jan. 11, 2008. The only Asian contestant, he won the hearts and votes of televiewers with his exceptional rendition of memorable songs from broadway favorites like Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera.

Born on Dec. 10, 1985, he had been dancing since age 4, could play 4 instruments by the time he was 11 and graduated in music and theater from the Vienna Conservatory of Music. His musical inclination was probably influenced by his father Tony, a former vocalist and lead guitarist of a local 1970 band. Even though he was born in Vienna, Vincent can speak Filipino fluently, in addition to English and German. After he was declared grand champion, he proudly shouted "Philippines" three times.

I know, Vincent Bueno is not a Fil-Am. Just on my 4th post and I'm already veering away from my mission. I just see this as an extension of my quest. After receiving numerous emails from my relatives about all the other proud Filipinos out there getting international attention, I could not resist.

I could not ignore recognizing the talent of Madonna Decena, the 32-year old single mom from Quezon City who impressed the judges as well as the standing-ovation crowd on Britain's Got Talent. Her interpretation of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You brought judge Amanda Holden to tears. And then, there's 10-year old Charlie Green, who also made it to the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent with Summer Wind. As in Austria, the Filipino community should rally behind these kababayans so that come May 31, another Filipino talent will become victorious.

And of course, there is Arnel Pineda. Everybody now knows how Neal Schon, the guitarist of Journey was searching you tube for a future lead singer when he came across the band The Zoo with Arnel Pineda belting ala-Steve Perry. Arnel has revived the band and has been hailed as the "future for the franchise." Journey has taken him to performances in Chile and Las Vegas. They are scheduled to release a new album in June followed by promotional tours in Europe and the USA, and later Japan, Australia and the Philippines.

And through Arnel and our featured artists, the world will recognize the talent that is in the Filipino.

(I encourage you to click on the highlighted text for links to videos and other info.)