Last week, Peter Rosalita, 10, not only stunned judges and audiences with his audition on America's Got Talent, but won over fans around the world with his viral performance of Eric Carmen's All By Myself.
The Filipino youngster, who was born in Abu Dhabi, dressed in a white suit paired with a blue shirt and tie for the occasion. Rosalita immediately charmed the show's four judges as he walked on to the stage and introduced himself.
Unsurprisingly, he got a resounding "yes" from all four judges, ensuring his place in the next round of the competition. While his fate on the show has yet to be broadcast, he's certainly not the first (and probably not the last) Filipino talent to go viral on a reality TV show.
From Jessica Sanchez on American Idol in 2012 to Cyrus Villanueva on The X Factor Australia in 2015, here's a look back at the most impressive performances from Filipino singers on reality TV shows over the years.
Jessica Sanchez, 'American Idol' 2012
Sanchez was only 16 when she finished as runner-up on American Idol in 2012. Filipinos from all over the world – including then Philippines president Noynoy Aquino and boxer Manny Pacquiao – rallied behind Sanchez, with many fans even allegedly illegally voting for her using Skype and VPNs.
Now aged 25, she's working on her third EP. In May, she released a single called Us as a response to xenophobia and racism related to the pandemic.
Angelica Hale, 'America’s Got Talent' 2017
Hale won over fans with her appearance on America's Got Talent in 2017 at the age of 11. She performed Andra Day's Rise Up for her audition, which made the audience rise to their feet, along with judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel.
The Filipino-American was given the golden buzzer in the judges' run and made it all the way to the finals, finishing as runner-up. Two years later she took part in America's Got Talent: The Champions, on which she received the golden buzzer that sent her through to the finals.
Since the show, she's released two singles and even joined Filipino boy band TNT Boys on their world tour.
Cyrus Villanueva, 'The X Factor Australia' 2015
Villanueva was the season-long front runner of The X Factor Australia 2015. He ended up winning the crown, with several of his performances topping the iTunes charts.
The then 18-year-old student credited his Filipino father – a performer known as Jo Vill – for teaching him how to sing and play the guitar and piano.
Villanueva's hit debut album, Cyrus, achieved gold status in Australia. However, he has since taken a step back and has not released any new material, but he continues to create and produce music for other artists.
Marlisa Punzalan, 'The X Factor Australia' 2014
Another singer who found success on The X Factor Australia, Punzalan was 15 when she became the youngest contestant to win the reality TV show in 2014.
Her winning single, Stand By You, was also nominated for the Aria Award for Song of the Year in 2015. Punzalan's debut album, titled Marlisa, even topped the UAE's iTunes charts in December 2014 and was later certified gold.
She has since performed internationally, including in the Philippines, and has released a song in Tagalog. Her last single, Thank You, came out in June 2018.
4th Impact, 'The X Factor UK' 2015
The Filipino girl group, consisting of sisters Almira, Irene, Mylene and Celina Cercado, appeared on the 12th season of The X Factor UK in 2015.
They went viral with their audition of Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. The video, which currently has 177 million views, is the most-watched video on The X Factor UK's YouTube page.
Although the group did not win and finished in fifth place, their appearance on the programme helped lead to more exposure, including performances around the world, even in Dubai in 2016.
Marcelito Pomoy, 'America's Got Talent: The Champions' 2020
Pomoy won Pilipinas Got Talent in 2011 and went viral after appearing on America's Got Talent: The Champions almost a decade later. He shocked judges and the audience with his impressive vocal range by performing a cover of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli's The Prayer and singing both parts interchangeably.
As such a unique act, he made it all the way to the finals, where he ultimately placed fourth overall.
Although he hasn't released any new music since 2013, Pomoy still makes television appearances in the Philippines and continues to sing.
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
In numbers
- Number of children under five will fall from 681 million in 2017 to 401m in 2100
- Over-80s will rise from 141m in 2017 to 866m in 2100
- Nigeria will become the world’s second most populous country with 791m by 2100, behind India
- China will fall dramatically from a peak of 2.4 billion in 2024 to 732 million by 2100
- an average of 2.1 children per woman is required to sustain population growth
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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The finalists
Player of the Century, 2001-2020: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ronaldinho
Coach of the Century, 2001-2020: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jose Mourinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), Sir Alex Ferguson
Club of the Century, 2001-2020: Al Ahly (Egypt), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain)
Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Club of the Year: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid
Coach of the Year: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Hans-Dieter Flick (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Agent of the Century, 2001-2020: Giovanni Branchini, Jorge Mendes, Mino Raiola
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
Tell-tale signs of burnout
- loss of confidence and appetite
- irritability and emotional outbursts
- sadness
- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue
- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more
- impaired judgement
- excessive and continuous worrying
- irregular sleep patterns
Tips to help overcome burnout
Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do
Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones
Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation
Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
More coverage from the Future Forum
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
