It was a beautiful surprise this past May when I received a message via Instagram asking me to perform on a television special for TFC (The Filipino Channel) to celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27th.
I was contacted by Roslynn Alba Cobarrubias, ABS-CBN Global Head of Music & Talent, and Marlino Bitanga, Program Director of myxRADIO and founder and host of global podcast Heavy Rotation. They informed me that the program would be “highlighting the best in music in Canada” and other performers would include international artists Inigo Pascual and Kiana V. My answer was an immediate “yes” because I knew that this would be a wonderful chance to represent and give back to my beloved city of Winnipeg and amazing country of Canada, especially during the month of June which is Filipino Heritage Month.
I released my debut album “Only the Beginning” in 2012 and my sophomore album “Gratitude” in 2015, and as an R&B/pop singer-songwriter I have always received incredible support from not only the Filipino community but from Winnipeg’s diverse, multicultural community. Therefore it was an honour to put together and record my segment from home with the help and fantastic talent of Jeff Agapito. As an artist who calls the live stage her home, it was certainly a new and interesting experience! In my short introduction I definitely had to mention the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba’s Asian Canadian Festival for which I have been a performer since 2004, as well as the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival which has been a joy to perform at since its inaugural year in 2012.
I chose to perform the title track to my “Gratitude” album which I wrote in dedication to my phenomenal parents Nestor and Adel Ponce, thanking them for all of their sacrifices and unconditional love and support. And of course, immense gratitude is what I feel for our country and all of the continuous blessings in our lives. TFC’s celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day will air on television on the TFC TV networks (Canada and USA), myxTV network (USA), myxRADIO on Dash Radio (worldwide), the TFC Canada Facebook page, and PLACA TV Facebook page. Fellow Winnipeg artists Vinsint, John Concepcion, and Jessie Cabrera will also be a part of the show. Tune in on Saturday, June 27th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm CDT!
