Filipino-Mexican takes a stab at showbiz

Yes, the Mexican-looking girl with that signature Latina long, curly tresses who sang Star Spangled Banner during the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez bout in March is part Filipino. Her name is Jasmine Villegas whose vocals is bigger than her fragile, petite frame and who can perform Alicia Keys’ No One and Jessa Zaragoza’s Bakit Pa? with much gusto.

“Hi, my name is Jasmine V. I’m a singer, dancer and actress. I’m Filipino-Mexican,” begins the 14-year-old singer who is being compared to artists like Keys and Whitney Houston. “I have appeared on Disney. I guested on Threat Matrix and My Wife & My Kids. I also did campaigns for Levi’s and Mary Kate & Ashley and did commercials for McDonalds back in the States. I’ve been singing for three years now.”

Singing has opened many doors for Jasmine. The “Angel with an Old Soul” is a fixture in sports events, where she renders the American national anthem. She has graced the basketball games of Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, and boxing matches featuring Antonio Margarito, Paul Williams, Winky Wright and Jermain Taylor. She has even performed in baseball matches of Anaheim Angels.

Through these national anthem stints, Jasmine has somehow gained confidence as a performer. It’s not surprising why she considers Star Spangled Banner her favorite song along with fast ones and love songs where she can show off her vocal range and calisthenics.

“I like all music genres,” says Jasmine whose mom is Filipino and dad, part Mexican, part German, part Irish and part American. “My music is a mix of R&B, soul and pop. It calls and encourages children to follow their dreams no matter who they are and where they come from. My music also reflects my personality and who I am.”

The young singer’s soulful tone and playful personality are showcased in ditties Hot Like Fire, (Could This Be A) Crush, I’ll Be Around, Think Big and Anything’s Possible. The latter speaks of Jasmine’s way of thinking that has helped her achieve the popularity she is enjoying now.

Jasmine also endorses products and acts. She has done print ads for Macys, Hewlett Packard, Kohls, American Girl and Home Depot, among others, and graced That’s So Raven, House Broken and The Nine. She has also appeared in movies like Land Before Time and Daddy’s Day and music videos (Kanye West’s Jesus Walks as a little angel). Jasmine likes Rachel McAdams for her versatility and Steve Martin for his comedic skills.

From the Land of Milk and Honey, Jasmine is testing the waters of entertainment here. It’s her first time to see her mom’s native country. Manny Pacquiao and Eric Pineda are Jasmine’s representatives in the Philippines.

“I’m here to get interviews and to perform,” says Jasmine of her visit. “I hope everything goes well.” Televiewers have seen her on 24 Oras and Kung Ako Ikaw.

“Filipinos are very talented,” replies Jasmine when asked about the resurgence of half-Pinoy Hollywood stars like Vanessa Hudgens, Rob Schneider, Lou Diamond Phillips and Tia Carere. “I’m very proud they’re making it. Hopefully, it will work that way to me.”

Where is music in her life?

“It’s very important to me, especially when I feel down or have a bad hair day or bad experience,” answers Jasmine. People can relate to me through it.”

Is Jasmine willing to sing Land of the Morning (Lupang Hinirang) after Star Spangled Banner? She just answers with a resounding yes.