Marked for love

MANILA, Philippines - “Anything na may worth will not come easy. Love is hard work,” said X Factor Philippines finalist Mark Mabasa.

When asked what things are of worth to him, he mentions the usual suspects: God, family, friends and work. Currently, out of all the items on the list, he is getting most of his lessons on love from work.

For someone who has been performing practically his whole life, singing was like breathing. Born in a family of balladeers and music lovers, he grew up spending his days honing his skills. After years of joining competitions and hosting gigs, he finally landed a spot in X Factor Philippines.

Although he prayed a lot and practiced to win, he only made it to the Top 11. He was discouraged. But like everything else in life, there is a purpose for all endings.

Mark got the will to keep moving forward with the help of his family, friends and fans. Soon after, on a trip to Singapore, he caught the attention of hitmaker and producer David Foster during his tour and was asked to sing onstage. Creating a buzz online, Mark landed several gigs after that, including the chance to sing with R&B star, Iyaz, in a New Year’s Eve countdown. He was also a special guest at John Ford Coley’s Valentine show.

“It’s really hard work and commitment. ’pag mahal mo, you keep working hard, and you don’t quit. I love what I do, so even if madaming obstacles, I don’t quit.

Maraming maninira, maraming magsasabi na ’wag ko ng ituloy, but love ko itong ginagawa ko at saka may mga naniniwala pa rin sa akin so hindi ako basta-basta susuko,” he says tearfully.

Well, hard work does pay off because he just had his pre-Valentine show at TriNoma last Feb. 1 with Karaoke World Championship country

representatives, JV Decena and Lilibeth Garcia, and Pilipinas Got Talent semi-finalist Rowel Quizon. The show was a success that he is going to bring it to the other Ayala Malls: Glorietta (Makati) on Feb. 24 and The Marquee (Pampanga), March 2.

Indeed, good things come to those who wait. With all these blessings coming his way, Mark believes that the only thing left to do is to continue to share his talent and celebrate what he loves the most.