Cha-Cha off to Hollywood for WCOPA

MANILA, Philippines - If there is one thing Cha-Cha Cañete feels excited about these days, it will be her scheduled flight to the US on July 12. Cha-Cha, together with the other Philippine delegates, will represent the country in the 17th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) which will be held in Hollywood on July 12 to 21.

The eight-year-old Goin’ Bulilit star was chosen to compete in the junior division as solo vocalist in five categories namely, Broadway, Pop, Gospel/Inspirational, Open and Original.

“I feel nervous and excited because it is my first time to compete,” says Cha-Cha who was only four years old when she initially caught the public attention via the TV commercial for Camella Homes. “And it is also my first time to go to America.”

Many probably are wondering if she could carry a tune without a hitch just like Lea Salonga or Sarah Geronimo whom Cha-Cha says is her favorite singer. It may be too harsh to compare Cha-Cha for singing stars way beyond her age but anyone who would hear Cha-Cha’s rendition of Tomorrow, which Lea performed in the Broadway musical Annie years ago, will agree that the kiddie star could also possibly make a good career in the music scene. In fact, her past albums such as Bulilit Rockstar and Mutya-Cha have already proven her right for a fair share of the musical spotlight. It was in one of the episodes of Goin’ Bulilit where Cha-Cha’s music video titled Bakit O Bakit made its TV debut.

According to Cha-Cha, both her parents have an innate talent for singing. “I was six when I discovered that I can also sing well,” Cha-Cha shares. “From then on, I practice every day” with Alicia Keys’ Girl on Fire as her favorite musical piece.

Prepping up for the competition, Cha-Cha follows a number of do’s and don’t’s to the letter saying, “no ice cream and chocolates for now.” She, too, devotes some two hours, from Thursday to Sunday, for singing lessons under vocal coach Badette Bautista and Marielle Mamaclay, the 2010 WCOPA Grand Champion Performer and Vocalist of the World.

Having had the experience on the WCOPA stage, Teacher Marielle sees in Cha-Cha the qualities of a contestant fit to compete in the junior division. “She possesses a voice range perfect for her age. Her being an actress is an advantage because she knows how to carry herself on stage while performing. Her ability to give the right emotion to the song connects her to the audience. Importante din kasi yung stage presence.”

National director of WCOPA for the Philippines Gerry Mercado agrees. “Cha-Cha sings very well so we have a very good chance of winning in the competition. We will promote Philippines to the world by showing how beautiful and talented Pinoys are.”

As a matter of fact, Gerry shares, Cha-Cha was asked to sing by the consul during her interview at the US Embassy and “he liked her voice.” What came next? She was approved to go to the US carrying a 10-year multiple entry visa.

No, Gerry says, Cha-Cha need not force herself to hit high notes or what is popularly known as birit in the vernacular, to show her vocal chops. He should know because Gerry and his wife were among the members of the WCOPA jury from 2006 to 2011. Each contestant is only given one minute to perform his/her piece. Participants from over 50 countries will be joining this year’s staging of the competition.

WCOPA, Gerry adds, is not just about competition but also an educational tool for all the contestants as they will undergo a workshop in the boot camp before the competition starts. Also present in the workshop are representatives from Disney, Nickelodeon and different talent agencies who are on the lookout for new talents to be discovered.

“All the contestants have the chance to be discovered because after the competition, there are go-sees. It’s really one great experience to be in WCOPA,” Gerry assures.

In the US, Cha-Cha will be accompanied by her aunt Nancy. “My parents will not be able to go with me because they are in Davao attending to our food business,” says Cha-Cha who also looks forward to visiting Disneyland and Universal Studios.   

Camella Homes and Moose Girl are generous enough to sponsor her US trip.