BALANGA CITY, Philippines – A grand welcome awaits X-Factor Australia winner Marlisa Punzalan here if she decides to come home.
Punzalan’s relatives and neighbors in Barangay Lalawigan in Samal town were jubilant over her victory.
Philippine Councilors’ League Bataan chapter president Manuel Beltran also congratulated Punzalan for her win.
Punzalan’s grandparents, like that of “American Idol” runner-up Jessica Sanchez, hail from Samal town. Sanchez is a granddaughter of retired US Navy serviceman Eddie Bugay of Barangay San Juan, about two kilometers away from Barangay Lalawigan.
Punzalan, whose parents are both Filipinos based in Sydney, is the youngest champion of the talent search in Australia since 2005.
She bested two other contestants in the grand finals held Monday. Former Boyzone member Ronan Keating mentored her.
She received a standing ovation from the judges for her rendition of the Beatles’ “Yesterday,” one of three songs she performed. She also sang “Stand by You” and “Never be the Same” with Australian R &B and pop singer Jessica Maulboy.
Her victory comes three months after another Filipina, former caregiver Rose Fostanes, won in X-Factor Israel.