Music – Life Hugger

Let’s talk about Gwyneth Dorado

October 26, 2015March 23, 2021 lifehuggermackieLeave a comment

Who is Gwyneth Dorado? If you have read my previous blog entitled “Asia’s Got Talent Auditions” she is the girl that I was talking about who advanced to the next level.

As I recall few months back, I suddenly remembered my journey when I auditioned for AGT (Asia’s Got Talent). I kept on wondering what happened with the results of her audition because I never got the chance to get their contact numbers. Until Suddenly, I came across youtube and saw a trending video:

I was so happy to find out that she was able to make it to Singapore! All I can remember is the Adorable kid with cute dimples and finally I found out her real name and that is Gwyneth Dorado. I like the comment that David Foster said after her performance:

Gwyn, being a star is not just about having a good voice and you got that covered and I can’t imagine how good you’re gonna sound when you’re 13, 14 or 15. You came out here… You were confident you have direction and you play the guitar well. You knew what exactly you’re going to do and you know your place in this business and I think this business has a place for you for sure.”

I immediately searched her name on facebook and was able to land to her official fan page. I sent her a private message last April 5 of this year. I gave my regards to her parents and wished her luck that I hope she can make it to the semi finals.

Watch her performance from semi finals to the grand finale of the competition:

Semi finals:

Grand finals:

I was so delighted that I was able to get in touch with her mom, Jheng Dorado. She is a very warm and humble person. It felt great to hear from them despite of not being able to get any contact. God made a way for us to meet once more.

12178972_10206530126510312_2120405964_n — *Myself together with Gwyn and her parents*

After the competition, I took the time to tone down the excitement because for sure Gwyn will be busy with enormous commitments. September came and I got the chance to bring back my communication with Gywn’s mom. I asked her if I can meet them soon to patch things up with their family. Luckily, our meet up finally pushed through even if it’s unexpected. We met at Sunrise Buckets at The Grove by Rockwell, Pasig City. I arrived at our meeting place 2 hours early before the agreed time of my appointment with them. I wanted to avoid the horrible traffic around the area and I wanted to make the most out of my time with Gwyn’s family.

When I received a text message from Gwyn’s mom that they are already around the premises, my heart skipped a bit because of excitement. Then finally, I saw them together with Gwyn. I was so happy to see them after almost a year from the audition. Gwyn has grown so much and she is still the same cute little girl with adorable dimples. I told myself… “Wow, may star quality na itong batang ito!” (Wow! This kid has a star quality now!). Ok, ok… I admit… I am a big fan of hers now.

We had our dinner and was able to reminisce of what has happened a year ago. I asked them what happened after the audition. They told me that Gwyn passed the first screening and were told to wait for a call from one of the AGT staff for details of what to do next. January of 2015 came and they have received a call from the staff of AGT that Gwyn needs to undergo an audition to Malaysia. The show provided everything, from the plane ticket down to the board and lodging plus pocket money. Luckily, Gwyn was able to pass the screening and was qualified to fly to Singapore and the rest was history.

It was such an honor that I was able to have my photo taken again with this aspiring young artist:

Thank you Gwyn for this lovely message for me. It was a pleasure talking to you too sweetheart 🙂

I promised Gwyn’s family that I will write a blog entry about our meet up. Unfortunately, it took me a long time to compose my entry for her. Maybe I was looking for more stories about this young lady. One day, I came across Gwyn’s facebook fan page and saw this poster on her timeline:

After seeing this poster, I immediately messaged Ms. Jheng (Gywn’s mom) how I can be able to watch the concert. Then from that moment, I was able to get 2 tickets for me and mom. It is my opportunity to take mom out for a little quality time with her.

We were able to arrive early in time for the concert. Mom and I had coffee together while waiting. It felt great when I saw again Gwyn’s Dad (Mr. Rey Dorado) and he was so accommodating. He introduced me to the manager of Gwyneth, her name is Ms. Mavic Lao. Ms. Mavs was the Talent Manager / Handler of Mavs Talents. She was the person who organized the first concert for Gwyn.

When the show was about to start, I had this feeling of a fan who is so excited to see her idol. Yes it is true, I could really feel that I am now a very big fan of this young lady.

Gwyn5 — *Gwyneth singing Jessie J’s “Nobody’s Perfect”*

Ready Set Show is a mini play of Ms. Mavic Lao’s talents and also a concert show for Gwyneth Dorado. The mini play entitled “Away bata” (Children’s fight) is all about honesty. It was excellently performed by the talents of Ms. Mavic. I give my salute to all the casts and crews behind this event as you have done a very good job in delivering good values to the youth of today.

The moment that Gwyn went out of the stage with her guitar, I was a little bit teary eyed of how she blossomed from the auditions to where she is now. I remember the exact words I told her parents while we were lining up during the auditions, “Sasamantalahin ko na magpapicture sa anak ninyo bago pa siya sumikat.” (I will take advantage to have my picture taken with your daughter before she becomes famous). To my surprise, I didn’t expect that she will make it this big. I guess God heard my prayers for this talented young lady.

After the show, I hurriedly approached the father of Gwyn if it is alright to have my picture taken with her daughter together with my mom. Watching her concert is such a delightful experience and at the same time it pave way for me to have a mother and daughter quality time.

Gwyn, I am so honored to personally meet you and your family. Continue to be an inspiration to the young people of your generation. Your talent can reach beyond horizon and with the grace of God, you will be able to make your dreams come true. Always remember that you have plenty of supporters behind you and that includes me 🙂

Sometimes, God has plenty of surprises. We meet people along the way, it is either they will stay or will just leave a footprint in our hearts. I am so happy that I have met people like Gwyn and her parents. God indeed is so unpredictable to what lies ahead in our lives. As we continue to travel in this exciting trip called “Life”, I am looking forward to meeting more people like Gwyneth. Til we meet again my dear friend.

Asia’s Got Talent Auditions

August 29, 2015January 4, 2017 lifehuggermackie3 Comments

I really don’t know what came into my mind after seeing the advertisement of Simon Cowell on AXN Channel. There was this sudden blood rush that went through my veins after seeing that commercial.

Watch the commercial video:

I remember the exact date when I saw this video, it was aired on the night of Wednesday (September 24, 2014), then the day of the Auditions will be on Sunday (September 28, 2014) right away. So that leaves me like 3 days to rehearse for my piece. I was hesitant at first, but at the back of my mind, my subconscious mind is telling me…

“Go for it, you can do it! What have you got to lose? Who cares what other people would think?!”

I posted a status on Facebook:

I treated this status as a joke. It was my cousin (Emerlyn Lampitoc) who pushed and convinced me that I should go for it. I was hesitant…really hesitant. I told her that I am not qualified to that competition because I don’t have the SKILLS. I thought about what she said, it was her comment on facebook that strongly convinced me to go for it:

“My darling Mackie – You have been through so much that you shouldn’t worry about “skills” . YOU ARE TALENTED. You’ve been singing since your were in grade school and even then everyone was saying how great a singer you are. And now, I’m sure you’re better than most of the singers who actually audition on that show. Go for it and know you already have international fans and that I’ve set money aside to buy your first album.”

Wow! That boosted my self-confidence to the max! So then, I started to look for a perfect song piece for my audition. I chose the song “Dance with my Father” sung by Celine Dion.

In preparation for my audition, I enrolled for a 2 day voice coaching at Center for Pop Music Philippines. I realized that being a singer is a tough profession. Aside from having a talent, you have to know the techniques like proper breathing, posture, knowing the proper song choice, etc.

These were the video and photos that kept me going:

Video Credit: American Idol

I had so many agendas listed for me to do. I wasn’t able to show up to my voice coach due to lack of time. I told myself, “Lord, pinagkakatiwala ko sa inyo ang aking talento” (Lord, I place my talent unto your hands).

I got the chance to visit my Dad’s grave at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes Cemetery) before the day of the audition. I talked to him for a while because I dedicate this audition to him. I really miss him so much and how I wish he was there for me as my no. 1 supporter. Even if he is not around, I know that he is proud of me.

The day finally came, with a few hours of sleep, I excitedly jumped off from my bed and took a quick bath. It was 3:00 in the morning, and it was as seem that I had an 8 hour sleep well in fact I only had 3 hahaha. I really wanted to be in front of the line to make sure that they won’t close the doors for me. In short I was too excited to showcase my talent.

We arrived at the SMX Convention Center around 5:00am and it was too dark. It was a blessing that my sister was with me, I told myself, “At least I’m early!” The venue was still closed so we decided to eat breakfast at Microtel and waited there. We went back to SMX around 7:00am and there were at least 10 people who are in line. The line quickly piled up with talents and we didn’t notice that it was already filling up the area. The organizers of Asia’s Got Talent were able to control the crowd. They directed us to the other side of the building were there are more spaces for the talents. The sad thing is, that side of the area is so hot! Well, we didn’t have a choice but to wait patiently under the sun. I was able to meet people from all walks of life. One person came all the way from Cebu City and the other one lives in Metro Manila.

I was able to have a long conversation with this one family. I wasn’t able to get their names but at least I got a photograph of their child. As I can barely recall, we were already sitting on the floor because of the long wait. Everyone in line were entertaining themselves. I asked the parents of the girl what talent she’s going to showcase, they said that their child is going to sing. The conversation continues and we didn’t notice that it is time for us to enter the building. Until finally the door opens for us after waiting for 3 hours! As we entered the area, we were all thrilled to feel the comfort of the air conditioner inside. We temporarily said goodbyes and went on our separate ways.

As you can see the photo at the right side of this paragraph, that is the view inside the Convention Center. I saw a lot of talented Filipinos as I entered the room. Some were hip hop group dancers, magicians, musicians, acrobatic dancers, and many more. I got a little bit intimidated for awhile but I told myself, “Mackie, you are who you are, you just have to do your best.”

We were grouped according to categories. After I register my name, we were directed to a place where we will wait for our names to be called. I heard someone said, “Calling Ms. Maricris Maglonzo!”, I immediately followed the organizer who directed me to the room where the judges are waiting. As I reached the area, I saw a few talents waiting for their turn. I met another set of talents, one person is a song writer and another one is a Theater Actor/Singer. I got the name of the Theater Actor, his name is Vien Alen King. We became instant friends, he is 10 years younger than me and I felt that he was a little bit nervous. I advised him that we just have to do our best and everything will be in God’s hands.

Everything was a breeze and it was my time to enter the room. I inhaled deeply before entering the room and the rest was history. To make the long story short, I was not accepted in short I was rejected!

I am grateful for this experience, what matters most is I gained a lot! I didn’t took notice of the people who told me “I told you so”, or “Just a wishful thinking”, but I focused on how I grew as a better person.

Wait, I forgot to mention to what had happened to the girl I met while waiting in line…. Luckily, she was accepted. I saw her advanced to the next level. Surprisingly, she was able to make it to go to Singapore!

Well, that is another story…. stay tuned to my next blog!

The Young Voice that Captured my Heart

August 24, 2015January 3, 2017 lifehuggermackieLeave a comment

I have been following the series of The Voice Kids Season 2. In our family, we have our own bets as to who will be the Grand Winner this season. My bet is Reynan Dal-Anay. All his song choices has touched my heart. What struck me most of his song numbers wen he sang “Itanong mo sa mga bata” Originally Sung by Asin.

Being a singer is not just having a good voice. To be a singer, one person must have good moral character. A person who has a positive outlook in life. Why did I say that? Because when a person sings, that person gives you the key to what is inside his heart. This kid is an expert of capturing the hearts of many through singing. He knows how to control his emotions whenever he sings. I have seen some singers who are becoming emotional when they perform, thus, their song number suffers.

This kid has his own unique way how to send his message to the society. His way of life tells us all. From the mountains of Bukidnon, you will directly determine how he was properly raised by his loved ones. Reynan, my support is with you and your full Tribo! You are a winner to me no matter what happens. Your battle begins after the competition and I believe you have created your mark in the Music Industry. You have my Salute!

Watch his videos below:

Blind Auditions (Tagumpay Nating Lahat)