Cebuano on centerstage

CEBU, Philippines — Born Sharon Garcia Magdayao, singer and actress Vina Morales started her career when she joined the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish Church choir in the then municipality of Bogo, northern Cebu, when she was nine years old.

Songwriter Fr. Fritz T. Malinao recognized her potential as a singer, and asked her to sing a song he wrote, titled “Paglaum,” for a pop music competition in Cebu City. She did not only win the competition, representatives of a major film-and-music label were also wowed by her performance.

She was offered a recording and acting contract, which led to her debut acting role co-starring megastar Sharon Cuneta in the film “Nakagapos na Puso.” The film led to other roles in films like “Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum,” “Anghel Na Walang Langit,” and more.