Grant Dosdos: The prince of Cebu pop

More often than not, child performers draw out the most attention from audiences. It's these gifted youngsters' age of innocence and early discovery of talent that give them an edge over others in claiming more smiles and applause from the crowd. I witnessed, however, something more extraordinary during the 26th

Cebu Popular Music Festival. As Sam Costanilla, my favorite co-host

for the festival for the past six years, was introducing the ninth entry to hundreds of spectators, 10-year-old Grant Z. Dosdos emerged from the stage with very casual clothing, a toy robot on his hand and an anxious look on his face that was quite noticeable even as he bent his head before his performance began.

But as soon as he started singing, his angelic voice and soulful interpretation of the winning song, "Tatay, Pauli Na," which also has notable musicality and poignant lyrics, moved and impressed the audience so much so that the performance claimed not just the most "whoos!" and the loudest applause, but brought tears as well to the eyes of the spectators.

It was for this reason that most of us understood and agreed to the Honorable Secretary Cerge Remonde's statement during his announcement of the winner. The verdict on this song was unanimous. "Tatay, Pauli Na," which was composed by Dennis Gregory Sugarol and written by Gwendolyn Suico-Crescencio (who was inspired by her own life experience of having an overseas worker for a father), was proclaimed the grand champion for the 26th Cebu Popular Music Festival. This announcement earned a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd.

Indeed, it was one magical and victorious moment for Grant who was overwhelmed with awards that evening. He, too, was chosen as Best Interpreter among other performers, who were three times his age.

I took the chance to have a chat with him during the group's victory party last weekend at Hadsan Beach Resort. Over sand castles and some fun under the sun, this talented Grade 4 student of University of San Carlos amused me with his statements. He gave such innocent yet mature and wise answers during the interview…

Question: What do you enjoy doing other than singing, Grant?

Grant: I love watching fantasy shows like "Etheria" and "Kampanerang Kuba." And I love to read adventure books. Pero akong favorite book kay about sa Santo Niño.

Q: What's your favorite subject in school?

G: Bisan unsa basta sayun. Sa una, ganahan kaayo ko og Math… karon lisud naman oy. Now, reading na ang akong favorite subject.

Q: Daghan ba ka og friends or barkada sa school nimo?

G: Wala koy barkada…friends lang. Kay kanang barkada, di man kuno na maka-ayo nako kay basin mag drugs-drugs unya. Gusto ko true friends lang. Kanang dili mangaway ba.

Q: Who is your favorite singer?

G: Si Sarah Geronimo kay babae man gud og tingog Tita Lou. Ganahan kaayo ko sa melody sa "To Love You More" and "Forever's Not Enough."

Q: Do you really want to become a famous recording artist someday?

G: Yes, pero mas gusto ko mahimong architect. Mukanta lang ko kung naa koy free time.

Q: What do you think made you win as Best Interpreter?

G: Feel man kaayo nako ang lyrics kay akong papa seaman man. Even before I was born, sige nag larga akong papa. Mingaw kaayo.

(I later found out from Grant's mother, Mrs. Herminia Dosdos, that her husband, Mr. Osias Dosdos, is currently in Australia. Grant's father had discovered Grant's singing ability while the latter was humming in his room and scanning through his favorite books. Mr. Dosdos, himself, had joined several singing competitions during his time. He made it a point to encourage and spend precious time training his son whenever he was home. Both parents exposed Grant to several singing competitions and school programs. He had also recently joined the Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal's Eclesia Sugbuano Children's Choir where they had met composer and trainor, Dennis Sugarol. Own life experiences and love for music had allowed Grant to take one big step closer to his dreams. The child was not only good at interpreting the song, he was right for it!)

Q: How long did it take you to learn the song?

G: Kadali ra man to. Usa ka afternoon or evening lang ko nag-practice unya nag-recording dayun mi pag next morning. Dali ra man ko maka-learn og song kay gusto man kayo ko mukanta.

(Mommy Herminia has mentioned to me how Grant would grab every opportunity wherein he could sing and perform. However, she stressed out to me what her son's priorities are at this early age. Architecture is really first on his list. With such talent that Grant holds, I wouldn't be surprised to see him famous one day. Success in show business could be an easy distraction to one's goals, which were set before starting such a lucrative yet ephemeral career. Before he got distracted into leaving his sand castle to take a dip, he gave one last remark to me.)

G: Ganahan kaayo ko ma-proud akong parents nako, Tita Lou.They always tell me that they are proud of me and to keep up the good work. Mao gud na akong mahinumduman na advice nila pirmi.

As I saw Grant enthusiastically enjoying a good swim, I could only wish that he would keep into heart my words of advice… to remember his priorities and set his feet on the ground firmly, whatever his bright singing future will offer him.

Our chat was time well-spent under the sun. The opportunity to meet and talk to such promising and exceptional individuals make the Cebu Pop experience even more special. I look forward to another fruitful year with the Cebu Pop group as I continue to reminisce the most recent years of the festival through beautifully crafted songs from the CDs. Thanks to Ganni and Gloria Villarojo of Soundtraxx Studio, one can now get a copy of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Cebu Pop CD and appreciate the music geniuses of our very own Cebuano artists.

Congratulations to our winners this year and kudos to our show's director, Philogene Florita, and the rest of the working group for another job superbly done!

You may visit Soundtraxx Studio at Tisa Labangon for copies of the Cebu Popular Music Festival CDs or call them at 2618435.