From haranista to ‘The Voice of the Philippines’

Months ago, Jason Dy was just a professional haranista who would be sent over to customers’ loved ones, mostly women, to surprise and serenade them. But he has since sung his way to nationwide popularity to become the latest artist to be tagged as “The Voice of the Philippines.”

Jason, mentored by Sarah Geronimo, was named the grand winner of the second season of the phenomenal singing-reality competition after receiving 52.94 percent of public votes versus Team apl’s Alisah Bonaobra (47.06 percent) during the program’s grand finale last March 1.

“I’m just very thankful. Thanks to all who voted and campaigned for me, and to those who believed in me — my coach and God, who gave me this blessing and opportunity. In God’s time talaga. I’ve been waiting for this chance,” Jason said.

For his blind audition, Jason performed Sam Smith’s Stay With Me and was able to get three coaches to turn around for him, even making coach Lea Salonga gush over his flawless falsetto.

Although technically skilled, Jason revealed that the most important thing he learned from coach Sarah during the course of the competition was just pretty simple — to sing from the heart.

“There are many great singers but what people look for is connection, for them to feel what you want to communicate,” he said.

Upon the announcement of Jason’s victory, coach Sarah was seen going down on her knees and being emotional. She later said that she did not expect Jason to win, especially after watching rival Alisah’s show-stopping rendition of All By Myself.

“Alisah is very impressive. But like I said, it’s hard to find an artist who does not need to belt out just to touch your heart. Jason has his own voice that you won’t find in other singers. It’s world-class,” said Sarah.

Jason went so far as to saying that he dedicates Angels Brought Me Here, the song he performed on the second finale night for his solo performance, to his coach, calling her an angel. Sarah had saved Jason twice during the live shows for him to stay in the competition.

As the latest “The Voice of the Philippines,” Jason won a trophy designed and crafted by contemporary artist Leeroy New, a house and lot worth P2M, a music instrument package worth P100,000, shopping spree and Asian tour package worth P350,000, a business package worth P1M, a new car worth P1M, a recording and management contract with MCA Music and P2M in cash.

Before crooning his winning song Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, Jason earlier performed If I Ain’t Got You with coach Sarah, With You and Wrecking Ball with Charice during the finale’s first three rounds.

For the round featuring duets with guest artists, Alisah, Leah Patricio (Team Lea) and Rence Rapanot (Team Bamboo) took on the stage with Dulce, Jed Madela and Joey Ayala and Bayang Barrios, respectively.

Many Filipinos watched Jason win as Sunday’s finale recorded a national TV rating of 30.8 percent, based on data from Kantar Media. The first part of the live showdown on Feb. 28 also hit a national TV rating of 28 percent. Netizens also voiced out their support for their bets, with the official hashtag #VoicePH2Finale, topping the worldwide trending topics on Twitter on both nights.

Before the finale drew to a close, hosts Luis Manzano and Toni Gonzaga said that a new season of The Voice Kids will soon air as the program looks for another batch of great singers who have the potential to become the next big superstar. And for sure, the country will again be tuning in to watch the journey of the next artist whose voice and dreams, just like Jason’s, will be heard and will come true. Photos by Robert Ryan Ramos