Verbal Variety Annie Fe Perez

Lessons from  JSanchez and LGaga

In less then 24 hours from today, Filipino-Mexican singing sensation Jessica Sanchez will be competing in the final sing-off against her lone contender, Philip Philips. The 16 year old has come a long way from being a face in the crowd in her home state of California to being a trending topic world wide. Why wouldn’t she be? She has wowed the judges and the world with her belter voice and confidence. Lucky for her, she has made a name for the Philippines in the international arena.

Filipino communities abroad have doubled their effort in voting for her since she was a finalist. In a tweet by an American fan, she said that JSanchez has the most organized fanbase. They have voting nights in clubs, bars and restaurants where they stay up late to watch the show and extend for two more hours just to place her name into where she is now. Fans cheer and scream as if they are also watching the live show. Prayer requests for her are also flooding the social networking domain.I’m sure her Mexican side is doing the same too.

Since the contest only allows residents from the United States to vote, the best we can do here is be proud of her because she is our kababayan. But more than that, Sanchez has taught our race a lesson once again. This is the revival of the Filipino’s malasakit para sa kapwa or genuine concern for fellowmen.

In this day and age, we are prone to minding our own business because of the rise of individuality, self-expression and liberation from the west. We do not extend our hand to help anymore for the fear of being rejected, used or taken advantage of. With the advancement in technology, expressing an opinion can be easily read by the whole world.

However, when singers like Charice, Ariel Pineda and recently trending JSanchez wow the whole world, we unite in one goal of hoping that they’d take their success up a notch. We do whatever we can to show support such as paying for tickets, being a fan, purchasing merchandise, voting and so much more.

As complicated as JSanchez’ lineage may be (Filipino mother, Mexican father and American citizenship), we know that part of her is our own. She’s got the looks, the voice and the attitude of working hard but being humble – the trademark of a true Filipino. I think we should be more focused on supporting the right causes such as this. Having a Filipina actually win the contest is not ordinary. This is a million times worth than wasting money on tarpaulins and T-shirts for banning an artist who just came to perform in our country.

If the Philippines is truly democratic, those who are opposing LGaga’s concert should learn how to respect her Filipino supporters because of her catchy tunes and dance moves. I do not think Lady Gaga fans are “satanic” as what some people perceive her to be. While I respect their right to voice out their opinion, they do not have the right to judge and shun away an international artist who has paid a lot just to get here. Not to mention, her fans who have purchased tickets long before.

True malasakit is not about wasting time nagging on what you think is wrong for the next generation but it is supporting what may lead them to the right path. Who knows, JSanchez might inspire the youth and is what the US music scene has been waiting for.