Transforms a childhood wish to shine internationally into a defining career milestone.
Making history as the Philippines’ very first representative to the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, CARMELLE is ready to captivate an international audience when she performs her entry “Sobra-Sobra” in pursuit of the top prize this Saturday, November 14, in Bangkok, Thailand.
During a touching send-off gathering organized by ABS-CBN titled “CARMELLE: Sobra-Sobrang Send Off”—surrounded by her loved ones, friends, and devoted supporters—the Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown champion and former Pinoy Big Brother: Collab Edition 2.0 housemate shared her vision of elevating OPM on the world stage, highlighting its universal power to resonate with listeners across different cultures.
“Yung goal ko talaga is to leave the global audience with a deep sense of connection. Maiintidihan po sana nila na yung Filipino music is universally relatable,” shared CARMELLE.
Having previously captured seven gold medals at the 2019 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), the Bicolana artist described competing in the event as a dream come true—realizing a childhood wish to perform before an international audience.
“Sa mga hindi nakakaalam, talagang international stage ang pinapangarap ko po. Lumaki ako na pinapanood ko yung mga Pussycat Dolls, Spice Girls, kasi po yan ang ipinapalabas ng nanay ko nung bata pa ako,” she said.
Backing the Philippine delegate on her international campaign is Team CARMELLE, a creative powerhouse featuring “Sobra-Sobra” songwriters Mat Olavides and Nica del Rosario, production head Jessamae Samson, stylist and creative director Ica Villanueva, and the entire ABS-CBN Music family led by Roxy Liquigan alongside overall creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo.
For Manalo, CARMELLE’s leap onto the global stage is all about carrying the Philippine flag with pride and showcasing the resilient, empowered spirit of the Filipino people.
“More than ABS-CBN, ito ay laban nating mga Pilipino. Lahat tayo, flag ng Philippines ang wine-wave natin dito. Nakakatuwa na si CARMELLE ay representation ng isang empowered Filipina,” Jonathan said.
Meanwhile, Jessamae is confident that CARMELLE’s remarkable artistry will effortlessly command attention on the competition stage.
“CARMELLE can sing, of course, given na magaling talaga. Maganda ang boses. But to dance and sing at the same time, and rap, in the global stage. That is very exciting for us,” Jessamae shared.
During the send-off, CARMELLE was surprised with supportive messages from Apl.de.Ap, BINI, and her former The Voice Kids coach, Bamboo. Philippine Selection Night runners-up Marielle Montellano and SAGA also delivered special performances while wishing her success in the grand finals.
CARMELLE likewise treated guests to a surprise announcement of her upcoming solo show, “Unleashed,” slated for January 29 at the New Frontier Theater.
In the competition, she faces 10 other Eurovision Asia finalists representing Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Filipinos can watch the “Eurovision Song Contest Asia” live on Nov. 14 (Saturday), 9:30 PM on iWant, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.
