Kapamilya singer Carmelle Collado is preparing to fly the Philippine flag at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest Asia, scheduled for November 14 in Thailand.
As she gears up for the international stage, Collado admitted experiencing a mix of excitement and pressure after reviewing the lineup of global contestants.
”Nakaka-pressure since nakita ko na ‘yung ibang co-finalists ko. Magagaling sila. Kinakabahan ako, but I’m excited sa kung ano pang opportunities ang mangyayari, hindi lang sa akin but also for OPM,” Collado shared with reporters during her send-off event in Quezon City on Friday, October 30.
Growing up, Collado was heavily exposed to international pop icons by her parents, including global names like Beyoncé, the Pussycat Dolls, and the Spice Girls. This early musical upbringing fueled a lifelong dream to break onto the world stage.
”To be honest, bata pa po kasi ako, doon na ako minulat ng parents ko sa foreign music. More than OPM, I grew up listening to the likes of Beyonce, Pussycat Dolls, Spice Girls. Kasi ‘yun po pinapakinggan sa bahay, so I grew up dreaming to make it big internationally ever since,” she explained.
For the competition, Collado will perform a revamped version of her track “Sobra-Sobra.” Her primary mission is to showcase the universal appeal of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) to international listeners.
”Ang goal ko is to leave a deep sense of connection. Na maintindihan nila na Filipino music is deeply relatable. Sana ‘yun maiwan ko sa kanila o tumatak sa kanila,” she stated.
Drawing confidence from her past journey through various local singing competitions, Collado feels well-equipped for the pressure.
To stay grounded and manage her nerves backstage, she keeps her scapular and rosary close at hand.
”Parati ko po itong bitbit lalo na po kapag kinakabahan ako, along with my rosary,” she noted.
Regardless of the competition’s final results, Collado views her participation as a personal triumph and a significant blessing.
”To be given this opportunity, this chance is a blessing enough and I’m so thankful, so ipag-pray na lang po ninyo ako,” she concluded.