One of the finest examples of a Filipino talent who shined internationally is, of course, Lea Salonga.
Thanks to her talent and luck, she headlined Miss Saigon. Being the Cameron Mackintosh musical lead gave her accolades, major roles on Broadway and West End, captured the love, respect and adoration of the musical theater-going public. True, she has become an icon, considered by many as a national treasure. However, when it comes to her music, most especially when we talk of all albums and the many singles released internationally and locally that carried her stellar and pristine voice, a certified hit song for “A Miss Called Lea” continues to be elusive.
In the late 1990s, Jocelyn Enriquez was the Filipino-American musical wonder with her Billboard charting hits such as “Do You Miss Me,” “A Little Bit of Ecstasy” and, as part of the Stars of 54 trio, the disco hit “If You Could Read My Mind.”
In 2012, it was Jessica Sanchez’s moment to shine. She became the first runner-up in the 11th season of American Idol. Daughter of a Filipino mother and Mexican-American father, Sanchez, propelled to singing sensation status, mastered the craft of cover songs interpretation. Nowadays, she is a songwriter and focuses on creating original material. Still, a certified Jessica Sanchez hit song has not materialized.
Thus, I cannot help but wonder: who, when and where will the Filipino singing superstar come forth to dominate not only local but global musical charts, with songs being streamed massively, be bestowed awards from Grammys, American Music, Billboard, MTV Video and others?
Talent, our artists have them. Luck and timing are important factors needed for the superstardom quest but there is no formula available in regard to these. Other considerations, of course, are song choice, songwriters and producers, traditional and new media promotions, and most definite, that special quality that makes people remember the ditty, sing it, want to hear it all the time and make it a personal anthem.
Coming together
It is a no-brainer that Filipino talents shine on the global stage. Sofronio Vasquez made history as the first Filipino and Asian to win The Voice US. Meanwhile, Filipino Pop Queen Sarah Geronimo was named one of Billboard’s Global Force awardees, and P-pop royalty SB19, proclaimed as a Southeast Asian Superstar Pop group, captured the world’s attention with their hit song “Gento” that became a dance challenge and craze, and a rapidly growing fan based called ATIN.
Because of all these developments, the Building Bridges Manila initiative comes to fruition. Spearheaded by Rosemarie Tan, it is a Filipino-American music camp produced by US API creative collective Mono Stereo Groove in partnership with Sony PH. It is a visionary project designed to create a dynamic network of cultural exchange and collaboration within the music industry for Asian music creators based in America and in the Philippines.
“Our inaugural effort is currently ongoing, we started last Monday this coming together, and the music camp will run for a week,” Tan said. “As the global landscape continues to evolve, we recognize the immense potential for synergy between creatives and executives of Asian heritage globally.”
She added: “Mono Stereo Groove has been setting our Stateside footprint and are ready to expand market reach by way of an exclusive partnership with Sony Music PH. This exciting experience will enrich the global music landscape for 10 creatives with Filipino roots from abroad.”
The week of meaningful collaborations is currently happening at the Wild Grass Recording Studio, with Filipino American and local talents immersing themselves in the arts and culture offerings and experiences meant to foster and embrace our unique culture and heritage, inspire creativity and unlock new opportunities in the world of music.
“The year 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year, and it’s set to be a great start for Filipino American creatives and artists, and for our Filipino homegrown talents as well,” Tan said. “Building Bridges Manila takes this coming together to a global level. Mono Stereo Groove, an API music collective that produces some of the largest AAPI songwriting, designed this weeklong event for Fil-Am music creatives and Filipino artists, songwriters and producers to foster a cultural exchange and collaboration between Asian music creators.”
Tiana Kocher and Kiana V act as hosts of the music camp.
Kocher said: “Building Bridges Manila offers a rare opportunity for 10 Fil-Am creatives to immerse themselves in the Philippines’ ever-growing music scene. These selected artists will collaborate with some of the country’s most notable talents.”
The Filipino Americans in the camp are producers Kajo, Sweater Beats and Martin Estrada. The songwriters are Rosemarie Tan, Ashley Mehta and Vince Nantes.
Filipino talents participating are Ace Banzuelo, Clara Benin, dwta, Paolo Sandejas, Jolianne, Kai Buzon and James Reid.
“In an age where representation and cultural exchange are vital, Building Bridges Manila stands at the forefront of enriching the global music industry. By offering Fil-Am artists a chance to collaborate with local Filipino talents and work alongside renowned international producers, the initiative aims to unlock new opportunities in the global market and deepen connections to their cultural heritage,” Kocher said.
Building Bridges Manila is an important artistic and cultural project because these talented artists, the
Filipino-Americans who came home, and the homegrown talents who participated, now have a better appreciation and understanding of our way of life, arts, culture and though short but sweet, it now has become the inspiration and imagination planted in their hearts, minds and soul — to create music that will showcase their artistry and uniqueness as Filipinos, with the hope that these musical creations will not only strike a chord or resonate with the listeners, but put a stamp of excellence for these songs that will become classic and iconic anthems.”
Building Bridges Manila is supported and powered by Delimondo, Philippine Airlines and Wild Grass Studios.