Hollywood Bulletin
By JANET SUSAN NEPALES
March 13, 2011, 1:46pm
LOS ANGELES – “Thank you for voting for me!” exclaimed Thia Megia, the 15-year-old Filipina finalist in the top-rated talent show, “American Idol,” when we talked to her at the after-party held at The Grove here in Los Angeles.
“Thank you for all your support,” she continued. “You do not have any idea how happy I am and how proud I am to be Filipino.”
Then the charming and petite teenager added in Tagalog, “Salamat! Mahal kita! (Thank you! I love you!)” And then blew a kiss and said, “Mwah!”
Born Thialorei Lising Megia to Loreto and Cynthia Megia from Angeles, Pampanga, Thia made it to the top 12 and was safe in the first round of eliminations held last Thursday.
Home-schooled for three years, Thia who sang “Smile” and then jazzed it up in the second part, agreed with the judges that she was not that comfortable with the jazz part. Back stage, the teenager even broke into tears and feared that she won’t make the cut that she blurted out, “I just hope America gives me another chance.”
And America did give her a second chance.
Ashthon Jones, who sang Diana Ross’ “When You Tell Me That You Love Me,” was the one who got booted out. The other two who were on the bottom three – Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart – were safe.
Thia, who hails from Mountain House, San Joaquin, California, flew to Wisconsin to audition in Milwaukee because she could not wait for the auditions in California.
She was planning to join Season 11 next year but when AI dropped the minimum age to 15, she joined right away and became the youngest contestant in the competition this year and in the history of AI.
“It feels amazing to be here!” Thia, who acts mature for her age, exclaimed. “I am so proud to be Filipino!”
Thia felt sad for Filipino finalist Clint Jun Gamboa who did not make the cut two weeks ago. “He is like my kuya,” she said.
Her parents immigrated to the US in 1968. Mr. Megia disclosed that his dad changed their name from Mejia to Megia.
We also talked to her dad who was beaming with pride. “Nangi-nginig ako,” he said. He disclosed that he has four kids and Thia is the youngest.
We also talked to her dad who was beaming with pride. “Nangi-nginig ako,” he said. He disclosed that he has four kids and Thia is the youngest.
“I am proud of her,” he said. He told us that Thia has been singing since she was four years old.
Since Thia is underage, the “American Idol” rule is that one parent should escort the contestant. “Her mom and I will alternate,” he said.
We asked him where Thia got her singing talents and he disclosed, “From her uncles from both sides of the family. Definitely, not from me. I only sing in the shower.” He laughed.
According to Mr. Megia, Thia herself chooses her song for AI.
He asked Thia’s fans to continue supporting her. He said, “Mga kababayan, tulungan po ninyong maging tuluy-tuloy na ang success ni Thia. Salamat po! (My countrymen, please help Thia so that her success will continue. Thank you!)”
She has been to the Philippines on vacation two times – when she was two years old and when she was four. “It’s been quite a while,” Thia said.
She has been to the Philippines on vacation two times – when she was two years old and when she was four. “It’s been quite a while,” Thia said.
Among the Filipino singers, she said, she idolizes Charice Pempengco. “I love Charice,” she said. “She has a great voice and she is very humble. I also love Regine Velasquez.” Thia has performed in a concert with the latter, according to Mr. Megia. Charice also tweeted that she is supporting Thia who performed with her on “David Foster and Friends” concert in California in 2009.
Her siblings are rooting for her, Thia said.
“Lauren Alaina from Rossville, Indiana, who is 16 years old, and I get along well since we are almost the same age and we share a lot of things in common,” she said.
This is not Thia’s first time to compete, though. She also competed in “America’s Got Talent” in 2009.
We reminded her that Jasmine Trias, who was the third finalist in the third season of “American Idol,” was the youngest then in the group at 18 years old. Has she ever seen Jasmine perform, we asked.
“Yes, although I was too young then,” she said. “She was really great and she deserved to go that far.”
In one AI event, in fact, Thia arrived with a flower on her hair, a signature décor on Jasmine Trias’ hair before.
Thia revealed that her favorite Filipino foods are sinigang, adobo and pancit. “There’s more but I just can’t remember their names,” she admitted and then smiled.
She revealed that she could speak a little bit of Tagalog and could understand it. “I am trying to learn more,” she confessed. As for Kapampangan, she said, yes she could understand it.
Her only wish right now is that her Filipino fans will continue to support her. “Filipino pride!” she shouted.
Her only wish right now is that her Filipino fans will continue to support her. “Filipino pride!” she shouted.
Formerly a Manila journalist, Los Angeles-based Janet Susan R. Nepales is a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.
Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City for only P12,000.00/month with its own parking lot. Hurry while the supply of units last. Just call the Tel. Nos. (053)555-8464/09164422611/ 09173373687
No comments:
Post a Comment