Raki all set for the world stage as Team RP leaves for WCOPA today

Rochelle “Raki” Vega is now prepared to show to the world the best of Cebu and of the Philippines, as she takes on the newest challenge in her singing career. The one and only Born Diva is representing the country in this year’s World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) to be held in Hollywood, California come July 28 to August 5, 2007.   

This is the Cebuana singer’s first time to slug it out in a very prestigious international singing tilt touted as the world’s “Official Talent Olympics.” She feels greatly honored to be chosen as one of the Ambassadors of Goodwill for WCOPA.

WCOPA National Director for the Philippines Carlo Oroza already offered Raki to join Team RP for the WCOPA a year ago. But because of her hectic schedule and other pressing commitments, Raki begged off.

It was through the very successful and critically acclaimed musical play entitled “Once On This Island” in 2005 that Oroza first saw Rochelle’s performing prowess when she impeccably portrayed the character Ti Moune. He has since then believed in Raki’s promise and talent.

Rochelle is so grateful to him not only for presenting her the slot again this year, but also because amid fast-rising singers in the country she was chosen to form part of the delegation.

Raki is the lone Cebuana in the team.

This year’s competition will also be Oroza’s first time to handle and head the RP team.

Raki will be joining five different categories for the WCOPA namely: Broadway, Contemporary, Gospel Music, World Music and Original Composition.

In the Original Composition category, she will be singing her winning piece in the Born Diva contest—“Today”—which was composed by Trina Belamide, who is behind such celebrated songs as “Tell the World of His Love” and “Now That I Have You,” to name a few.

Some songs that she will perform include a favorite of hers, “Winning for Life” for the Broadway category, as she was advised by her coach and Oroza to render songs that are close to her heart. During the competition proper, Raki will be wearing the creations of ace Cebuano designer Jed Sevilla. Raki is so thankful to Sevilla for continuously supporting her, offering to dress her up for free. Sevilla had five to six gowns especially designed for Raki for the WCOPA stint.

The Philippine delegation leaves today and will stay in the US for a total of 22 days there.

“I feel nervous but at the same time I am honored to represent Cebu and the Philippines as well,” Raki told The FREEMAN Entertainment. Aside from voice lessons, she has been preparing for the competition through prayer. “I’ve been always a Marian devotee, all my shows are for the Lord and what I will sing will be offered to Him,” the 26-year-old singer said.

Aside from the upcoming competition, what has she been up to for the past months?

“Still singing and working. I had shows and concerts in some Asian countries. I continue to do theatre and musical plays and benefit shows for our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” Raki said.

She shared that venturing into music as a career has blessed her with opportunities for learning and building friendships with such world-class artists as Lea Salonga. Raki is a longtime avid fan of Lea Salonga, singing Lea’s songs in every competition she has joined since her younger years. According to classmates, she was even dubbed in college as the “Lea Salonga of St. Theresa’s College.”

Interestingly, Raki’s birthday falls on February 21 and the day after that is Lea’s birthday. A close bond has grown between them, after Lea offered to mentor her during the “Once On This Island” stint. As proof, in every special occasion that Lea celebrates, Raki is always part of the guest list. Raki never expected this to happen, and for that she feels grateful.

After WCOPA, Raki will also be releasing her album. Some of the songs are her personal compositions, in which she hopes people will find inspiration. “(If given the chance) I’d really want to do inspirational songs,” said Raki, who shared that she is still a work in progress, constantly working hard at her dreams.

For aspiring performers, Raki has this to say: “Never stop believing in yourself. Dream big for dreams do come true. I am a dreamer myself. And offer everything to the Lord and be the best you can be.”