Likewise, it is always impressive how talented the young Pinoys are. They excel and make indelible marks in various fields such as academic, sports and the arts both here and abroad. Such exceptional talents must be celebrated. Indeed, iba ang Pinoy!
This same pride overwhelmed me when young singer Kim Flores won five gold medals and three gold plaques in the World Championships for the Performing Arts (WCOPA) held at the Hollywood Palladium in California, USA last August. This is a truly remarkable feat for someone so young like her! She emerged victorious against hundreds of participants from all over the world. Kim captivated the hearts of the judges with her singing prowess and stage presence.
"Even if I won in WCOPA, I still have not changed," says Kim. "I’m still the same girl who loves to sing." Kim just turned 16 last Nov. 27. So how does it feel to be sweet 16? "I still do not feel like a teenager. I am in high school but I feel like I’m still a young girl. My parents are strict but I do understand them. My curfew is 7 p.m. My parents say they would only allow me to have a boyfriend after I finish college and that I could get married when I am 30," Kim reveals, laughing.
Just like any typical teenager, Kim plays badminton and volleyball during her free time. She also enjoys hanging out at the malls where she could eat, shop and watch movies with friends. "I like to buy perfumes, colognes and cell phone gadgets. I also enjoy watching comedy and action movies," Kim adds. Despite her hectic schedule, Kim is graduating with honors from Southville International School and Colleges in Las Piñas City. She is seriously thinking about her college plans. She will take up either Mass Communication or Creative Writing since she likes reading literature and has a penchant for writing poems.
Kim has definitely come a long way since she ventured on her musical career. She played the female lead in Karim at Jasmin last Nov. 27 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). "Even if it was a one-night only performance, I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great privilege working with other musical personalities like Jeffrey Hidalgo and Calvin Millado. I learned many things from them. It was my first time to perform in a play and I’m looking forward to the next ones."
Kim is very busy these days. She will stage a show dedicated to the residents of Parañaque today at SM Sucat parking lot. Aptly entitled Pamaskong Kasiyahang Handog ng Paranaque: Kim Flores the Winner Takes Five is a fitting tribute to the winning spirit of the Pinoy and the Parañaqueños in particular. Kim is a resident of BF Homes Parañaque. The show will feature the musical ingenuity of the 16-year-old champion as she belts out an array of songs that include Something at First Sight, Aria — Queen of the Night and her winning WCOPA song Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
The show will be a gathering of champions, too. Performing duets with Kim are Erik Santos and Frenchie Dy. "I feel overwhelmed singing with seasoned artists. It is truly a great experience performing with them," Kim says. On Dec. 22, Kim will have a show at South Supermarket Lipa. She is also invited by the Rizal National Festival of Excellence as a special guest during the finals of the Youth for Rizal National Competition for High School and College on Dec. 29 at the GSIS Theater.
The Rizal National Festival of Excellence is a gathering of young people across the country who will vie in three cultural categories: Music Theater, Rizal/History Quiz for high school students and Oratory for college students. The festival hopes to educate its participants in overcoming their limitations and in lifting themselves up to become the best in our nation, just like our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The thematic call to action of the celebration is Kagalingan. Kabayanihan. Kaya Namin Yan!
Does Kim still have jitters every time she performs before a large audience? "To be confident, I try to conquer my anxiety. I tell myself that I can make it. I feel my song. Gusto kong makilala as a versatile performer who can sing any kind of music. My singing idols are Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Lea Salonga and Sarah Geronimo who are all big and famous singers."
Kim has big dreams. "After my first album Something at First Sight under Ivory Records, I hope I can incorporate the poems I have written in my next album. I also want to perform alongside my dream artists Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha. I hope all these will become a reality."