Hannah Precillas shines at Indonesia’s singing tilt

Hannah Precillas, the Bet ng Bayan champ, recently conquered the international scene when she represented the country and placed third at Dangdut Academy (D’Academy) Asia 5 singing competition in Indonesia last Dec. 29.

D’Academy or DA (stands for Dangdut Academy) is said to be the first and biggest dangdut music talent show created by Programming Indosiar. It has become one of the most successful talent search shows in Indonesia. Dangdut refers to the Indonesian folk music genre.

Armed with her vocal prowess and determination to bring home the prize money which she will use for her mom’s kidney transplant, the 21-year-old Boholana beauty proved that she could conquer the international stage. Despite landing third place, she did not fail to wow the judges and Indonesian audience with her impressive rendition of the various Indonesian songs she performed throughout the competition. Among the 35 contestants from all over Asia, Hannah consistently received top scores, becoming the lone Filipino and female contestant to compete in the grand finals.

“I was not even expecting that I would pass the audition for this contest,” recounted Hannah whose audition piece was a Bahasa song titled Iming-Iming. She learned about 20 Bahasa songs during the competition.

“My mom was my inspiration so pi-nush ko na yung sarili ko because my No. 1 goal of joining the contest was to help my mom for her kidney transplant. So I told myself why not (give it a) try. Kahit man lang hindi first, hindi second, kahit yung third okey lang sa akin.”

Asked how much did she win as third placer, she replied, “It was a big amount…Fifty million rupee (second runner-up prize) is equivalent to almost P180,000 po yata and then they decided to add another 50 million rupee for each winner so sa akin ang total is 100 million rupee, which is equivalent to more or less P360,000.

“Although it’s not enough for the (medical expenses) but at least we can already start the tests for the donors. At least man lang masisimulan namin,” Hannah added. “I think the transplant will cost P1.5 million but the good thing is that Philhealth will cover some amount parang P600,000. I’m not sure. So, I still need like, how many thousands…”

Hannah is hopeful about career possibilities in Indonesia. She recalled that someone told her during the contest that if ever she made it to the Top 3, she would be provided a place to stay once there’s a career opportunity there.

“So if ever may work ako duon, it would be much easier. But I haven’t been able to talk to them (people from Dangdut Academy) yet, since the competition ended. Nag-New Year’s countdown pa ako sa kanila and then umuwi ako ng Pilipinas so there was no chance to talk about it,” she said, hoping to have “more career opportunities whether here or in Indonesia. My mindset is to really earn for my mom. I am willing to stay in Indonesia kung maganda naman po ang offer.”

Hannah left for Indonesia yesterday (Jan. 9 until Jan. 13) to grace the 25th-anniversary celebration of the TV network Indosiar.

The Kapuso artist is the voice behind the well-loved theme songs of GMA entertainment shows Hahamakin ang Lahat, Kambal Karibal, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, Kapag Nahati ang Puso and Onanay.

According to Hannah, her stint abroad is proof that she can also showcase her talent in front of the international audience and that she’s not only an artist behind the soundtracks of the Kapuso TV shows.

“It has been my dream to perform on stage with millions of people and of course, in front of the camera. Ngayon siguro mas malakas ako, mas matibay ako na kaya kong kumanta ng kahit anong ipakanta sa akin on-cam. And now that I was able to do that, I am more inspired to try out in other bigger competitions abroad.”