Bataan folk pray for Fil-Am's victory in 'Idol'

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga   ,Philippines – The people of Bataan have launched a prayer crusade for the victory of American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez, whom they described as “Bataeña by blood.”

“Through our efforts in praying (we hope that) Jessica will win,” Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said.

According to Garcia, the city government has already sent a congratulatory message to American Idol Season 18 finalist Sanchez through online website YouTube.

Balanga City’s message to Jessica read: “Congratulations Ms. Jessica Sanchez – galing ng Pilipino, galing ng Bataan (talent of a Filipino, talent of Bataan) we will always love you!)” and “Congratulations Ms. Jessica Sanchez – Talentong Bataeño, Idolo ng buong mundo – ipinagmamalaki ka naming lahat. (Talent of a Bataeño, an idol throughout the world – we are proud of you).”

Garcia noted that Sanchez’s mother Editha hails from the towns of Orani and Samal in Bataan, while her father is a Mexican-American retired from the US Navy.

He added, “Perhaps Jessica has become a good singer because of (eating) boneless bangus (milkfish),” which Bataan is known for aside from tuyo (dried fish) and tinapa (smoked fish).

Some of Sanchez’s performances include “Sweet Dreams” by Beyonce, “Everybody Has A Dream” by Billy Joel, “Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “Love You I Do” by Jennifer Hudson, and “The Prayer” by Celine Dion.