MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino talent from Davao del Sur has once again won pride for the Philippines after winning the grand prize in the 3rd Voice of McDonald’s singing competition held recently in Orlando, Florida.
Chenee Capuyan, a young service crew member of a McDonald’s branch in Davao, is now the second Filipino to grab a prize in the international singing contest for employees of McDonald’s restaurants all over the world. The first Filipino to shine in the tilt was Mary Margaret Yu who won second place in 2008.
Chenee outstaged 10,400 other contestants who have joined the competition and beat the two contestants from South Korean and Peru who made it to the top three with her as she performed the song “Stand Up for Love” that was originally sung by Destiny’s Child.
She wowed both the judges and the crowd with her vocal prowess and magnetic stage presence and has received a lot of compliment and praises from the judges. She was reportedly invited to record a song in their studio afterwards.
Winning in the competition, she went home with a trophy and a cash prize of $25,000.
“Malaki po yung utang na loob ko sa McDo” (I’m indebted to McDonald’s),” said Capuyan in a press conference held by McGeorge Food Industries, local franchise holder of the international fast food chain.
“Gusto ko po mag-aral ulit pero sa ngayon papagamot ko muna yung mama ko kasi may heart disease siya”, (I really want to go back to school but my priority now is to send my mother to the hospital because she has a heart problem), she said when asked what she will do with the prize money.
McDonald House of Charity has also received $1,000 donation named after Capuyan.
The 3rd Voice of McDonald’s is a worldwide singing contest exclusive to McDonald’s crew and restaurant managers.