Jessica wows kids

MANILA, Philippines - The day started as a usual Monday morning for eight-year-old Destiny Fae Paras, a second grader from Epifanio De Los Santos Elementary School (EDSES) in Singalong, Manila.

Little did she know that on that day, she was going to meet “American Idol” season 11 runner-up and Filipino-American vocal powerhouse Jessica Sanchez.

Destiny was one of the pupils who joined the activity, “Read To Be Smart: A Storytelling Session with Jessica Sanchez,” a community service initiative for education of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). Through the program, employee-volunteers from Smart aim to impart the value of education by instilling love for reading among children.

The program has been implemented in various public schools across the country. But this is the first time that an international celebrity has been tapped to support this advocacy.

Destiny said she was both happy and excited to finally meet her favorite singer in person. “Dati napapanood ko lang siya sa TV pero ngayon, makikita ko siya sa personal at kukuwentuhan pa niya kami (I used to watch her on TV but now, I have the chance to meet her in person and she will even read a story to us)!”

Sanchez read a fable written by National Artist Virgilio Almario entitled “A Thirsty Sparrow.” After that, she sang a portion of the song “Jump In” – a musical collaboration she did with Black Eyed Peas rapper apl.de.ap for Smart’s Jump In campaign. She later joined the kids in singing “The Butterfly Song (If I Were A Butterfly).”

Sanchez shared a message with the children: “Just do what you love to do. Don’t let anybody stop you from doing what you love. Even though I was picked on at school when I was younger, I still jumped in and I tried out for American Idol and now here I am sitting with you guys and doing a little wiggly dance!”

Having been home-schooled, Sanchez knows the importance of education and how she did not let her dream of becoming a famous singer stand in the way of her lessons.

“Even though I am busy, I still make time to read and study for my schooling. Make sure (studies) always comes first and keep inspiring everyone else around you,” said Sanchez.

It was a unique and fun experience for the talented young singer.

“The kids were adorable. It was definitely a highlight of my week here in Manila. I will never forget that moment. It’s amazing!” shares Sanchez.