CEBU, Philippines — “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” Season 1 finalist Marielle Montellano knows the importance of keeping her identity intact amidst the applause and the bright lights.
A native of Tabogon town, Cebu, Marielle is faring in Metropolitan Manila alone, and is juggling her studies and her singing career as an on-call TNT artist.
“I’m very thankful and feel nako blessed kaayo ko sa tanan. Even though I didn’t become the grand champion, a lot of opportunities came my way, and I was given a lot of chances,” Marielle quips.
For Marielle, TNT has been her biggest blessing. “There hasn’t been much major changes. I’ve always been taught that whatever comes my way, I should see it as a blessing and be thankful for it. That they’re not grounds for you to become someone you’re not. Whatever you receive, make it a stepping stone.”
Before TNT, Marielle was already singing in restaurants and competitions in Cebu but has always wondered if she would ever make it to Manila.
“I joined not because I planned to,” Marielle said. “I was on my way to a gig when someone told me about the TNT audition. I didn’t make it to the gig. Basin mao na ni akong shot. My goal was to just share what God gave me and hopefully be seen on TV.”
This is why she was over the moon when she finally became an official contender, saying how difficult it was to line up among hundreds of hopefuls, with the crew sending people home per round during the auditions.
“Even though there weren’t a lot of people [in the studio], it’s still pretty intimidating because the judges there are big stars,” Marielle said. “I felt the struggle during the defending rounds. Everyday I had to learn a song and it’s challenging when the song that’s picked for you isn’t your forte. And came the semi-finals and finals, I had vocal nodules. What I presented then was the best that I could do with my condition.”
Despite not coming home as the grand champion, Marielle has come a long way. Which is why she’s excited for the “TNT All-Star Showdown” happening tonight at the Hoops Dome of Lapu-Lapu City.
“We’ve always wanted to put up a concert with all the TNT talents since last year. Finally mahitabo na siya. We can’t wait to perform and give back to the Cebuanos for their support since Season 1 and until now,” Marielle says.
The 20-year-old looks up to Sarah Geronimo for the Pop Royalty’s humility, attitude and the respect she gives her parents, apart from her talent. Marielle used to copy how Sarah sang until she found her own voice. As the eldest among the Cebuanas, she tries to share those beliefs to Janine (16) and Sheena (12).
“Like a while ago, they were nervous. I’m not comfortable when it comes to things like these too and I also get nervous during interviews—and that’s why you should just be yourself. When you answer questions, your personality will show. I reassure them that I won’t leave them on their own. If there’s something you’re not sure with, tell us,” Marielle said.
“And time management,” she adds. “If you have difficulties, seek those who came before you. You can ask questions, even when it’s about school.”
Marielle’s mother and younger sister are currently in their home in Consolacion, while Marielle stays in a dorm in Manila.
“Even though I get to come home from time to time, I still have school so as much as I can, I do in Manila what I used to do here in Cebu. I eat a lot,” said Marielle, who studies BS Psychology at Far Eastern University.
Marielle had a lot of insecurities before her TNT days. She worried that she might not make it, and was also held back by the birthmark on her right cheek.
But she was able to overcome them when she stepped foot on the TNT stage. Among her favorite judges is Yeng Constantino—who had gotten emotional when Marielle wasn’t able to defend her spot and encouraged the Cebuana to try again. She also admires singer Karylle for her outgoing and light personality. “Punong Hurado” Rey Valera is also on her list because apart from making her feel like a favorite, the OPM icon is fond of her birthmark – he calls her “Balat” – which helped Marielle grow more comfortable in her own skin.
Her advice for aspiring singers? “Always be yourself. It will reflect and flow from deep inside you. You also get to speak through your songs when you embrace your identity. I feel like that’s what led us [TNT stars] to where we are right now, and this is where the Lord led us. Always trust and believe in yourself in everything that you do. If it is not given to you. There will always be another time for you to redeem yourself.”