12-year-old Pinoy making waves in Dubai after winning big at 'Olympics of performing arts'

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A 12-year-old son of a Filipino expat couple from Laguna is making waves here after bagging 10 awards at the recent World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), an annual, international event where several Hollywood stars have taken off with their careers.

Martinus Miguel Castro Obispo, along with a team of participants, including fellow Filipinos, said he was amazed to have won all those awards.

“It’s like a big high-five from everyone, showing that hard work and dedication really pay off. It’s also a great reminder that you’re doing something right and that your efforts are being recognized. It makes all the challenges worth it,” Obispo, the second of three siblings, told GMA News Online.

A seventh-grade student at a Dubai school, Obispo, who had been joining competitions in the UAE, plans on becoming a professional singer when he grows up.

“I love music and enjoy expressing myself through singing. Competing in singing contests is a lot of fun and helps me get better at it. I dream of making people happy with my music and maybe even inspiring others to follow their passions too,” Obispo said.

Of balancing school and practice, Obispo said, “(It) can be tricky, but I try to stay organized. I use a planner to keep track of my assignments and practice schedules.”

Obispo, whose favorite singer is the late Michael Jackson, said he also loves to play drums and the keyboard. He said he intends to “keep participating in international performances and competitions, and connect with industry professionals, such as producers, managers and other musicians to build a network.”

Obispo paid courtesy calls on the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. He was also scheduled to guest at events. A victory party was held upon his return following the WCOPA event, which was held June 28 to July 7 this year in Long Beach, California, USA.

Mother

Obispo’s mother, Beatriz Castro, an HR administrator, said her son winning all those awards gave her “a mix feeling of excitement and nervousness.”

“It’s a significant achievement. So, you might experience joy and anticipation as you look forward to the final outcome. There could also be some anxiety or concern about the competition itself. But overall, it’s likely to be a moment of great pride and celebration,” she said.

“I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to God for bestowing such remarkable talent upon him. It's truly heartwarming and exhilarating to witness his growth and achievements,” she added.

Winning at WCOPA boosted her son’s confidence, said Castro.

Obispo’s father, Michael, is an engineer. The couple came to Dubai in 2007.

Coach

Elipas Sibua, Obispo’s vocal coach, himself a WCOPA 2019 medalist, said the young boy is an “incredible artist.”

“He’s a shy-type who turns into an incredible performer once on stage. He has a soothing, relaxed but intense voice quality,” said Sibua, a choir master who trained Obispo for five months prior to the international competition.

Sibua said Obispo is looking at joining the America’s Got Talent as well as  Britain’s Got Talent competitions, where the WCOPA sensation, he said, has a “big edge.”

“He has talent and charisma,” said Sibua, who also is a piano and guitar teacher composing and arranging music.

Awards

Obispo’s awards were: Junior Multi-Medalist; WCOPA Grand Finalist - Junior Category; Division Champion for Gospel with Self Accompaniment; Gold Medal - Grand Finalist; Silver Medal - Semi-finalist; and Gold Medal - Vocal R&B Soul Jazz.

Other awards were: Gold Medal - Gospel with Self Accompaniment; Gold Medal - Vocal Contemporary; Gold Medal - Vocal Gospel; Silver Medal - Instrumental Open; Silver Medal - KEM Trio Contemporary; and Bronze Medal - Vocal Open.

The WCOPA, often referred to as the “Olympics of Talents,” is held annually in the US, participated in by contestants from 70 countries. 

Among Hollywood celebrities who started their careers at WCOPA were Ann-Margret, Liza Minnelli, Dolly Parton, Dionne Warwick, Michael Bolton, Jaclyn Smith, Linda Gray and Justin Chambers. —KBK, GMA Integrated News