Amatyurista: Aspiring singers stake their dreams on amateur contests

For children dreaming of becoming professional singers, the path is long and peppered with obstacles. At a young age, they not only train in singing, but also sign up for contests that eat up their free time and end in the early morning.

If all things go as they hope, these amateur singers known as “amatyuristas” will join the ranks of Regine Velasquez, Jonalyn Viray and Mark Bautista — famous singers who began their career many, many years ago, as amatyuristas.

Here are stories from three talented kids, as told to Sandra Aguinaldo and GMA-7’s “I-Witness.”

Small kids, big responsibility
Mana-mana-mana-mana-maaa. It’s morning in Muntinlupa City, and Dezza Guevara is doing vocal warm-ups. On the door of her bedroom is a tarpaulin with her photo and the title “Kiddie Idol,” from a contest she recently won. Her small shelf is covered with trophies from singing contests still wrapped in plastic.

At just 13 years old, Dezza has joined 120 singing contests, 80 of which she won.

“Ano ang pangarap mo?” asks Sandra, to which Dezza answers, “Maging isang sikat na singer po … Parang ako po ‘yung tinitingala ng lahat ng tao kapag nasa stage ako.” Dezza began singing at four years old, and to protect her voice, she is not allowed to eat sweet things or down cold drinks– a small sacrifice she makes in the name of ambition.

Going to singing contests is an investment in time, money, and effort, since much of an amatyurista’s life is spent on the road, traveling to different provinces to compete. Just recently, Dezza and her parents took a four-hour drive from their home in Metro Manila to Lemery, Batangas.

Is it worth it? For Dezza and her family, singing contests also help augment the family’s income. Their home in Muntinlupa is simple, and her father’s salary as a construction worker is small. Dezza’s earnings provide regular windfalls of much-needed cash. “Kailan lang, may P15,000 at dalawang P8,000 … kagabi lang po, P4,000,” she shares.

With the help of her cash prizes, Dezza is able to attend private school.

Success stories
Pauline Agupitan, a 14-year-old girl, lives in Lipa, Batangas. Like Dezza, she starts her day by warming up her voice. Right now, she’s quickly moving her mouth and cheeks in different directions — an exercise that helps singers pronounce words more clearly. She’s joined over 100 contests, and has won 40 times. She ends her warm-up with a loud sound that comes from her diaphragm: Ha!

“Gusto ko pong ma-discover sa ibang bansa. Gusto ko pong maging singer, international singer.” For Pauline’s dream of becoming an international singer, her family must shell out for transportation fees, registration fees and other expenses. For example, Pauline’s newest gown, a ruffled red number designed by the local dressmaker, cost them P3,000. It’s an investment in a future that Pauline and her family hope to achieve.

The success of Regine Velasquez, the famous singer who earned the nickname “Asia’s Songbird”, is the inspiration for Pauline and her fellow amatyuristas. Regine also came from humble beginnings. She endured intense training and made numerous sacrifices. Her father was her vocal coach, and he would make her sing in chest-deep water to strengthen her lungs.

Going to contests was a challenge it itself for Regine, as it still is for many amatyuristas. “Maglalakad ka sa pilapil, makaabot ka lang sa contest,” she recalls. Today, Regine is one of the most famous singers in the Philippines, married to singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and living a lifestyle of comfort and glamor. From singing, she’s branched out into production and business, and the couple even own a chain of ramen restaurants in Metro Manila.

Jonalyn Viray of singing group La Diva likewise slugged it out in amateur singing competitions on the way to winning the televised competition “Pinoy Pop Superstar,” and staging her first solo concert just this February 2014. “Ang hirap pa noong pinagdaanan ko [noon] kasi madaling araw na kami nakakauwi … mga 3:00 o 4:00 a.m,” she recalls. Also, not all competitions were glamorous. “May nasalihan din akong contest na ang premyo ay mga kaldero at kawali,” she laughs.

Mark Bautista, yet another famous singer who got his start at regional contests, says sacrifice comes with the territory. “Dumaan ako sa ‘yung masasabi mong butas ng karayom talaga. Nakasakay na ako ng cargo ship kasi nga wala kaming pambayad [ng regular na bangka] para sa pamilya.”

He adds, “Kailangang ready ka sa lahat ng pwedeng mangyari, ‘yung gutumin ka, maghintay ka, mapagod ka, ma-bore ka … tension, lahat.”

'Team effort ito ng buong pamilya’
In spite of the sacrifices he has to make, nine-year-old Oren says music brings him joy. “Mahal ko po kasi ‘yung singing,” he says with a smile. And it seems music loves Oren back — apart from winning 56 of the 80 singing contests he has joined, Oren was able to teach himself how to play the drums.

While his main dream is to become a professional singer, Oren says he can still sing even if he chooses to take up a different profession. “Gusto ko maging pilot, astronomer, o scientist po,” says the honor student. Then he starts singing a made-up tune: “Hydrogen plus helium…”

Oren’s parents are behind him all the way. The struggle of the child is the struggle of his parents. They pack the bags, dress him for the competition, and coach his performance. “Team effort ito ng buong pamilya,” observed Sandra.

“Mayroon kaming code,” Oren laughs. A certain hand gesture from his parents reminds Oren to be more gentle with his singing, to walk across the stage, to approach the audience.

For his part, Oren sees singing contests as a way to do what he loves and repay his parents for their support. He says, “Ngayon po, ‘yung cash prize minsan, parang isang linggong trabaho ni Dad. Isang gabi ko lang ‘yun kung manalo.” —Cristina Tantengco/PF, GMA News