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March 13, 2021 may have been any ord inary Sunday. But to Jessica Villarubin, it marked the start of a new life. She appeared on “All-Out Sundays” debuting her new song and perhaps more strikingly, a new look.
After weeks of being MIA, the Power Diva stood tall in front of everyone and owned the stage. Wearing a black gown for her first public appearance since her surgery, and Jessica was clearly feeling it and herself.
She sang her debut single “Ako Naman,” a song composed by Asia’s Balladeer Christian Bautista. It’s close to her heart, Jessica said, and knowing her story, one need not ask why.
Jessica was once just a dreamer, a part-time singer in Cebu who has endured bullying, moved forward from difficulties, and passed a number of obstacles to stand here today, singing alongside the likes of Lani Misalucha, Julie Anne San Jose, Aicelle Santos to claim her dream.
Courtesy: GMA Artist Center
Photography: @rapyuphotos | Make up: @gerypenaso | Hair: @markanthonyrosales | Styling: @geejocson
Jessica is committed to making her way to the top, and winning the third season of “The Clash” is just the start of it. With the courage to love herself more, the Power Diva is on to reaching her highest potential.
The 24-year-old Cebuana, just like any other, started with a dream. Growing up in a family that hardly makes ends meet, Jessica started at a very bottom, at a very young age.
She started singing and joining competitions at the age of six and looking back, she can still vividly remember how her very first stage appearance went.
“Nanghiram pa kami ng heels [at] gown kasi wala pa kaming pera noon. Naalala ko nga violet pa yung gown ta’s yung first prize ko P250. Sobrang saya ng parents ko kasi bibili kami ng bigas at pagkain,” she told GMA News Online in a Zoom interview.
Her parents, a laundry woman and a carpenter, have once told her that college was unlikely given their situation, but that only motivated Jessica to keep going by way of singing.
“Gumawa po ako ng paraan para makapag-enroll ako,” Jessica said. “Kanta lang talaga ako nang kanta. Sumasali ako ng mga contest, so yung mga napanalunan ko po, ‘yon yung pinambabayad ko sa tuition.”
Out of nine siblings, she was the only one who finished her studies and later on, proceeded to pursue her first love: singing.
Working as a hotel singer for four years, Jessica was her family’s breadwinner. Joining “The Clash” was both a risk and a sacrifice for her; she was hesitant to leave her family and her work behind.
But “it’s my longtime dream na sumali sa malaking singing [contest],” Jessica said. “Ayoko ma-miss yung chance. Naisip ko na ‘di ko naman malalaman if ‘di mag-try, so nag-try ako.”
Jessica decided to leave everything behind in Cebu and enter the singing competition that would change her life forever.
Jessica Villarubin's upbringing in Cebu was humble but full of love.
Photos: Jessica Villarubin
Before that however, she had to face a gruelling competition against 30 hopefuls from around the country.
The Clash was two months worth of proving her talent to everyone, and the emotional toil it entailed was comparable to a rollercoaster ride. She almost got through it with nary a scratch but right before the finale, Jessica was placed in the competition’s bottom two. It was the hardest part, she admits now. “Napagod ako bigla,” she said.
Drawing strength from her supporters, Jessica managed an incredible version of “Habang May Buhay” for her finale and emerged the third grand champion of The Clash.
Jessica won P4 million worth of prizes, bringing home a brand-new car, a house and lot, P1 million cash, an exclusive management contract with GMA Artist Center, and most importantly, a title that proves her worth as a singer.
“I’m very happy. Parang panaginip ang lahat hanggang ngayon. Salamat po talaga sa Panginoon,” she expressed calmly, like she was on cloud nine.
With her victory, she was able to provide for her family, while doing something she loves.
“Lahat ng ginagawa ko ngayon, para ‘to sa pamilya ko and for myself too. Para mabigyan ko yung pamilya ko ng magandang buhay.”
Although it seems like she would have it altogether already, that was not the case.
Dr. Vicki Belo is instrumental in transforming Jessica. Instagram: Jessica Villarubin
Along with her victory came the rise of supporters, as well as an upsurge of haters who, according to the Power Diva, have always been present in her life ever since she was young.
Her haters never went for her talent, no. They always went for Jessica’s looks.
“Pinakamasakit yung ‘maganda lang yung boses mo pero pangit yung mukha mo,’” she said, her smile unable to hide the tremble in her voice.
“Palagi naman ganon,” she continued. “Kahit nung elementary ako [hanggang] college, ‘yon talaga yung sinasabi ng mga tao,” Jessica said, her voice so low as if the words were piercing through her chest.
Back in elementary, she would even hear the word “pangit” being directly used to refer to her, making her question how she looked at herself.
“‘Ang pangit ko ba talaga?’” She would often ask, as though the description came attached to who she was as a person.
With the lack of resources, Jessica fought the hurt by praying and by putting her attention on things she’s passionate about, “like singing and my family.”
Facing such heart-wrenching words everyday, Jessica knew she wanted to get a glow up as early as high school. It was her win in “The Clash” that pushed her to really go for it.
“Right now kasi yung work ko is madaming camera sa harap ko, so I want to look presentable naman po syempre sa TV. I want to be more confident.”
Jessica’s story resonated with none other than Dr. Vicki Belo. “I really related to Jessica’s story because sa school pa lang binubully na siya and lagi siyang sinasabihan na ang pangit niya and that was also my experience,” said the Cebu-born Doctor to the Stars.
Dr. Vicki was an adopted child whose classmates would ask her why her biological parents “gave [her] away” and came up with answers that described her as “pangit (and) fat.”
“When Jessica told me they called her pangit, talagang it hit my heart. In fact, I got teary-eyed because I remembered how it felt,” she continued.
Dr. Vicki completely understood Jessica’s struggles and clearly remembered what the singer told her in one of their consultations: “Parang hindi ako nakakakanta as good as I can kasi masyado kong iniisip kung ano tinitingnan nila.” She took on the singer’s glow up.
Listen to the Power Diva and 'The Clash' Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin's first single under GMA Music entitled 'Ako Naman'.
Jessica underwent surgery last January 19, with the doctor also personally looking after her recovery.
And nearly two months later, both the doctor and the patient’s wishes have come true.
According to Dr. Vicki, Jessica now “radiates [self-confidence] from the inside out.”
“I am more confident with myself,” Jessica tells us. “Before po kasi ‘pag nasa stage ako, parang ‘di talaga ako confident. Pero ngayon, I feel like I’m ready. [Ito] talaga makakatulong sa’kin sa career ko,” she said.
Jessica is “very happy” to face whatever challenge comes her way.
“Sana po [matanggap] ng mga tao, kasi ako pa naman ‘to,” she continued. “Medyo na-enhance lang yung mukha pero yung Jessica na kilala nila, ako pa naman ‘yon.”
Jessica is encouraging those who wish to feel more confident to set their fears aside and do what they want.
“Kung gusto mong baguhin yung sarili mo at do’n ka masaya, gawin mo. Yung importante naman talaga is yung sarili mo, kung ano yung feeling mo,” she said.
“‘Di ako nagsisisi na ginawa ko [‘to] kasi I feel very happy. Just be yourself, be confident and always be positive. Always pray na makayanan niyo yung nambubully din sa inyo and just be strong talaga,” she continued, smiling from ear to ear.
True to the person that her supporters have known her to be, Jessica doesn’t wish anything bad for anyone, even her bullies.
“Thankful po ako sa mga nambubully sa’kin kasi kung ‘di dahil sa kanila, ‘di ako magiging ganito ngayon, ‘di ako magiging ganito ka-strong. Sila yung ginawa kong inspirasyon to strive hard for myself,” she said proudly.
Shortly after premiering her song and her glow up during “All Out Sundays,” Jessica posted a glam shot on Instagram and quoted author Mandy Hale.
“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make happiness a priority. It’s necessary,” Jessica wrote.
In another, she thanked The Clash, All Out Sundays, GMA Network, and Artist Center for the trust.
Jessica, of course, thanked Dr. Vicki and the Belo Medical Group for giving her a chance to reclaim her confidence.
“You’ve made a wonderful difference in my life. Thank you so much for making me feel and look more beautiful. I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my life,” she wrote in the caption.
With a long and unsteady journey ahead, Jessica excitedly shared her wishes to grow as an artist and contribute more to OPM. She says she wants a concert, as well as an album.
But for now, The Power Diva is relishing the fact that she’s living her dreams.
She points to her single “Ako Naman,” and says, “‘Ang dami ko [nang] failures na napagdaanan pero kailan kaya yung time na ako naman yung nandiyan sa stage?’”
“‘Yon yung ‘Ako Naman’ story ko,” She began. “So ngayon, ako naman talaga. Nandito na ako.”
Across our screens, Jessica, the Power Diva from Cebu, smiled. She looked radiant and glowing, obviously being her happiest and most confident self.
