A 27-year-old woman from Camaligan, Camarines Sur, has been selected to sing the Philippine National Anthem at President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, 2024.

Blessie Mae Abagat won gold medals in five vocal styles at the 2024 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

The WCOPA is known as a talent Olympics, and Abagat also secured the title of 2024 Division Champion in Vocal Pop for her age group.

“Actually, shocked po talaga ako kasi dae ko po tig-expect na halos si apat na kanta ko, ma-gold ako. Tapos si sarong kanta ko po na dae ko ine-expect na ma-medal ako duman, which is broadway, naka-silver pa ako duman. Sobrang na-amaze ako. Talagang worth it su four years na paghalat ko,” Abagat said.

In addition to her success at the international competition, Abagat is excited to sing at the SONA. She believes that performing the national anthem is a significant honor.

“Para po sako, mas magayon pa din itong natural na pagkanta kang national anthem; which is iyo man talaga dapat, and dapat ma-feel mo. Kasi maski sobrang lipot lang kang anthem, dapat ma-feel mo na maogma ka na saro kang Pilipino,” Abagat said.

Abagat, originally from Barangay San Mateo, Camaligan, is proud to represent her hometown and the entire Philippines at this major national event.