At one point in Alisah Bonaobra’s journey as X-Factor UK finalist in 2017, the studio audience comprising of mostly Britons were chanting her name. That reflected how admired she was competing on that stage. She’s embodied how a simple but super talented girl from the Philippines could be able to capture a crowd of foreigners.
She does have the X-factor as views of the lyric video of her recent single “Ginto Ang Sandali” (composed by Marizen Yaneza) quickly skyrocketed upon upload. It’s a good ballad delivered by a gifted voice who’s petite, very Pinay in every angle. She projects that strong representation of what is to be talented yet humble.
During my one-on-one pre-ECQ interview with her, you could feel that humility which all the more makes her deserving of the help she gets from people who open doors for true, big-hearted talents. A few months ago she signed with RJA Productions; the result of lady boss Rosabella Jao-Arribas being struck by her singing prowess and considering she has remained grounded even with her accomplishments.
Alisah shared, “I’ve realized that RJA Productions is really willing to help me, I’m just so happy with my career’s newest chapter with them.”
To look at it closely, Alisah becoming X-Factor finalist and first runner up in The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 only provided the tip of the iceberg. She could have won it all the way on both occasions. But the actual results must be something of a statement that she hasn’t peaked yet. There’s more she can do; her trophies already proved her caliber when pitted against other talented hopefuls.
She must be on her way to beefing up her discography with big hits.
“Gusto ko pong maging successful to give my parents a more comfortable life,” said the crowd-drawer who during her The Voice stint had a duet with Timeless Diva Dulce.
That’s how down-to-earth this young woman is. She’s not one to imply she has made it; she always sees herself reaching for the stars even if she already earned the respect of the toughest critics, including one named Simon Cowell.
Alisah began singing at three years old. Her Mama Luz, a music educator herself, urged her to join singing contests. Thus, countless times they would fall in line as early birds during auditions. She mused, “Di po kami napipirmi na walang sinasalihang contests. Madalas po ako maalala ng audition master.”
That partly defines the “X-Factor” Alisah possesses.
If you ask Ed, the president of her fans club, it’s her humility that he found admirable. She never allowed pride and overconfidence to get in the way of things. Her highly achieving underdog tag made her instant fan favorite.
While I’ve been seeing people do Facebook live in this community quarantine period, I could see what separates Alisah from the pack. She really sings without ever trying to emphasize that she can. She knows she has something to share to make people less worried and feel safer.