Filipina singer Ronica Mae Mangahas dominated the recently concluded 2023 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Anaheim, California.
The international competition, cited as the “Talent Olympics,” is held annually for performers and entertainers.
Contenders from various countries across America, Europe, South Africa, and Asia participated in the contest. Esteemed entertainment celebrities and professionals were likewise invited to judge, conduct seminars, and eventually scout for talents.
A representative of the Philippines, Mangahas competed in eight out of 14 genres in the Vocal Solo Category. Of these, she won gold medals in the Opera, Open, and Rhythm and Blues (R&B) tilts. Her winning entries were Habanera from Carmen by Georges Bizet, You Gotta Be by Patti Austin, and Yesterday by Shanice, respectively.
The 30-year-old vocalist likewise finished silver in Gospel, Original Works, Rock, and World divisions, through her lauded renditions of Win by Brian McKnight, See Me Fly by Ammie Ruth Suarez, For The Very First Time by Roxette, and Ilay Gandangan by Rodolfo Delarmente, respectively.
She also serenaded the panel in the Country classification with her personal take of Bless the Broken Road by the Rascal Flatts.
The musician highlighted that all her preparations and hardships along the way were all worth it. “Competing on the world stage is a dream come true,” she underscored. “I never thought that my passion would get me to represent the country.”
“My win is your win! I am truly grateful to all of you, my family, friends, sponsors and coaches,” she emphasized. “I hope to inspire, touch more hearts, and bring nations together.”
The multi-medalist is no stranger to the realm of musical events as she started voice lessons and joined interschool plays and choirs as early as Grade 1.
Mangahas was a full arts and design scholar at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), where she graduated with a degree in Music Production. During her academic journey, she became a member of the resident chorale group Coro San Benildo and participated in various ensemble tournaments overseas.
She was continuously involved in local amateur singing battles, where she was hailed as the daily winner in the noon-time program It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan and Top 10 in NICKL Entertainment’s online songwriting match.
This made her career blossom in the domain of music production, where she collaborated with well-known brands and prominent leaders in the industry.
She also formed the MS/MR SARA band and launched their originals amid the pandemic.
She advised her fellow Filipino artists to be authentic and grateful for their craft. “Just be who you are. Be unique in your own beautiful way,” she added. “Believe in yourself, because you have what it takes. The world needs you.”
