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Ramiele Mania Hits Manila And Guam

Filipina singer Ramiele Malubay performs 'Alone' by Heart. (Photo courtesy AmericanIdol.Com)

Jennifer A. Ng, Pacific News Center Correspondent 30.MAR.08
3:11 p.m. Manila, Philippines - Fans of "American Idol" in the Philippines and Guam have found one more reason to make sure that they don't miss a single episode of the show: the petite Filipino singer Ramiele Malubay.

Filipino music and non-music enthusiasts alike followed her story on screen, from the time she auditioned up to the time that she landed a place on American Idol's Top 10. Here in the Philippines, American Idol is aired on local free television every Thursdays and Fridays. On Guam, the show is broadcast on FOX-6 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, at 8 p.m.

Fans of the petite Filipina singer, who is blessed with a powerful voice, just can't stop talking about their "kababayan." Numerous blogs have been written about her and fans talk about her prospects of duplicating, if not, surpassing the feat achieved by Filipino-American Jasmine Trias who landed third place during the third season of "American Idol."

"Filipinos cheer for Malubay because they can relate to her. The singer embodies the longing of every single Pinoy to be successful," said University of the Philippines (UP) sociologist Andrea Martinez.

"There is also the natural propensity of Filipinos to identify with the underdog since the singer is considered a member of the minority who can be subjected to discrimination," Martinez stressed.

Just like boxing idol Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the UP sociologist also said Filipinos will support Malubay because she gives them reason to be proud of their nationality.

Apparently, even Filipinos residing outside of the Philippines have thrown their support behind the petite singer. Evan Cohen, Managing Director of Sorensen Media Group and FOX-6 Television, revealed Malubay's songs are popular with Filipino-Americans on Guam.

"Filipino-Americans here on Guam have made her the number one most popular singer by a wide margin on this year's edition of the American Idol, based on the requests coming in for her songs on Power98, Guam's Top 40 format radio station," said Cohen.

Meanwhile, local journalist Marie Carisa Ordinario agrees with Martinez. Ordinario, who confessed to watching the show because of Malubay, said the singer is a "morale booster."

"Her success will boost our morale, especially during these trying times," she said.

Fans like Ordinario admit to being disappointed with the previous performances of Malubay. The singer's rendition of the song "Alone" by the band Heart, however, has given them hope that Malubay will continue to give them a reason to watch American Idol. - Pacific News Center International