Tata Villaruel: The pride of Ilonggos

By Wein P. Gadian

One could have been content as a registered nurse which by far is the easiest way to leave the country. But not for 22-year old Christi Praise “Tata” Fernando Villaruel. She resigned from her job as a nurse and pursued her passion in singing. With her determination, everything she did paid off, landing her in the ‘Star in a Million Contest’ (SIAM). SIAM is a search of the country’s best young artists.

And compared to her contenders everything for Tata was a first. She is the first grand finalist from Iloilo and NAMCYA (National Music Competition for Young Artist) national finalist to join the contest. With her versatility in singing she has not only become the Illongos’ pride but also an inspiration to most.

The Dream
As a young lady, Tata’s love for her craft was influenced by her mom Verenice Fernando, who then was a professional singer. And with her mom as mentor, she joined various singing engagements where she garnered awards: (NAMCYA) National Music Competition for Young Artist (1999), Iloilo PRISAA Vocal Solo (Pop) Champion,   SLSA & Integrated Meet Classical Champion, Super Ferry Regional Champion and also a champion in Kampeon Sa Kantahan.

She’s also into classical voice training and has years of experience as a choir member. All these gave her enough guts to join SIAM “It was my dream to join the competition but I prioritized my studies. I decided to finish my course and pass the board. Then when they opened SIAM for 16-19, I was depressed. In the end, I applied for work. And when ABS-CBN started advertising SIAM’s season 2 for 18-24…I resigned and auditioned.”

Now as the consistent number one in the contests Tata reveals her edge compared with the others: “I’m blessed that I belong in a family of artists in different fields: My professional singer mom, my aunt, and uncles who are all visual artists. My uncles Rey and Joy Fernando are known portraitist. They have a gallery in SM City Iloilo.” Other than the talent, what’s interesting about her voice is her adaptability to any musical genres. She belts out R&B tunes and can easily shift to classic or pop.

Her discipline has taken her all the way up but for Tata, perseverance still matters knowing that her contenders are also great performers. Her focus is on uplifting the Ilonggo talents. She says, “Let us unite and show the world we are one. And support Ilonggo artists like me and make Iloilo bigger on the map!” And with this rare opportunity of seeing our fellow Ilonggo on the lead and giving her best. Let’s give our support thru text: Just type SIAM<space>TATA send to 2331 Globe/Touch Mobile/Sun, 231 Smart/TalknText/Addictmobile, 23661 for TFC subscribers in the US.

Tata is a resident of Block 29, Lot 10, Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. She is a graduate of Bachelor in Nursing from University of San Agustin. Her musical prowess is sustained by her loving parents: Verenice Fernandoand Louie Villaruel, brother and sisters; Hearly Lee V. Canonizado, Louie, Mary Love and Louise Villaruel and the inspiration of all Ilonggos.