Shania Rollo, a 13-year-old Filipina singer, was able to secure a spot in the semifinals of the first season of “Ireland’s Got Talent”.
Rollo first showcased her singing prowess when she performed Cyndi Lauper’s song titled True Colors during her audition, wherein she got a standing ovation from the judges and audience members.
Rollo, the youngest and only Filipino contestant in the competition, is one of the 24 semifinalists who were chosen out of more than 7,000 auditionees.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Rollo said that she is still in disbelief that she was able to make it to the semifinals of the show.
“Hindi po talaga ako makapaniwala na nakapasok po ako dahil napaka-huge achievement po ito at nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga supporters ko po sa Pilipinas at sa Ireland at sa buong mundo at kay God. Ayaw ko pong ma-disappoint sila,” she said.
Rollo’s mother, who hailed from Sta. Maria, Laguna, said that she is proud of what her daughter has achieved.
“Naku grabeng saya naming mag-asawa, sobrang saya at talagang na-surprise kami sa mga nagyayari sa kanya. Parang overwhelmed,” Rollo’s mother said.
Rollo, who moved to Ireland three years ago, came from a family who loves music; both of her parents are musicians and her older sister is also fond of singing.
The aspiring singer said that she has never joined any singing competition before. She said that her siblings who were left in the Philippines are her inspiration to win the entire contest.
“Gusto ko po na makasama ko ulit ‘yung aking mga kapatid kasi po na-miss ko na po talaga sila. Kasi po noong nandoon po ako sa Pilipinas, lagi po kaming magka-close pero nung nagpunta ako dito, parang ako na lang po mag-isa. Ang hirap po mag make friends kasi po isa po ako sa mga taong napaka-shy. Meron lang ako dito si mom at dad,” she said.
Aside from being a singer and recording artist, Rollo dreams of becoming a doctor someday.
She idolizes a number of local and foreign singers, including Lea Salonga, Yeng Constantino, Sam Concepcion, Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston, and Tori Kelly.
“I feel very happy kasi po ang dami na po sumusuporta sa akin at hindi pa rin po ako makapaniwala sa buong buhay ko na mangyayari po ito. Para pong napaka-magical po ng nangyari sa buhay ko talaga,” she said.
