Lyca Gairanod endeared herself to Filipino music fans each time she performed on The Voice Kids, Philippine edition, a singing competition she eventually won.
Like many a rags-to-riches story, the nine-year-old became the object of affection for many fans who saw in her their hopes of winning at the game of life.
Speaking in Tagalog, Gairanod told tabloid! about how life has changed from the days when simply having food on the table was the happiest she thought she could be, and what’s next.
Many people were rooting for you right from the audition stage. How do you feel about that?
I am very happy. The support of the Filipino public is what carried me through. Of course, I am thankful to my mentor, Miss Sarah Geronimo, for all that she has taught me. I cannot explain how happy I am. Before, if we had just one meal in a day, that was the happiest I thought I could be. I don’t have the words or concept to explain how happy I am right now, along with my family.
You are now living in a new house, which is part of the prize package that you received from ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’. What can you say about this?
What is happening to me now is unimaginable. Before, we would be worried all the time when it rains, because we would need to evacuate. We were living in a make-shift house in a squatter’s area. Now, we have a permanent house and don’t have to worry about the rain. I thank God for these blessings. I am so happy He gave me the gift of singing, which I am now using to be able to help my family.
A lot of people are saying you can also act, especially after you did a guest stint on the drama show ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’. Do you also have plans to be an actress?
Singing is my first love, but I also enjoy acting. If that will give me work, I am happy to do it. But I am happiest the most when I am singing. It’s a different kind of feeling. I also want to improve my singing. Winning The Voice Kids doesn’t mean I am already the best. There are many talented kids out there. So, I have to keep improving so I can do better… so I can make more people happy.
What else has changed in your life since winning?
My whole life changed! Also, now I am able to travel. We will have shows and concerts in the Middle East soon. I am so excited. Now I have a chance to see the world, before I could not even imagine being on a plane. I could only fly in my dreams. Now, it’s real for me.
