Like Filipinos, Chinese-Filipinos or Chinoys, have a deep-rooted love for music, singing with a passion that resonates from one generation to the next. No matter their age, music has always been an integral part of their lives.
Representing this shared musical heritage is Giuliana Chiong, the newest artist at Cornerstone Entertainment. She is 13 years old, a young singer from Ozamis City, and she joined the recently concluded ‘Voice Kids’ under Coach Martin Nievera. As a Chinese-Filipino artist, Giuliana’s talent transcends borders. From the vibrant stages of ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’ to the international spotlight of China’s ‘Rising Voice,’ her journey is a testament to this enduring love for music.
Here are six intriguing facts about Giuliana Chiong that highlight her remarkable journey and passion for music.
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Had to Learn Chinese for ‘Rising Voice’
One of the most remarkable aspects of Giuliana’s journey on ‘Rising Voice’ was her dedication to learning Chinese. “I never really go to speak Chinese in the house. I usually just speak English or Bisaya,” she stated.
Launched in 2023, Rising Voice, a variety show in China, aims to find and discover young children with musical talent and provide them with an excellent platform to explore the world of music. The show provides music tutors who offer professional guidance to help them better understand their musical potential. In Giuliana’s case, she was coached to pronounce each word correctly in Mandarin as she sang the Chinese song.
Recognizing the importance of connecting with the audience and judges, Giuliana embraced the challenge of learning Chinese to sing ‘Olive Tree’, the Chinese song she performed on stage.
Photo courtesy of Giulianna Chiong
“It was really scary for me but it was a very fun challenge that I was willing to take and I’m glad, I’m glad I took it,” Giuliana said about her experience. Despite her initial fears, Giuliana was glad she took on the challenge. This effort allowed her to better express herself and resonate deeply with her audience through her music.
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Love Music Since Age Of 5
Music has been a constant companion for Giuliana from a very young age. At just five years old, her love for melodies and rhythms began to flourish. This early passion laid the foundation for her musical journey, shaping her into the talented artist she is today.
“I used to sing Disney songs, especially Frozen songs a lot,” Giuliana recalls with a smile. “I would walk around my lolo and lola’s uhm office and sing Frozen songs nonstop every single time I went there.”
Her imagination knew no bounds as a child. “I would grab a blanket and make it my cape and walk around the house and pretend to be Elsa,” she fondly remembers.
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‘The Voice Kids’ Was Her First Voice Competition
Giuliana’s introduction to the world of voice competitions was through ‘The Voice Kids Philippines.’ Despite it being her first competition, she showcased an impressive vocal range and maturity beyond her years. “My journey in The Voice Kids was very nerve-wracking because it was my very first time joining a voice competition,” Giuliana shared. “But I’ve learned a lot of things during that journey.”
Photo courtesy of Giulianna Chiong
Her memorable performances on the show caught the attention of many, setting her on a path to further success and opportunities. Her coach Martin has played a significant role in her growth. He imparted wisdom that she holds dear to her heart: “You shouldn’t be scared of something you enjoy so much because it takes away the joy of that thing you love so much.”
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Have Supportive Parents
In the Chinese-Filipino community, it’s often perceived that having supportive parents is a rarity, especially when pursuing careers in arts or music, which are traditionally viewed with skepticism. However, most Chinoys would nod in agreement that supportive parents can make a world of difference.
Giuliana was fortunate to have such parents. Despite the prevailing norms, her parents stood by her dreams. When she expressed her interest in joining the Voice Kids Philippines and China’s Rising Voice, they didn’t hesitate, even if it meant traveling from their home in Ozamis City to support her. Their unwavering belief in her talent and passion became her greatest source of strength and motivation.
Below is their family photo taken when her parents joined Giuliana as she signed a contract with Cornerstone Entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Entertainment Inc.
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She Values Perseverance
“Even though I didn’t make it [to the grand finals] in The Voice Kids, I’m glad I never stopped pursuing my dream to become a singer,” Giuliana reflected.
Her parents taught her the value of perseverance, a lesson she holds dear. “It’s something I’ll never forget in my life because, without that one moral, I don’t think I would have been here at all,” Giuliana shared.
Never giving up was the life lesson she imparted to fellow kids aspiring to pursue their passion. “Never give up no matter what life throws at you,” she exclaimed. Giuliana emphasized the importance of holding onto dreams, saying, “Never give up on it, because someday you might reach it.”
Giuliana’s journey in the music industry has been filled with challenges, but her perseverance has been her guiding light. She believes in the power of hard work, dedication, and resilience. These values have not only helped her overcome obstacles but also shaped her as an artist and individual. Giuliana’s determination serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, dreams can be achieved.
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Write Songs on Her Freetime
Giuliana Chiong’s journey from Ozamis City to the international stage of ‘Rising Voice’ is a testament to her talent, dedication, and love for music.
Beyond her incredible vocal talents, Giuliana is also an aspiring songwriter. “I do plan to write songs,” she says. The songs that she has written are still drafts, and she is not so sure if they’re ready to be released yet. “I still have to work on my writing skills, but hopefully someday I will be able to write my own songs and release them.”
During her free time, she channels her emotions and experiences into crafting heartfelt lyrics and melodies. This creative outlet allows her to express herself fully and connect with her audience on a deeper level. Giuliana’s songwriting skills add another dimension to her artistry, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Watch CHiNOY TV’s exclusive interview with Giuliana Chiong to learn more about her:
