I was discovered by the WCOPA UAE National Director when I participated in a local talent competition in Dubai. He invited me to represent the UAE at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).
WCOPA is a unique global talent competition often referred to as the official "Talent Olympics." It is the only international event of its kind, held annually in the United States. WCOPA invites top contestants who are considered the “best of the best” in singing, dancing, modeling, acting, and instrumental performance from their respective countries.
The 27th annual WCOPA (2024) was held at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, California, USA, from June 28 to July 6, 2024.
The WCOPA UAE National Director, Mr. Elipas Sibua, conducted a rigorous selection process to determine who could represent the UAE, except in my case, where I was scouted from a local competition he judged.
Team UAE consisted of 20 delegates, divided into the Junior Category (ages 15 and under) and the Senior Category (ages 16 and above). Notably, 11 out of the 20 delegates were Filipinos.
I proudly represented the UAE in the Senior Vocals Category.
With over 70 countries competing, I brought home a bronze medal in the Senior Vocal Contemporary category with my performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
All 20 Team UAE delegates earned medals at WCOPA 2024.
I joined this competition to pursue my ultimate dream and passion—singing and performing on an international stage. It was an opportunity to showcase my unique style of singing and performance to the world.
The biggest challenge for me was balancing my professional work as a full-time physiotherapist with my preparation for the competition. Managing my schedule was difficult, especially during the intense vocal training sessions leading up to the event. I had to ensure my patients' therapy sessions were properly managed in my absence.
It’s never too late to chase your dreams, especially when it comes to doing what you truly love. Given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my talent, I grabbed it—and I’ve learned that when you show the world what you genuinely love to do, it rewards you with even more appreciation and fulfillment.
■ For those in the Korean Community interested in participating in the World Championships of Performing Arts, please contact Mr. Patrick Morales (0564764988), the WCOPA UAE Talent Scout, to arrange an initial orientation and audition. Passing the initial audition will lead to a meeting with the WCOPA UAE National Director. Selected talents will represent the UAE at WCOPA 2025.
The deadline for submissions is the end of February 2025.
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