First Lady Liza Marcos praised Voice Kids alumna Wayneheart Claire Geonzon who performed one of the songs from "The Phantom of the Opera" at the 123rd anniversary of the Manila Bulletin held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel last Feb. 2.
"You sang so well the Phantom of the Opera," Mrs. Marcos told Wayneheart following her performance.
Marie Geonzon said that her daughter was speechless after the First Lady congratulated her. Then Mrs. Marcos and Wayneheart posed for a photo together. Wayneheart was accompanied by her parents Marie and Wyn at the successful event.
Wayneheart's mom said the comment of the first lady was "priceless."
This is the second time that Wayneheart performed the beloved Broadway song live. In 2022, she sang the classic song at the Discovery Philippines contest in Los Angeles, California where she placed second.
The wife of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was the special guest at the 123rd anniversary of the Manila Bulletin, along with other government officials.
Wayneheart, 12, was a top 8 finalist at The Voice Kids singing competition in 2016. She is also one of the scholars of Broadway star Lea Salonga.
Then from 2019 to 2021, Wayneheart became part of the Disney International Tour where she played the role of the young Nala. Later this year, she will appear in a stage musical in Texas.
Waynehart revealed that Lea has inspired her a lot in achieving her dreams.
“I really wanna be like her and follow her footsteps when I grow up. My ultimate dream is to become an international artist,” said Waynehart, when asked about how Lea inspired her, during an exclusive interview at the City Best Dental Clinic in Sta. Mesa, Manila recently.
Waynehart recalled joining Team Lea during the blind auditions for the reality show in 2016. “She’s beautiful and magaling siyang kumanta. I feel that when I choose her, she will take good care of me. She will be able to teach me about music. Sobrang bait po niya and she teaches me the right techniques for singing.” Lea was one of the three coaches during the reality show, along with Bamboo Manalac and Sarah Geronimo.
In one of their rehearsals for the show, Lea advised her to be humble, pray, and sing with your heart. “When I practice, I pray first. Then I also practice at home. Sometimes I watch shows on YouTube.”
Waynehart also dreams of becoming a dentist. Sought to give advice to the young artist, Dr. Claudette Gallo, of City Best Dental Clinic, said: “Just study hard and follow your dreams.”