Arabelle Dela Cruz recently returned to the Philippines after winning the Grand Champion title at South Korea’s Veiled Cup, bringing international recognition to Filipino musical talent.

Known as the “Laguna Diva,” Arabelle competed against other top Asian singers in the challenging Veiled Cup. She prevailed over strong contenders such as Gyeongsangdo Gangcheolseongdae, Bangkok Soulman, Vientiane Redhair, and Phangaman Fighter.

In an interview in Quezon City, Arabelle shared that the experience was bittersweet, as it marked her first birthday and holiday season spent apart from her family.

"Noong nalaman ko na lilipad ako, both excited and sad ako kasi first time kong lilipad sa ibang bansa. And then the first international competition ko rin. First time kong mag-travel nang hindi kasama ang family ko. Madalas pag magta-travel ako, kasama ko ang family ko. Bawal po kasi magsama sa Korea." (When I found out I was flying, I was both excited and sad because it was my first time flying abroad. And then it was my first international competition too. It was my first time traveling without my family. I usually travel with my family. They're not allowed to travel together in Korea)," said Arabelle.

Arabelle added, "During the contest duration in Korea, I celebrated na ako lang mag-isa. I was there on Dec. 7. My birthday is on Dec. 15, then Christmas and New Year. Laging kasama ko ang parents ko sa mga special celebrations." (I celebrated alone. I was there on Dec. 7. My birthday is on Dec. 15, then Christmas and New Year. I always have my parents with me for special celebrations.)

"I celebrated alone. On my birthday, we were preparing for the second round of the contest. So ayoko na silang abalahin. Ang nangyari, tutal birthday ko naman, naglibot ako the whole day. Sabi ko, bahala na kung saan ako gumala. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, 'Gift ko na lang ito sa sarili ko.'" (I didn't want to bother them anymore. What happened was that, since it was my birthday, I wandered around all day. I said, it's up to me where I wander. I said to myself, 'It's my gift to myself.'), she said.

After the competition finals, Arabelle connected with her family via phone call to share the news of her achievement.

She expressed gratitude for staying healthy despite the freezing temperatures in Seoul, noting that some of her fellow competitors almost became ill during the event.

"Ang lamig sa Korea. Thankfully, hindi ako nagkasakit during the competition. Yung ibang kasama ko ay inuubo na. Many of the contestants came from countries with no snow. Nakakapanibago. Pero ang ginawa ko, para masanay na ang voice ko sa climate, lumalabas ako sa hotel. Sa area lang naman. Naglalakad lang ako sa vicinity ng mga 30 minutes." (It's cold in Korea. Thankfully, I didn't get sick during the competition. My other competitors were already coughing. Many of the contestants came from countries with no snow. It was strange. But what I did to get used to the climate was to leave the hotel. Just in the area. I just walked around the vicinity for about 30 minutes.)

The Veiled Cup, where contestants perform unseen behind a veil before being revealed, served as an ideal platform for Arabelle to demonstrate the artistry and excellence of Filipino musicians to a wider Asian audience.

Previously the 1st Runner-Up in The Clash 2025 and a member of All-Out Sundays’ Divas, Arabelle’s Veiled Cup win marks a significant milestone in her career and a moment of pride for the Philippines.

In the finals, Arabelle focused on enjoying the experience rather than succumbing to pressure.

"Hindi ko na pinressure ang sarili ko. I just enjoyed the moment. Kung ano yung naisip kong gawin sa stage during the finals, that's it." (I didn't pressure myself. I just enjoyed the moment. Whatever I thought I would do on stage during the finals, that's it), she said.

Arabelle cited Sarah Geronimo as a major influence on her singing journey.

"I love Sarah Geronimo. I met her during the Tawag ng Tanghalan contest. Nagkasalubungan lang kami sa hallway. Na-starstruck ako at hindi ako makagalaw sa hallway. Sabi ng mother ko, bakit hindi raw ako gumagalaw. Sabi ko, 'Nakita ko si Sarah Geronimo.' Ang unang kantang natutunan ko ay yung cover song niya na 'To Love You More.' Grabe talaga yung influence niya sa akin. She's a total performer." (We just met in the hallway. I was starstruck and couldn't move in the hallway. My mother asked why I wasn't moving. I said, 'I saw Sarah Geronimo.' The first song I learned was her cover song 'To Love You More.' She really influenced me. She's a total performer)," she said.

On her advice to those who want to be a professional singer, Arabelle said, "Sa mga gustong maging singer, huwag kayong susuko. I'm sure lagi ninyong naririnig ang advice na 'yan. Hindi natin alam kung saan tayo dadalhin ng buhay. There were moments na tinatanong ko ang sarili ko kung itutuloy ko pa ang pagkanta. Pero nagkakaroon ako ng rason to go on. Kung yun talaga ang pangarap mo, hindi mo siya iiwan. Iba kapag pinagpatuloy mo ang ginagawa mo. Nalalaman mo kung paano ka mag-prepare. So that when the time comes, alam mo na ang gagawin mo." (To those who want to be singers, don't give up. I'm sure you've heard that advice a million times. We never know where life will take us. There were moments when I asked myself if I should continue singing. But I found a reason to go on. If that's really your dream, you won't give up. It's different when you keep doing what you're doing. You know how to prepare. So that when the time comes, you know what you're going to do.)

In a heartfelt Instagram post following her win, Arabelle expressed her gratitude to fans and supporters, proudly declaring: “Pilipinas, panalo tayo!” (Philippines, we won!)

Arabelle’s historic victory has brought honor to the Philippines and serves as inspiration for aspiring Filipino artists to pursue their dreams on the global stage.