You can never have too many proudly Pinoy moments, and this recent one from Ylona Garcia was definitely a thrill! The 21-year-old musician has been busy writing her own songs, often flying between Australia, the U.S., and the Philippines.
Last August 2, 2023, she had the opportunity to perform the Philippine National Anthem at a Los Angeles Dodgers game! The baseball team held a Filipino Heritage Night, which brought together many Filipino residents excited to celebrate their cultural roots.
Ylona came dressed in her go-to garb—dark jeans, a black shirt, and Vans sneakers—but topped it all off with a Philippine-inspired Dodgers jersey which appears to be specially made!
Ylona took to Instagram to share her experience: “Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong kantahin ang “Lupang Hinirang” (Philippine National Anthem) sa palaro ng Dodgers!!”, she enthuses in the caption that accompanied a few photographs from the special event.
As she would be representing the country, she shared the nervousness that came with the exhilarating task: “Medyo kabado ako nung una na kantahin ito, dahil hindi ito ang sarili kong kanta. Pero kahit na ganumpaman, ito ang kanta na nag-rerepresenta sa aking sarili at sa aking bansa.”
Despite her initial worry, she stayed focus to make sure she hit all the right notes in the right way: “Sinigurado ko na nasa tamang tono, tamang oras at higit sa lahat galing sa aking puso ang pag kanta ko nito.”
Ylona joins the ranks of fellow Filipino singers Martin Nievera and Jake Zyrus who also had the chance to sing the national anthem at a Dodgers game.
This isn’t Ylona’s first opportunity on a big stage (or in this case, stadium) though. Last 2021, she performed at the Head in the Clouds festival by 88Rising, which was also held in Los Angeles. The lineup included NIKI and Beabadoobee, among others.
“Sana’y napasaya at napahanga ko kayo, mga kababayan. Sana ay proud kayo, Pilipinas!!” she last said in the caption.
Congratulations on a job well done, Ylona! You definitely made us proud!
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