Singer Zendee Rose Tenerefe, who rose to fame as the “random girl” caught on video singing karaoke at a mall, seems to be following the footsteps of another musical prodigy, Charice. In an interview with PEP.ph, Zendee shares that long before her swift rise to fame, the “Pyramid” singer herself had acknowledged their similarities when she auditioned for X-Factor Philippines.

"Sabi nga ni Charice sa akin, sabi niya, ‘Simula nung pumasok ka hanggang sa natapos kang kumanta (Charice herself told me, ‘From the moment you entered until the moment you finished singing), all I can say is, Wow!'" Zendee said. "Sabi niya sa akin (She told me), 'I think you’ll be the next me!'"

She may have lost in the contest, but she made it big in a different manner. Like Charice, Zendee had also made the rounds in local singing competitions hoping to use her talent to provide for her family before she unexpectedly struck gold through a YouTube video. Zendee was also recently invited to perform on the US TV show Ellen, just like Charice, who also made a guest appearance a couple of years back.

Zendee also revealed that she wouldn’t have become successful without the help of another General Santos native: Congressman Manny Pacquiao. "Kasi dati, pag may mga parties—birthday ni Mommy D (Dionisia), birthday ni Jinkee (Pacquiao)—ako po 'yung kumakanta 'dun (Before, when there were parties—Mommy Dionisia’s birthday, Jinkee’s birthday—I would be the one singing there.)."

When Zendee told Pacquiao that she will be joining a singing contest in Manila, he readily given her financial help. “Magbibigay na siya. Ganun po siya, mabait po siya (He would readily give me [financial assistance]. He’s like that, he’s really kind.)."


(Photo courtesy of PEP.ph)