At Gerry’s restaurant, I was greeted by the golden voice of 18-year-old Joice Espinoza, dressed in a vibrant green outfit. The young singer instantly mesmerized me with her talent.
Alongside Ms. Cha Francisco Santos, I had the chance to ask Joice a few questions, which she answered with sincerity and warmth.
Born Shirleena Joice Espinoza on June 6, 2007, this Olongapo native has quickly emerged as one of today’s most promising young Filipino singers. She first rose to national attention as a daily winner on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime: Tawag Ng Tanghalan (Season 7, 2023) and later as a contender on GMA Network’s TiktoClock: Tanghalan ng Kampeon(2024).
Her breakthrough moment came on April 29, 2025, during TV5’s Eat Bulaga! segment “The Clone.” When co-host Ian Red called for song requests, Allan K invited Joice—then part of the studio audience—to perform. She delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” popularized by Gigi De Lana. The impromptu performance left both hosts and audience in awe.
Uploaded to her official Facebook page, the clip went viral with more than 4.5 million views and thousands of shares. Praise from fans and industry professionals poured in, cementing her reputation as a star on the rise.
Joice cites Ariana Grande for global inspiration and Gigi De Lana for local influence, drawing from their authenticity and stage presence. After her debut single Pangako Mo, she is set to release Hanggang Sa Muli, a poignant ballad about letting go, cherishing memories, and hoping for reunion.
With the guidance of vocal coach Adonis Arcilla and talent manager John Rey Malto, Joice continues to refine her artistry. Beyond music, she is pursuing a psychology degree, driven by her own experiences with anxiety and stress.
“Mental health is finally being acknowledged, and I want to use my voice and experiences to help others who are going through similar challenges,” she shared with a wide smile.
ATOM co-founder Reli German (left) with Rogelio Constantino Medina.At the NAIA departure ramp, we commemorated the 42nd death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino with a wreath-laying ceremony and a message from Sen. Bam Aquino. Attendees included Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez of NAMSERV and EARTHSAVERS, Rebecca Quijano of Chino Roces Foundation, Volt Bohol of ATOM, Karl Patrick Suyat of Project Gunita, Kiko Dee of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, Cristina Rodriguez of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, Christopher Carreon of the Spirit of EDSA Foundation, Regalado Trota Jose Jr. of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Atty. Richard Palpal-Latoc of the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, and General Manager Ma. Lourdes SJ. Reyes of the Manila International Airport Authority. The invocation was led by Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD.
The event was followed by an ATOM motorcade and a 10 a.m. mass at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Later in the afternoon, ATOM members from 1983 to 2025 reunited in Quezon City, where I was delighted to see co-founder Reli German and actress Jackie Aquino, daughter of the late Butz Aquino.
The film Mamay: A Journey to Greatness, a biopic of Nunungan Mayor Marcos Mamay of Lanao del Norte, was a big winner at this year’s FAMAS Awards. The film earned the Presidential Award for Mayor Mamay, Producer of the Year (Mamay Productions), Best Supporting Actor for Jeric Raval, Best Cinematography for Gilbert Obispo, Best Production Design for Cyrus Khan, Best Original Theme Song (Hamon performed by Gerald Santos and composed by Vehnee Saturno), and Best Musical Score for Director Neil Buboy Tan.
“This victory is not just for me—it’s for the people of Lanao del Norte and for regional cinema as a whole. Our stories matter, and tonight proves they deserve to be seen and celebrated,” Mayor Mamay said at the ceremony held at Manila Hotel. The movie was line-produced by Sheila Torres Lintan.
Congratulations as well to Vice Ganda, who won his first FAMAS Best Actor trophy. I recall his kindness when I once visited ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime studio to interview choreographer and floor director Mel Feliciano for the Philippine Star.
The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies (AIE) has partnered with the American Arts Conservancy (AAC) to expand the global reach of American art in cultural diplomacy. Together, AIE and AAC will support exhibitions in U.S. embassies and residences worldwide, develop educational programs, create artist exchanges, and build a permanent digital archive of featured works.