Singer Louie Anne Culala Talks Balancing Studies and Wishcovery Competition

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Taking part in a singing competition is taxing and overwhelming. Apart from putting one’s vocal prowess to a probe, a performer’s patience and ability to withstand stresses coming from the judges, the competitors, and the audience are also being tested.

But one Wishful-turned-bonafide-recording-artist proved that with the right mindset, this challenge can be done -- and in her case, be accomplished triumphantly even while finishing her studies.

For being named as Wishcovery’s 2nd runner-up, Bulaceña belter Louie Anne Culala won a cash prize of Php 300,000. Like the other four grand finalists of the competition, she also secured a five-year management contract with Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International (BMPI), the content provider for Wish 107.5, and a two-year recording deal with Star Music.

The 20-year-old singer recently graduated from Baliuag University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management. In an exclusive interview, she shared how she was able to conquer this stage of her budding musical career.

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Congratulations on your graduation! How do you feel now that you’ve finally graduated?

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Overflowing happiness and gratitude. After four years of hard work and perseverance , I’ve finally reached my goal of finishing college. This is also my family's dream.

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While you were studying, you were also competing in Wishcovery. How were you able to balance these two “major events” in your life?

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I would say that time management is key. I am both passionate about singing and studying, and I don’t want to give up on either of the two so I tried hard to balance them, of course with the help of people around me.

I finished all my units back in October, so when the Wishcovery grand finals season kicked in, I was able to focus on the competition.

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Even before you graduated, you were given the opportunity to perform at big venues like the Araneta Coliseum. You’ve also signed management and recording contracts with BMPI and Star Music, respectively. What can you say about being granted with these such rare opportunities?

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I am truly honored to have performed in venues as big as the Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena as not all up-and-coming artists receive this kind of chance.

Now that I am already a signed artist with BMPI and Star Music, I feel that I am really blessed. I feel elated because Kuya Daniel Razon (President and CEO of  BMPI) and the rest of the management of Wish 107.5 did not hesitate to entrust us Wishfuls a grand opportunity like this.

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What are your plans after graduation?

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I plan on becoming a full-time artist because I do not want to let go of the chance given to me. I really look forward to the projects that await me and my fellow Wishfuls.

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What’s the biggest impact of Wishcovery to you?

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I didn’t consider Wishcovery as a competition. It has become a platform for self-discovery. I improved a lot, on a personal and on a musical level, as I explored my vocal abilities.

More importantly, I also found another family in my co-Wishfuls in the show. The whole management took care of us really well.

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What’s your message to Kuya Daniel Razon, to your family, and to your fans?

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To Kuya Daniel, I am very grateful to you for creating Wishcovery. Because of this competition, I improved, and I met a lot of people who have become an important part of my life. Thank you so much for the trust.

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To my family, I am forever thankful because from the beginning, you’ve always been there for me. The world may have turned its back on me, but you stayed right by my side and loved me unconditionally. Without you, I won’t have the courage to pursue my dreams. I dedicate to you all of my achievements, especially my diploma.

To my supporters, my LouWish Angels, thank you for the undying love. I did not expect that there will be people who will support me all the way. I am praying and hoping that you won’t falter in supporting me.

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Can you give a word of advice to aspiring singers who are also trying to balance their studies at the same time?

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Just continue doing what you love, but don’t forget that education is still very important. Having a good educational background and a diploma can make a difference -- this is something to be proud of, and something that you can give as a gift to your parents.

After battling it out in Wish 107.5’s own online singing competition, Culala, together with Wishcovery grand champ Princess Sevillena and runners-up Kimberly Baluzo, Carmela Ariola and Hacel Bartolome, is currently in the process of recording her debut single.