Wishful 5 Reflects on their ‘Wishful Journey’ Ahead of Album Launch Concert

‍

‍

They prayed. They persevered. And now, their wishes were granted.

About three months ago, Princess Sevillena, Kimberly Baluzo, Louie Anne Culala, Carmela Ariola and Ace Bartolome were on the Smart-Araneta Coliseum stage, battling it out for the Wishcovery championship tilt.

While Makati’s Sevillena was crowned grand winner, all five have secured management and recording contracts with Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International (BMPI) and Star Music, respectively.

As the stars have finally aligned for the five musical acts, they are going full circle for their first major project since the Wishcovery grand finals.

On June 19, Tuesday, the singers collectively known as the Wishful 5 (the moniker they had as the top 5 finalists of Wish 107.5’s online singing competition) will once again grace the Big Dome for the release of their debut album aptly titled “Wishful Journey.”

‍

‍

Blessed and Grateful

‍

The Wishful 5 does not only share an immense passion for music. In this midst of the outpouring of good opportunities for the up-and-coming singers, they also share the same feeling of overflowing gratitude.

“Having an album with Star Music is already a huge blessing, but to launch it at the Araneta Coliseum through a concert is on another level. I am grateful for all these opportunities. I am very grateful to our Lord for giving me this talent, and for making my dreams -- our dreams -- come true,” Culala shared in an interview.

Sevillena, echoed the same sentiment: “Never did I imagine that all these will happen to me in just a year -- winning a huge contest, having my first album, and launching it at the Big Dome.”

“The pressure is naturally there, but I believe that people will enjoy what we’ve prepared. We just need to focus on one goal: To make them happy,” she added.

‍

‍

She and the rest of the Wishful 5 are currently rigorously preparing for their upcoming star-studded concert. Apart from the rising belters, OPM stars and labelmates Yeng Constantino, Morissette, and Daryl Ong will also be gracing the show.

Also included in the list of their special guests are R&B Prince and Wishcovery host Kris Lawrence, and Pilipinas Got Talent 2018 grand winner Kristel De Catalina.

‍

A Surreal, Insightful Experience

‍

Before taking their chance at stardom through Wishcovery, each of the Wishful 5 had a simple wish: To share and inspire other people through their musical gifts. Now that they are finally able to reach this dream, another chapter of their wishful journey has begun.

From singing hopefuls, they have now become bonafide recording artists -- with a soon-to-be-released album under their belt.

For 19-year-old Baluzo, “To interpret and record [her] own songs, even cover songs, is a great privilege.”

“I feel blessed because this is what I’ve been praying for. The simple dream that I’ve had is now brought to life.”

She and her co-Wishfuls have worked with three of the most respected composers for their first-ever record. Jonathan Manalo, Jungee Marcelo and Kiko Salazar have all joined forces to write and produce the album tracks.

‍

‍

“The experience is just surreal. It hasn’t dawned on me yet that I already have an original song! It’s overwhelming because not everyone is given the opportunity to do what they love. But now that I am one of those lucky ones, I’m just beyond grateful…,” Bartolome, a former band vocalist from Cavite, enthused.

“Working with some of the best hitmakers today is such an honor. I’ve seen their passion for their craft -- the very reason why they are notable in this industry. And that’s what I’ve learned from them: Love what you do and it will take you places,” she furthered.

“Wishful Journey” comprises 18 originals and revivals about loving, dreaming, and never giving up. And if they were to chose one cut that describes how their journey has been, “Patuloy Ang Pangarap” would be the best fit.

“It says that no matter how many times you fail and fall, you should never stop striving for your dreams. Everything will happen and come to you in His perfect time,” Ariola summed up.

Listen to the Wishful 5’s take on the Manalo-penned ballad:

‍

‍

Be a part of the Wishful 5’s “Wishful Journey”! Tickets are now on-sale via ticketnet.com.ph.

Their debut album will be available for purchase starting June 18 (Monday) at the ABS-CBN Store located at G/F ELJ Communications Center, Mother Ignacia St., Diliman, Quezon City.