afternoon as she sang two songs at an improvised stage in the jampacked covered court here.
Marlisa Punzalan, 15, has roots in Barangay Lalawigan, Samal where her parents came from. She visited her parent’s hometown six years ago when she was nine years old.
She sang “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “Stand by You” with the audience participating.
“I can’t believe it. Everybody is amazing, so touching!,” quipped her mother Andrea.
Marlisa enjoyed answering some questions from students her age. “Be yourself, ask the help of God,” she said when asked what she could advise would-be singers. She has no boyfriend yet but she has a celebrity crush who is Justin Biber.
“Thank you everyone for supporting me. I love you all!,” Marlisa said.
The big crowd not only came from Samal but from neighboring towns like two students from other municipalities. “We went here to see Marlisa because we are her avid fans,” said Mabel Navarro and Leera Cigaral, both 15, from Hermosa, Bataan.
Samal Mayor Gene dela Fuente was profuse in thanking the family of Marlisa for bringing to the town the X Factor Australia champion.
“We are all proud of Marlisa and I know that she will be a role model to other aspiring singers in our town,” the mayor said.
“Post Valentine Date with Marlisa Punzalan,”says big streamers at the covered court.
