Finally (A New Post And Then Some)

It's been a looong time since I last posted anything here and a lot has happened to my life in those past seventy (yes, 7-0) days of uhm, writing dormancy. As much as I want to fill you in about everything that happened, I'll save you the burden of a very, very, very long post and just write about two major, major (Raj, insert year here) life events which transpired recently. 

April 5, 2013

I was very blessed to have been given the chance to be the front act of The X Factor Philippines' TOP 6: LIVE IN RHAPSODY which was held in Metro Concert Bar, West Ave., Quezon City. Not only did I get to sing for an entirely new and bigger audience, I also got the chance to catch up and bond with my friends from TXFPH. Missed all of them so much and I'm really praying that I'd get to perform with them again in their coming shows. Check out my performance that night below!

(Video taken by my best bud, Bryan Katigbak.)

(A closer view of my performance. Posted by Johnny Legaspi.)

I know the above-mentioned event might be too grand and it somehow elicits the feel that nobody can top it. But something did. Something I've worked hard for for so many years. Something that my family, especially my mum, has been waiting and praying for to happen.

April 27, 2013

I finally graduated from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños with a degree in Biology, Major in Plant Biology! It was a very long and tough ride, but looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way. My longer than usual stay in the University gave me the chance find my niche and to find all the missing pieces I've been trying to find. Hashtag cheesy. I just want to grab this opportunity to thank everyone who became a part of my college life. BLD Youth Ministry, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co., UP ECOSS, and UP Entrepreneurs' Club. I've learned so much from being a member of all those amazing organizations! 

As you can imagine (and see), my family, especially my mum (Haven't I typed this before? LOL), was very ecstatic at the thought of me finally finishing my degree. They've always been supportive of everything I do and I love them for that. I may have given them a lot of stress, but they never gave up on me. A year ago, I was so sold on the idea of me moving to Manila and work there, but right now, I'm looking hard for a job near Elbi. I guess it really is hard to leave this place. I'm excited to go get a job and earn and help and give back to my family while staying with or close to them.

To end this post (finally), I'd like to thank my Ultimate Best Friend. I wouldn't have gotten this far without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful life filled with so many amazing opportunities. I may have stumbled a lot of times, but You're always there to pick me up, support me, and give me another chance. I may be one of your most stubborn son, but I'll always try my hardest to follow Your commandments and Your will, for I believe that there is no other way to live my life. Thank You, Lord! I love you! 

Exit: Chris Belison on The X Factor Philippines (ABS-CBN)

Pulled a Mac Arthur during my exit interview for The X Factor Philippines and I got bombarded with tweets, wall posts and messages about it. I guess it's about time I write about the amazing time I had during my TXF journey. Photo dump coming right up! Pardon the not-so-good quality of some of 'em.

First screening. December 8, 2011 in SM City San Pablo Activity Center.  Quede up at 7:00AM, got to sing at 1:00PM.

Performed "Breakeven" by The Script for the first screening aka the pre-audition. Watch/listen to my studio version of the song here.

Got called back for the Producers' Auditon on April 20, 2012 and I performed "Look At Me Now" and "One and Only". Click on the links to watch/listen to the studio versions of the songs.

Blessed to be called back again for the LIVE AUDITION in front of the celebrity judges (Sir Martin Nievera, Sir Gary Valenciano, Ma'am Pilita Corales and Charice) which was held in PAGCOR Grand Theatre last May 31, 2012.

Registration jitters. Ha ha!

Live audition pieces. British pop and a lil soul/RnB. Watch/listen to my studio versions of "Glad You Came" and "I'm Going Down".

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Was able to perform after more than 12 hours of waiting.

Performed "Glad You Came" by The Wanted and I can honestly say that that was one of the fun 2 minutes of my life! :)

Received very good feedback from the audience and most importantly from the judges. 4 YESes and it's all because of God and the talent He lent me! :) I, along with 171 acts from all over the Philippines went straight to BOOT CAMP!

Checked in at Remington Hotel for BOOT CAMP.

BOOT CAMP stage! 

Some of the talented boys I was with during BOOT CAMP.

Our category (Boys under the age 25) was assigned to perform the Basil Valdez classic "Tuwing Umuulan" a capella. Received a "Great job!" from Sir Martin Nievera for this one :)

Unfortunately, I was one of the 106 acts which got sent home the first day. Of course, I was devastated at first but the amount of things I've learned, the friends I've gained, and just the ultimate blessing of being one of the TOP 35 BOYS or one of the 172 ACTS OUT OF THE 20,000 who auditioned made me feel happy again. The announcement that I was eliminated broke me, but once I got my thoughts back in place, I began rebuilding myself and I'm now in the process of working even harder just to achieve what I want. It's like I finally know what I want to do for the rest of my life. Those few minutes I've spent on that stage, in front of the camera, in front of thousands of people, in front of the 4 judges, were just "previews" of what I could be doing if I work hard enough and if I'll be given the right break/opportunities. 

I know this entry's quite long already but I'd like to take this chance to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me with my The X Factor Philippines adventure! Thank you all especially for your prayers! Special thanks to my family, especially my MUM, for letting me do this. For sacrificing money and time for the screenings and for the live auditions. To all my friends and organizations (BLD Youth Ministry, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co., UP Entrepreneurs' Club, UP ECOSS) in UPLB, thank you all for your unwavering support! Wouldn't have done this without all the things I've learned from the times I've spent with y'all. 

Last but definitely not the least, I'd like to thank the Lord God, Almighty for this wonderful experience. For the talents and skills you've lent me. For making my family change their minds about this thing. For always guiding me. For always being my inspiration. For always keeping my hopes up but still keeping my feet on the ground. For Your never ending affirmations. Most especially, thank You for Your love. Lord, I'm not really the best servant or follower and yet You still bless me with these amazing things. For that, I'm really grateful. I love You, Lord. And I'm always praying that in everything that I do, may YOU always be GLORIFIED.

My TXF journey might have ended already, but this is just the start of my journey towards the realization and actual fulfillment of my dream. You'll see me around :)

"Basta, babalik ako. Babalik ako."

CHRIS BELISON's exit interview for The X Factor Philippines.

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