Arabelle Dela Cruz rocks the Veiled Cup in Korea

Arabelle Dela Cruz recently returned to the Philippines after winning the Grand Champion title at South Korea's Veiled Cup, bringing international recognition to Filipino musical talent.

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Known as the "Laguna Diva," Arabelle competed against other top Asian singers in the challenging Veiled Cup. She prevailed over strong contenders such as Gyeongsangdo Gangcheolseongdae, Bangkok Soulman, Vientiane Redhair, and Phangaman Fighter.

In an interview in Quezon City, Arabelle shared that the experience in South Korea was bittersweet, as it marked her first birthday and holiday season spent apart from her family.

"Noong nalaman ko na lilipad ako, both excited and sad ako kasi first time kong lilipad sa ibang bansa. And then the first international competition ko rin. First time kong mag-travel nang hindi kasama ang family ko. Madalas pag magta-travel ako, kasama ko ang family ko. Bawal po kasi magsama sa Korea." (When I found out I was flying, I was both excited and sad because it was my first time flying abroad. And then it was my first international competition too. It was my first time traveling without my family. I usually travel with my family. They're not allowed to travel together in Korea)," said Arabelle.

Arabelle added, "During the contest duration in Korea, I celebrated na ako lang mag-isa. I was there on Dec. 7. My birthday is on Dec. 15, then Christmas and New Year. Laging kasama ko ang parents ko sa mga special celebrations." (I celebrated alone. I was there on Dec. 7. My birthday is on Dec. 15, then Christmas and New Year. I always have my parents with me for special celebrations.)

"I celebrated alone. On my birthday, we were preparing for the second round of the contest. So ayoko na silang abalahin. Ang nangyari, tutal birthday ko naman, naglibot ako the whole day. Sabi ko, bahala na kung saan ako gumala. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, 'Gift ko na lang ito sa sarili ko.'" (I didn't want to bother them anymore. What happened was that, since it was my birthday, I wandered around all day. I said, it's up to me where I wander. I said to myself, 'It's my gift to myself.'), she said.