It was perhaps one of the longest minutes in Princess Sevillena’s life.

The clock has struck 11, and the moment of truth has come. After a nearly four-hour grand finals night, two shining, singing hopefuls were left at the elevated stage — waiting for the announcement that would forever change their lives.

Thousands of fans and Wishers flocked to the Smart Araneta Coliseum to witness that very momentous scene: Princess and fellow grand finalist Kimberly Baluzo were locked in a tight embrace, until they had to let go as one of Wishcovery’s resident reactors, hitmaker Jungee Marcelo, named the latter as the competition’s 1st runner-up.

Life-changing

“Wishcovery is really life-changing for me. When I joined the competition, I said to myself that I would give my best, because this is just once in a lifetime. I do not want to reach a certain point where I’d say, “Sana binigay ko ‘yung best ko” (I wish I had given my best).”

This was the statement of the still-overwhelmed Sevillena when I talked to her over the phone for an interview; her voice, notches more radiant, as she shared how incredible and surreal her Wishcovery journey has been.

Confetti rains down as Princess Sevillena receives some of her prizes as the Wishcovery grand champion — Php 2 million worth of cash and management contract with BMPI, a house and lot courtesy of Bria Homes, and a brand-new car.

Sevillena was the only handpicked online auditionee of the singing competition premiered by Wish 107.5 in September 2017. She recounted that as early at that stage, she already felt optimistic about what is in store for her.

“When I auditioned online, I felt light – as if I knew that something positive will happen. Then suddenly, I received a text message that I got in. I thought to myself that all these have occurred in God’s perfect time.”

When the competition proper began, she wore the same high-spirited vibe on her sleeve.

“I really did not want to regret. That is why when I got eliminated and had another shot through the wild card round, I made sure that my performances are all well-thought of. I persevered and prayed hard.”

All her hard work paid off as she made it until the grand finals – notwithstanding the twist of fate she encountered upon treading the road to stardom. As how she said during the finale, “time doesn’t slow down, but there are moments that seem to make time completely stop. I’ve waited my entire life for this moment and I’m claiming it.”

And yes, the lady belter claimed it.

The next chapter

Far from the rather tense and gripping atmosphere at the Big Dome, the cheerful 24-year-old singer, now Wishcovery grand champion, was at a sunny place — a beach resort, in particular — in Morong, Bataan during the interview. Spending time together with the other grand finalists and the rest of the Wishful 20, she said it was a much-deserved break before taking on the challenge of the next chapter of her journey.

Sevillena (center) is joined by runners-up Louie Anne Culala, Carmela Ariola, Kimberly Baluzo and Hacel Bartolome (L-R) in her finale performance of the Jungee Marcelo-penned “Discovered.” All five have inked talent and recording contracts with BMPI and Star Music, respectively.

“Maybe God prepared me for this with all the things that I went through. I know that more people will criticize me, but what’s more important for me is to keep myself grounded,” she said when asked about whether she is prepared to embrace the life of a full-time artist.

But no matter what’s bound to happen, Sevillena assured that she will carry along with her the lessons she learned throughout the almost seven-month-long competition.

“I am thankful because the people behind Wishcovery taught us how to be disciplined. They trained us on how to take care of the opportunities being given to us.”

Passion over fear

Sevillena, hailing from the bustling city of Makati, is the eldest daughter of Darlie and Lualhati Sevillena who are both singers. Coming from a musically-inclined family, it wasn’t a surprise that she was discovered to have the gift of music at a tender age of three.

The songstress, who works as a supply chain coordinator in Taguig City, recounted that though she is blessed with such talent, she has always been timid.

“I was really faint-hearted before. My parents would always tell me to join competitions, but I’ve always been hesitant. My heart and mind were ready, but my body just couldn’t do it. Whenever I go up on stage, I feel shy, and then I lose myself.”

“Kay tagal kitang hinintay,” Sevillena sings as she belts out to Sharon Cuneta’s “Sana’y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan” during the solo performance round of the Wishcovery Grand Finals held on March 27 at the Big Dome.

Thanks to the experience she got at her church and at work, she was able to come out of her shell.

“In our company, they see to it that the talents and skills of the employees are also showcased. Just like last year, they staged a battle of the bands. I joined and we won 1st runner-up. It coincided with Wishcovery, so I thought that God has been giving me a number of chances to grow as an artist. All these helped me to become prepared for the battle that I’ve gone through during the finals night.”

A grateful heart

Sevillena’s taking the spotlight as the Wishcovery grand champion was indeed a wish come true for the cheerful lass. Right now, she says she has nothing but deep gratitude to the One who blessed her with her talent, and to the people who helped her reach her dream.

“To Kuya Daniel [Razon], thank you for opening so many doors for us. You’ve helped us Wishful 20 a lot. We were only expecting to sing aboard the Wish 107.5 Bus. But what you’ve offered was more than just that. I pray and hope you can come up with more concepts that would aid many people in a good and different way.”

“I also want to thank all the Princess Warriors who were relentless in supporting me. Like what I’ve said during my hometown show, with just their support, I am already a winner. I feel really blessed with all these people who shower me with their love,” she spoke of her own fandom.

Princess Warriors, Sevillena’s own fandom, celebrate her victory as the newly hailed Wishcovery grand champ.

As a way to pay forward, she said she’s more than willing to share her blessings with others. Donating Php 100,000 to her chosen beneficiary during the finals, the Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, was just a great start.

It has been 21 years since her singing ability was first discovered. Countless battles and struggles after, Princess has now finally turned into a queen – as how the show’s panel of reactors, which also included Annie Quintos of The Company and R&B King Jay R, has previously pronounced.

Her long wait is over. And if she were to speak with other “Wishfuls” out there waiting to be discovered, she has this to say: “Don’t lose hope and never give up.”