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| (Image Source: Starmometer/GMA Network) |
Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent Arabelle Dela Cruz emerged victorious as Grand Champion of South Korea’s Veiled Cup, shining a global spotlight on Filipino talent. Dubbed the “Laguna Diva”, the Kapuso singer faced weeks of intense showdowns with fellow Asian artists in the highly competitive singing competition and ultimately triumphed over contenders including Gyeongsangdo Gangcheolseongdae, Bangkok Soulman, Vientiane Redhair, and Phangaman Fighter.
“Ang dami kong nararamdaman. Masaya ako na pinaprocess ko pa kung nangyari na ba talaga ‘yun? Ilang competitions na ‘yung sinalihan ko. Lahat grand finals ‘yung inabot ko. Hindi ko pa nakuha ‘yung title. Malapit na pero muntikan na pero ngayon grabe talaga ‘yung timing kasi before po ako nag ‘Veiled Cup,’ katatapos lang ng ‘The Clash’ Season 7. Sabi ko di na ko sasali, parang ‘yun na ‘yung last competition ko, so super unexpected. So until now, super overwhelmed pa rin po ako,” said Arabelle during her victory press conference held by GMA Network's talent management arm last February 5, 2026 at Merino Seda Hotel North in Quezon City. Last November, All-Out Sundays staged The Veiled Musician Philippines, produced by GMA Entertainment Group to select the country’s representatives for the Veiled Cup Korea. Hosted by Rayver Cruz and Gabbi Garcia, 12 professional singers competed behind the veil, judged purely on vocal talent by an all-star Kapuso panel composed of Mark Bautista, Rita Daniela, and Julie Anne San Jose with K-pop idol Tiffany Young joining the finale. From the pool of talented singers, Arabelle, together with Garrett Bolden and Thea Astley, was selected to represent the Philippines in the Veiled Cup Korea. Arabelle advanced to the grand finals as the nation’s representative and was ultimately hailed as Grand Champion, marking her first international breakthrough. From being The Clash 2025 1st Runner-Up and one of All-Out Sundays’ Divas, Arabelle’s Veiled Cup victory stands as a defining milestone in her career and a proud moment for the Philippines as she carried the nation’s banner with excellence and passion.
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Instagram/Garrett Bolden) |
Meanwhile, Kapuso singer Garrett Bolden has also made the Philippines proud after finishing third place in the Veiled Cup. The singer known as the “Zambales Beast” shared his reflections through a heartfelt Instagram post ahead of the Veiled Cup grand finals that resonated with fans both in the Philippines and abroad. According to Garrett, everything unfolded faster than he ever imagined — from joining Veiled Musician PH, to being selected as one of only three Filipino representatives in the inaugural season of Veiled Cup, and eventually traveling to South Korea for the first time. What began as an unexpected opportunity turned into a life-changing experience that he says he will carry with him forever. During the competition, Garrett performed alongside talented singers from across Asia, each bringing their own culture, story, and voice to the stage. Despite their differences, he noted that everyone was united by a shared passion for music. He also expressed deep gratitude to the mentors and staff behind the show, crediting them for their guidance, encouragement, and belief in the contestants throughout the journey. The experience, however, was not without its challenges. Garrett candidly admitted that self-doubt often weighed heavily on him, especially as he carried the responsibility of representing the Philippines on an international platform. There were moments when he questioned his own abilities, but the unwavering support from those around him gave him the courage to push through. In the end, he believes he was able to showcase the strength and talent of Filipinos to a wider Asian audience.
Despite finishing third, Garrett described the experience as deeply fulfilling and humbling, acknowledging the countless talented singers back home who could have stood in his place, and headed home with no regrets — only gratitude, growth, and unforgettable memories. The Veiled Cup, a competition where singers perform unseen behind a veil until revealed, became the perfect stage for both Arabelle and Garrett to showcase their artistry, symbolically unveiling the strength, passion, and excellence of Filipino talent to audiences across Asia.
