Filipino expatriates and UAE residents, Sheryl Alviz and her 17-year-old son, John Paul (JP) Alviz, recently returned to the UAE after an extraordinary performance at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024 in the USA. Representing the UAE, the mother-son duo garnered several medals, showcasing their musical talents on an international stage.
When asked about their experience at WCOPA 2024, Sheryl expressed their gratitude and surprise at their achievements. “The experience at WCOPA 2024 was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by talented individuals from all over the world. Our main goal was to share our music and connect with others,” she shared with The Global Filipino Magazine.
JP, a talented pianist, composer, and music arranger, brought home multiple gold medals and division champion titles in various piano categories. His mother, Sheryl, also excelled, winning gold in Opera and Broadway categories, among others. “Gaining multiple awards and JP being chosen as one of the Grand Finalists was an unexpected and wonderful surprise,” Sheryl added.
A proud moment for a Filipino mom
As a proud Filipino mom, Sheryl was overwhelmed with joy seeing JP’s talents recognized internationally. “When I saw the stage where JP would perform alongside the grand finalists, I couldn’t hold back my tears, and my heart overflowed with gratitude. Being chosen as a grand finalist was already a dream come true,” she said. JP’s consistent performance, receiving gold medals and division champion titles, reaffirmed their belief in his dedication and passion for music.
JP has been composing songs and sharing his music on platforms like Spotify. Competing and winning at WCOPA was a significant milestone for him. “WCOPA was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I feel immense gratitude to God for blessing me and my mom with the opportunity to share our talent with talented people from all around the world,” JP said.
He acknowledged the challenges of performing live, a stark contrast to composing music at home. “Performing is still a challenge for me. It is always a battle against my nerves and feelings whenever I go up the stage. The only thing that calms me down is prayer, and the words of my parents that whatever happens, they will always be proud of me,” he added.
The journey in music together
Sheryl and JP’s journey in music began when Sheryl started teaching her sons to play musical instruments at a very young age. “At first, music was just a hobby and a family bonding activity. But as we grew older, we fell more in love with the gift God has given us through our parents and continued practicing and honing our skills every day,” JP shared.
Sheryl and JP’s advocacy is to inspire and teach young musicians about the joy of music and the values it brings. “God gave me the gift of music, and my advocacy is to use this gift to inspire and teach others about God through composing inspiring songs, performing with joy, and teaching young musicians values through music lessons,” JP explained. They plan to continue their mission by building their own music school and studio, aiming to reach and inspire more young musicians.
Balancing her role as a mom and mentor, especially during significant events like WCOPA, is challenging for Sheryl. She manages her daily responsibilities by organizing her time effectively and ensuring she fulfills her role as a full-time mom while preparing JP mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. “Mentally, I teach JP that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Emotionally, I support him in dreaming big and setting high goals. Spiritually, I guide JP to have faith and surrender his efforts to God,” Sheryl explained.
Sheryl’s dedication to her son’s musical journey and her ability to balance her roles have been pivotal in their success. She continues to protect JP’s heart from disappointment and reminds him to trust in God’s plan.
Looking ahead, Sheryl and JP are excited about the future of their musical journey. They aim to build on their achievements at WCOPA 2024, furthering their advocacy and inspiring more young musicians. “Our adventures and achievements in WCOPA are only the beginning of a long and beautiful musical journey,” JP concluded.
