A young Filipino student, Martinus Miguel, has made his mark on the international stage by securing multiple awards at the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024 in the United States. Representing the UAE, 12-year-old Martinus, a Grade 7 student from Richmindale Learning in Dubai, demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, earning him widespread acclaim.
His impressive array of awards includes:
- Junior Multi-Medalist
- WCOPA GRAND FINALIST Junior Category
- Division Champion for Gospel With Self Accompaniment
- Gold Medal – Grand Finalist
- Silver Medal – Semi-finalist
- Gold Medal – Vocal R&B Soul Jazz
- Gold Medal – Gospel With Self Accompaniment
- Gold Medal – Vocal Contemporary
- Gold Medal – Vocal Gospel
- Silver Medal – Instrumental Open
- Silver Medal – KEM Trio Contemporary
- Bronze Medal – Vocal Open
In an interview with The Global Filipino Magazine, Martinus shared the inspiration behind his participation in WCOPA.
“As a 12-year-old, I was deeply inspired by stories of perseverance and faith from religious figures and stories. One particular story that resonated with me was that of David and Goliath from the Bible. Despite being small and seemingly unequipped for battle, David’s courage and trust in his abilities, guided by his faith, enabled him to triumph against all odds. This story taught me that age and outward appearances don’t determine our potential for success. It’s about having the courage to face challenges head-on, believing in oneself, and trusting in a higher power.”
Martinus’s preparation for the competition was rigorous and structured.
“My daily routine leading up to the competition revolved around structured practice, guidance from my voice teacher, and maintaining a healthy balance in all aspects of my life to ensure I was fully prepared to perform at my best at WCOPA,” he said.
The young performer expressed his feelings of joy and accomplishment upon winning multiple medals.
“Winning multiple medals at WCOPA brought an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and joy. Knowing that my dedication to practicing, refining my skills, and preparing meticulously has paid off is incredibly validating. It affirms that the effort and sacrifices made were worthwhile,” the child prodigy added.
Among his various performances, Martinus particularly enjoyed the Instrument/Vocal with Accompaniment category.
“This category allows me to feel a sense of accomplishment when I successfully blend vocals with instrumental accompaniment. It’s a fulfilling experience to see and hear the harmonious fusion of both elements in a cohesive performance.”
Balancing schoolwork with his passion for performing arts has been a key part of Martinus’s success.
“I identify and prioritize assignments, projects, and rehearsals based on deadlines and importance. This allows me to tackle the most urgent tasks first while ensuring I make progress in both academics and arts,” he said.
Martinus credits his family as his biggest supporters.
“My family has been my constant source of encouragement and belief in my abilities. They attend my performances, provide emotional support during setbacks, and celebrate my achievements wholeheartedly. Their unwavering support gives me the confidence to pursue my passion with determination,” he further added.
Looking ahead, Martinus has clear goals for both his education and performing arts career.
“My goals in education and performing arts are interconnected, driven by a passion for continuous learning, artistic expression, and making a meaningful contribution to both fields. Each step I take is aimed at realizing these aspirations and shaping a fulfilling and impactful career path.”