Janine Berdin counts her blessings
For “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” (TNT) grand champion Janine Berdin, blessings started to pour in even before she won the title.
The cash prize she won during the semi-finals round was used to help pay for her grandmother’s dialysis.
“This is a dream come true for me,” she declared in Filipino.
She never thought this would happen. Why, just years ago, she used to only sing in the bathroom!
“When I was a student, I would always ask myself, ‘Why won’t they get me for their gigs?’ I felt my voice is okay and besides, I would’ve sang even if they didn’t pay me.”
Now, Janine is not only a contest winner but a recording artist of the newly formed TNT Records. At a launch recently, she, together with some “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” performers, signed their recording contracts.
Another feather in her cap is her participation in the “TNT All-Star Showdown” on July 28 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Asked which is the bigger blessing for her – winning the “TNT” grand finals or clinching a recording contract – Janine chose the first.
“If it didn’t happen, it would not have opened new doors of blessings and opportunities for me,” she pointed out.
Biggest challenge
As a singer, Janine is aware of her vocal limitations. She feels singing Beyonce’s “Listen” would be a great challenge.
“I feel that I can give that song another version. If they’re anticipating the high notes, I am sorry but I can’t belt it out because I am not gifted in (voice) range. When I was younger, I used to sing that song but I can’t reach the high notes. But as a singer, there are many ways by which I can interpret a song and show the public my musicality,” she explained.
Like Noven Belleza, the first “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” champion, Janine is also from the Visayas.
“I am happy that we brought pride to our region. I am grateful to fellow Visayans for believing in me.”
Showdown
The TNT concert being a showdown of sort, Janine was asked who among local singers she would want to have a duet with. “As much as possible I don’t want to have a showdown with her because she’s my idol but if that’s the only way I can share the stage with her, I would like to perform with Miss KZ Tandingan. She’s my ultimate idol because she was a great influence to me. She was the one who pushed me to give my best.” As for comparisons with Noven, Janine said, “I am not expecting that there will be no comparison. But for me, this concert will not dwell on competition. It’s not like I have to do better because something is at stake. The concert is just a celebration for us. This is not a competition, this is not a contest. It’s a celebration of all our talents.” Janine shared that this early, her story for “Maalaala Mo Kaya” is already in the drawing board. In all likelihood, she will play herself in the story. “Acting is also one of my passions. I want to do many things – singing, poetry and acting. Acting is not an unfamiliar avenue for me because when I was younger, I had acting experience.”