Words by Kathleen Follero
Hi, I am Kathleen Follero, a singer from the Philippines.
I still remember the first singing competition I joined in our home town. I was 8 years old then. In the middle of my performance, my voice cracked. I was so embarrassed that I cried afterwards. But even with that mistake, I still finished as 3rd Runner-Up. Looking back, that moment taught me an important lesson: one bad note doesn’t define who I am as a singer.
After that, I kept joining singing competitions. I even competed against adults, and honestly, I thought I wouldn’t make it very far. While I didn’t win every time, each experience helped me become stronger, more confident, and more determined to improve.
One of the biggest opportunities in my life came when I auditioned for The Voice Teens Philippines. I still remember the excitement and nervousness of waiting for that call. During my Blind Audition, nothing happened for most of my song, and I started thinking no one would turn around. Then, on my very last note, Coach Martin Nievera pressed the button. It was an unforgettable feeling. Although my journey ended during the Battle Rounds, I left grateful because I learned so much and experienced performing on national television.
Soon after, I had another dream come true when I traveled outside the Philippines for the first time to compete in Bali, Indonesia. Representing my country at the Youth Educational Friendship Festival was an incredible experience. Winning two Gold Awards made me proud, but what meant even more was realizing that my talent could connect me with people from different cultures and countries.
Then came KWC Philippines.
At that time, I was juggling school, auditions, and many other opportunities. My parents saw the advertisement and encouraged me to audition for KWC. They told me that I should take the chance because I never knew where it could lead. I listened, auditioned, and to my surprise, I became the Luzon Champion.
That was the beginning of one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The KWC experience was not just about competing. It was about growth, friendship, and believing in myself.
During our preparation week in Manila, I met fellow contestants who quickly became friends. We practiced together, encouraged one another, and shared the same dream of representing the Philippines. When the Grand Finals day arrived, I felt nervous and pressured. I knew that one performance could change my future. I gave everything I had on that stage.
When they called my name as the Grand Champion for KWC Philippines 2025, I could hardly believe it.
In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about the trophy or the money. I was thinking about every challenge I had overcome—the voice crack that made me cry, the competitions I didn’t win, the auditions that tested my patience, and the moments when I doubted myself.
KWC empowered me to see how much I had grown—not just as a singer, but as a person. It taught me confidence, resilience, and the importance of trusting the process. Most importantly, it showed me that every setback was preparing me for something bigger.
As I prepare to represent the Philippines on the global stage, I carry all those lessons with me. I know there will be challenges ahead, but I also know how far I’ve come. From a young girl who was afraid of making mistakes to a proud KWC Philippines Grand Champion.
My journey reminds me that dreams are possible when you keep believing, keep learning, and never stop singing.
When people ask me why I want to win the KWC World Finals in Las Vegas, my answer is simple.
This is my dream.
Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of becoming a singer. I want to share my voice with people not only in the Philippines but around the world. I want to be known not just as a singer, but as a performer who can inspire others through music.
Winning KWC would help me get one step closer to that dream. It would give me the chance to represent the Philippines on the world stage and show what Filipino talent can do. I hope more songwriters, composers, and people in the music industry will discover me and see my potential as an artist.
I also dream of traveling to different countries because of music. I want to meet new people, learn from different cultures, and proudly carry the Philippine flag wherever I go. One day, I hope to release my own songs and build an international music career.
But my biggest reason is my family.
My parents have always believed in me and supported my dreams. Every competition, every audition, and every performance has been possible because of their love and sacrifices. My mother is one of my biggest inspirations. Seeing her face health challenges while still taking care of our family motivates me to work harder every day. I want to help her and make life easier for her. I want to give back for everything she has done for me.
I also want to help my family with our daily needs, support my studies, and give them a better future. They have sacrificed so much for me, and I want to make them proud.
That is why winning KWC means so much to me.
It is not only about a trophy or a title. It is about achieving a dream, helping my family, and representing the Philippines with pride.
This October in Las Vegas, I will step onto that stage carrying my dreams, my family’s dreams, and the hopes of everyone who believes in me. And I will give my very best, because this journey is bigger than me. It is for my family, for my future, and for the Philippines.
Follow Kathleen’s journey to KWC 2026 world finals by following KWC on Facebook.
Watch some of Kathleen’s performance here.
Know more about Samantha and her music genre here.
