MANILA -- ABS-CBN child star Chacha Cañete is the country's representative in the Junior Division of the 17th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA).
"I'm excited and at the same time nervous, since this is the first competition that I'll be joining," she told reporters.
Cañete, 8, will represent Team Philippines as a solo vocalist in five different categories -- Broadway, Pop, Gospel/Inspirational, Open and Original.
The WCOPA is held annually in Hollywood, California. Contestants from over 50 countries are expected to participate in this year's competition, which will be held from July 12 to 21.
Cañete said she started to sing when she was six years old. She cited Miley Cyrus, Adele, Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo and Lea Salonga as her musical influences.
"Hindi naman po [mahirap mag-train kasi] praktis every day. Bawal po ako sa ice cream, chocolate and malamig na tubig," she said of her preparations for the competition.
Cañete is a mainstay of the ABS-CBN show “Goin’ Bulilit” and “Biyaheng Bulilit” on Studio 23.
Last year, she released her album titled "Bulilit Rock Star" under Star Records.
Aside from being one of the bankable child stars in the local showbiz industry, Cañete is also a consistent honor student of Diliman Preparatory School.
She is currently in third grade.
