By Sonny Fernandez

Like his inspiration, the Philippines’ world famous boy band, TNT Boys, Italy’s “All Together Now Kids” winner, Zac Efren Domingo’s favourite pop diva is Ariana Grande.

Zac was one of four winners in Italy’s reality singing competition last December 25, 2021.

The Italy-born Zac was the special guest in the award-winning London-based Filipino online show, Juan Eu Konek, recently. 

Multi-awarded journalist Rose Eclarinal; immigration expert, Gene Alcantara; solicitor Crystal Dias, and beauty queen Kiara Gregorio host the program.

Zac was accompanied by his parents, Efren and Glo, both natives of Apayao province. They live in Torino with Zac’s two other siblings.

Zac is 12 years old, when he won in the tv talent show and will turn 13 on April 23.

“Tuwang-tuwa po kami dahil unexpected po na makakapasok kami sa laban na yon sa national,” dad Efren exclaimed.

Zac admitted that he was very nervous during the competition but he liked it because he made friends with famous singers.

Zac was one of over 200 contestants who underwent a tedious and careful selection process.

They travelled to Rome for the finals.

He said he started singing at age six.

His dad, Efren and mum, Glo, recalled that Zac’s grandpa, who was a musician, singer and even created instruments was the biggest influence in Zac’s musical and vocal talent.

“Nung nag-u-ukelele ang kapatid nya, hindi nya po ini-expect, kinanta n’ya yung tinutugtog ng kapatid niya, kaya doon namin nadiskubre may talent pala siya talaga,” added dad Efren.

Zac sings English, Italian and Filipino songs. 

The proud dad narrated:  “Ginuest na siya nang ginuest, inilaban na ng inilaban, aba’y talagang nananalo naman agad.”

Eclarinal observed that when Zac was featured in The Filipino Channel and ABS-CBN, a lot of people cheered for Zac.

Mum Glo explained  that there are over a hundred of them in Turin and when Eclarinal requested other family members to show themselves, the relatives crowded around Zac and his parents. 

At this juncture, Dad Efren took the opportunity to thank relatives who helped them relocate and live in Italy.

“Magpasalamat sa pinsan namin si Adriano Balanay dahil yan ang puhunan namin at Misis Lolita Dolores pinsan na buo, sila po ang nagdala ng mga angkan dito sa Italy po,” dad Efren added.

Dad Efren, replying to Eclarinal’s question of how the competition

changed their lives, “nag-triple na po ang schedule niya hanggang September po may pre-taped na sa mga maliliit na tv shows. Marami na siyang guesting na nakapila.”

When Eclarinal requested Zac for a sample song, he gamely belted “Diamante” by Asia’s Phoenix, Morissette Amon, before the segment ended.

Dad Efren advises parents with family members who show talent at an early age, to encourage and support them with the God’s guidance.

“Sa mga magulang na gaya namin, once makita natin ang (talento ng) mga anak natin, i-grab po natin yun, wag tayong mag-iisip ng gastos, number one. Unang-una, hihingi tayo ng pagsubaybay ng Diyos, dahil gaya po namin na trabaho, bahay lang po, kung tutuusin napakahirap po sa amin, pero sa mga magulang po kailangan po ng sakripisyo.”

The show ended with Zac strumming his ukulele while singing “Title” by Meghan Trainor.