24 October 2014 - Ms. Marlisa Ann Punzalan, a teenager of Filipino descent, was declared the winner of Australian television’s reality music competition, The X-Factor Australia, at the show’s grand finale on October 20 shown on Australia’s Channel Seven.
Ms. Punzalan, whom is 15 years old, is the daughter of Andrea and Lito Punzalan based in Glendenning, New South Wales. Marlisa’s parents are originally from Bataan and migrated to Australia before she was born.
Marlisa started singing at the age of four. According to Marlisa’s social media page, she performed in various piano performances at the Sydney Opera House and the Australian Conservatorium of Music from 2005 to 2006. She was the winner of the Sydney Eisteddfod Performing Arts Challenge in 2009 and 2011.
Marlisa has also performed in a number of Filipino community events, including the benefit concert for Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan victims, “United - Bringing Hope for the New Year” held last January 12 at the Burwood RSL Club in Burwood, New South Wales. She also performed at the “Bukas Palad" concert in 2012 for the benefit of those affected by Typhoon Sendong.
In The X-Factor Australia, Marlisa was mentored by Irish recording artist Ronan Keating. In the course of the competition, Marlisa was strongly supported by the members of the Filipino community and by friends and supporters who voted for her via SMS and social media.
In her comments after winning the competition, Marlisa thanked all the Filipinos who have supported her in her journey.
Viewers of The X-Factor caught a glimpse of Filipino culture in the episode aired on October 20, when Marlisa was shown going back to her home and being greeted by family and friends, after which she and Ronan put on traditional costumes and performed an Igorot dance. The homecoming was organised by various Filipino community organisations. Her victory was met with celebration by the Filipino community.
Members of the Filipino community hope that Marlisa’s victory would pave the way for other Filipino-Australian artists to be recognised in Australia. Her self-titled debut album, “Marlisa,” will be released next month. END