The social media is abuzz with people's great anticipation to hear Elysa Paglinawan Villareal's latest composition.  The 22 year old artist popularly known as 'Elysa V' has composed, arranged, recorded and mastered on her own,  a  personal song paying tribute to a very emotional part of her dear mother, Theresa's life story.

Her avid fans would have to wait for a little bit longer.  The song More than I Do has been entered in an international song writing competition at the recommendation of her university teacher.

Asked what inspired her to write the song, Elysa said:

"I was in University during break from classes. I was alone in one of the music rooms and I played a few chords on the piano.  Then really emotional lyrics hit me and I thought of my Mum’s life story."


Forty two year old Theresa commented:

"The story is about when her Papa, Edmond was dying and told me that he would find me someone who will love me more than he did.  And that’s where the song title came from.

"Since Elysa was a little girl I have often told her this story, also to my close friends and Edmond’s sister even before I met Edwin. I used to wonder what if what Edmond said was for real.

"Edmond was only thirty two years old when has passed away on March 29, 2002 which was a Good Friday, due to suffering Myeloid Leukemia.  Elysa was just three and a half years old.

"During my grief I felt Edmond's, God’s and angels' presence a lot.  I even dreamt of Jesus Sacred Heart talking to me in a campfire style scene. He was explaining to me why Edmond died but I could not understand anything He said except the part where He said: YOU WILL RECEIVE HAPPINESS again.

"Then on August 29, 2002 I dreamt of Edmond telling me MALAPIT NG DUMATING YUNG LALAKI NA BIGAY SAYO NI GOD [the guy that God for  you from God will be here soon]. Sabi ko pa, PUWEDE BANG TANGGIHAN? [I said:  can I refuse?] He ignored me lang, so I slapped him lightly sa arms. Sabi ko ulit,  HOY PUWEDE BANG TANGGIHAN [I asked again - hey, can I refuse?]  He just kissed me on the forehead and I woke up feeling he was really there.  It didn't feel like a dream. I know all the dates coz I used to have a diary and wrote everything down."

Elysa shared:  "I only remember being in the hospital a lot, because we practically lived there.  I was very young and remember very little but my mum used to tell me about my Papa.  I only have a very hazy recollection of his funeral."

Elysa has followed her passion for music and coped with challenges it has presented with great support from Theresa and the family.  She and Theresa went to London for five days in April 2017 for Elysa's auditions for XFACTOR UK.  Elysa was called back and they flew there again on July 2 and stayed there for six weeks until Aug 15.  Sadly, she did not achieve what she out for; nevertheless she considers that as a valuable learning experience in her music journey.

She then spent the whole year of 2018 in the Philippines, to try out her luck in the music world there.   She did a number of television, radio and shopping mall performances.   However, she decided to come back to Sydney to pursue her studies.

Since her return she has written and released eight songs. There’s also one song and the first she ever wrote that was inspired by her heartbreak from XFactor UK.  The song LIFE IS TOUGH (BUT SO ARE YOU) has not been released but she has sang on TV5 News Features.

Elysa is excelling in her studies and only has one year to do in the three year Bachelor of Music, Major in Music Production.  Last year she was recognised for High Academic Achievement and also identified by the Music In The School of Humanities and Communication Arts as a High Achieving Student.   With this recognition, she has been offered to do join the The Golden Key International Honour Society which has 9,000 members and provides personal and professional development, among a number of other benefits.

She has kept in touch with her fans in the Philippines and other places through her social media accounts : Facebook Page: Elysavmusic 8.2k;  Instagram: @elysavmusic 59.6k and  Youtube: Elysa V  6.2k.   

She is grateful for her fans' support but relishes as her top supporters her Mum Theresa, Daddy Edwin and younger brothers Michael, Jericho and Jordan.

The Australian Filipina wishes Elysa success in the song writing competition and looks forward to sharing the song and its lyrics.    Watch  this space!!!

 

[Isaac Moises - designed song cover; Milo Moleka - keyboard]

 

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