Russell Jason Salazar, a 13-year old Filipino student, is one of the finalists of the Star Factor singing contest in Hong Kong. The contest is one of the most prestigious at the Special Administrative Region, culminating on July 1, 2010 at the Shouson Theater, Hong Kong Arts Centre. An online voting component allows people to choose the candidate of their choice. There are two age groups 8-14 and 15-21 years old. An English and Cantonese winner will be chosen for each age group. The finals on July 1 will also determine the "Best stage Presence award" among others. Prizes include a recording session and HK$ 3,000 (Php 17890).
Known as RJ to his friends and family, he learned to play the guitar at ten and only started singing at the age of 11. He was more involved with Math being at the top 10% of his batch in the Gauss Mathematics competition in 2008. Chemical Engineering is his prospective college major. RJ is the only male competitor for the 8-14 age group. Janina Celine Vitto is the only other Filipino candidate in the group. While Jan Carl Aunario and Margaret Ortega are the other Filipino contestants in the 15-21 year old age group.
Voters can log on to www.minimixi.com/Vote/JuniorVote.php to vote for RJ and access his video performance online. The video has him singing "Use Somebody" by the Kings of Leon. The deadline of voting is on June 25.
RJ is the son of Atty. Randy and Lulu Salazar. Lulu is an executive director of Allied Bank in Hong Kong. She spends her weekends volunteering for the Bayanihan foundation for domestic helpers and other OFWs. Initially they were assisting Filipina domestic helpers but have also expanded to domestic helpers of other nationalities, such as Indonesians, Indians and Bangladeshis.
It is through the activities of the Bayanihan Foundation that her children have been exposed to Filipino music. RJ's brother Richard sang the Philippine national anthem at 'Houyeh Pinoy,' an Independence Day concert last June 12 and 13 at the Victoria Park Causeway Bay in Hong Kong. Kuh Ledesma headlined the concert together with the all-girl singing group La Diva. The two-day event included a Parade, an expo of Phil. products from different regions, a battle of the band contest and a food festival.
RJ, his brother Richard and sister Lorie Ann were strongly influenced by the performances of Sharon Cuneta and Ogie Alcasid who showcased their talents for our kababyans in Hong Kong in 2006 and 2007. RJ considers John Mayer, Jack Johnson and The Foo Fighters as artists that he admires.