There’s no stopping Zephanie from making her mark in the international scene.
The excitement radiates from her as she takes on the honor of singing "Aking Hiling," the localized version of "This Wish" from Disney's Wish soundtrack.
Her live rendition is heard for the first time on November 18, 2023, at Glorietta Activity Center, giving everyone in the crowd goosebumps.
In a brief Q & A session with the press, the 19-year-old songstress is dubbed "Disney Princess," prompting a cheerful response, "Wow, Disney Princess nga ba talaga?"
Smiling, Zephanie continues, "Well, it feels magical, it feels surreal po, and I’m so grateful.
"I feel so blessed, and sobra pong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga tao na naniniwala sa akin at nagsu-support, nagmamahal since day one. And I dedicate, and I wanna share this magical moment to each one of you.
“So thank you po, thank you God for giving me the strength and this desire in my heart. And finally, it has come true, so sana po happy rin kayo, and I hope you like it.”
Asked about her similarities to the movie’s main character Asha, she reflects, “Si Asha, uhm, I think yung common denominator namin po, yung hope and parang lakas ng loob na subukan at mag-stand up sa kung and yung tama at para sa sarili niya.”
This project marks one of the initial steps toward her dream of becoming a globally recognized performer.
She affirms, “Ah gusto kong maipakita yung kakayahan nating mga Pilipino sa pagkanta at hindi laman po dun, I also wanna share our story, my story all over the world.
“So mangangarap na lang din ako, I’m gonna dream big.”
Read: Zephanie reveals highlight of journey as Kapuso
What is her reaction to the fans who have been tagging her as the next Sarah Geronimo?
Her humble response, “Nakaka-flatter pa rin parang ‘wow,’” but asserts that the Popstar Royalty is irreplaceable.
“I think wala pa ring makakatapat kay Ms. Sarah Geronimo. Of course, isa po siya sa mga inspirations ko rin sa pagkanta, and I guess nakakatuwa po, and I’m really happy na na-acknowledge po nila yun, so yun. Nakakahiya, pero thank you po.”
Read: Sarah Geronimo on G-Force: "Malaking bagay po sila ng career ko."
Wish hits cinemas on November 22, with a special opening weekend on November 25 and 26 at Ayala Malls, adorned with elements from the movie’s setting, Kingdom of Rosas.
The cinema lobbies will feature a Wishing Wall for kids to post their drawings and wishes, a “Hairstyle Inspired by Asha” corner, and a face-painting session.
On November 25, at Ayala Malls Central Bloc in Cebu City, Zephanie will meet and greet moviegoers.
Tickets are available at all Ayala Malls Cinemas, Zing app, or SureSeats.com.