By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

She's not just talented, she's also a grateful person.

Two days after www.abs-cbnNEWS.com broke the story of Madonna "Mado" Decena, a Filipina who got a standing ovation from her English audience after wowing UK's popular talent search "Britain's Got Talent," she took time out of her busy schedule Thursday, April 24, to say how much she appreciates the attention being given to her by fellow Filipinos.

In the e-mail she sent to www.abs-cbnNEWS.com, the official news Web site of ABS-CBN, Decena praised the news site for publishing her inspiring story.

"Hi..kamusta po... salamat sa magandang article na isinulat nyo sa akin... i'm very pleased with how media responded to this journey of mine..salamat..I was surprised with the attention that you gave me ..and i'm very grateful," Decena said.

"I hope win or lose I would be able to inspire a lot of Filipinos especially our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) all over the world who are sacrificing, and working hard for their loved ones to have better lives," Decena added.
 
The new YouTube sensation is also grateful that ABS-CBN's ANC and TV Patrol World newscasts had featured her touching story.  

"...also..I heard I was on the morning show of ABS-CBN and TV Patrol...that was very nice of you..I hope soon I could go back to say hello to everyone. ingat at kamusta sa lahat. GOD BLESS," Decena said.

Mado wows 'BGT'

Late last week, Decena got a standing ovation as she auditioned for "Britain's Got Talent" at Manchester Theatre.

Presently, Decena is one of the favorites in the second season of the show. "Britain's Got Talent" is a talent search for Britain's next best amateur act. Singers, dancers, comedians, and other performers of all ages join the reality contest produced by "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell. The show has the same format as its US counterpart, “America's Got Talent.”

Decena became a crowd favorite in the search after the show's judges Simon Cowell, actress Amanda Holden and journalist Piers Morgan voted her through to the semi-finals.

"With the performance, taking everything into account  I absolutely love it," Cowell said after Decena's rendition of "I Will Always Love You."

"I have nothing to say, it's absolutely brilliant," Morgan said.

Decena is a 32-year-old single parent and singer who left the Philippines 18 months ago to find work in the UK. She left her two girls in the care of their grandparents. She said she decided to join the contest for her kids.

"Well it's a chance for me to get more work, more opportunity for me to sing, for my kids," Decena said.

"If I do well in this competition it would be life-changing not only for me but for my kids, it's a chance for us to be together."

Decena recently appeared on the The Stage Newspaper’s Showcall Showcase and on the Paul Bridson Showcase.

She also performed in a Charity Gala at The Opera House, Blackpool, along with Joe Longthorne and Frank Carson, and as a guest singer with the Andy Prior Big Band at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool on New Year’s Eve.