By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Let's get to know more about Madonna "Mado" Decena, the Filipina who got a standing ovation from the British audience after wowing the UK's popular talent search "Britain's Got Talent."

It's been almost a week since www.abs-cbnNEWS.com broke the story of Decena's success. Since then, her story has attracted more attention from the media and her compatriots.

On April 24, Decena through this news site took time out of her busy schedule to say how much she appreciates the attention being given to her by fellow Filipinos.

And today, Friday, April 25, in a letter she sent to www.abs-cbnNEWS.com, Decena again took time to share something about her life- something deeper and more personal.

In Decena's letter she shared her life; from her struggles in the Philippines to her experience in the UK.

Madonna's singing career begins

Now in her 30's, Decena started singing when she was only three years old.

She trained at the age of 7, started joining singing competitions when she was 11, then became a professional singer at the tender age of 16.

"Buhay ko na ang kumanta. I never planned to be in an office at all even if I excelled in school and I was very active in my singing kahit nasa college na 'ko," Decena said.

Decena was part of several bands in the Philippines, and sang in hotels and bars. She was also a member of major musical theaters.

"I also was part of... Musical Theater Phils ni Ms. Celeste Legaspi at Trumpets ni Audie Gemora. Also I was able to work with Lou Bonnevie for Dimitri Prod sa Lapu Lapu Musical and once on this island ng Chase Intl."

She's also a veteran of singing competitions from TV shows to barrio fiestas.

Mixing school with singing

She went to high school in AMA Computer College in Quezon City. She did well in school and was number one in her class from first to second year.

When she was only in her third year in high school, she competed for her school, but with their college choir. They won first place.

Financial difficulties beset her family, although her parents tried to hide this situation from her.

"I remember how my parents would talk to the principal na wala pa kaming pera to pay for the tuition at payagan akong makapag-test. Ayaw naman sa akin ipaalam kasi nga may standing ako sa school, baka ma-distract lang daw ako."

Working student

To augment her family's income, she became a working student.

"I also worked for Mc Donalds as a local store marketing trainee, sa SM City yun high school ako. So if I got a little I will help with expenses sa bahay o ano man ang kulang," Decena said.

Decena said she tried to be smart with her money since she was young.

"I only spend if its worth it... siguro mga passion ko lang as a girl ang ginagastusan ko. Let's say perfume or very nice shoes, make up at mga magagandang gamit. Madalas padala lang ng mg tita, tito abroad kung di bigay o hand me downs lang ang mga magaganda at mamahalin na gamit na makikita n'yo sa amin.

"I don't and I refuse to buy signature stuff kasi di ko naman afford. I don't spend more than my means.

"Since I was doing musical theater part ng tution ko sa Miriam ako na rin nag babayad I helped my papa noon kahit na may work si papa noon di maiiwasan na kinakapos pa rin.So I'm glad I got gigs and theater noon," she said.

Decena eventually graduated from Miriam College with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts.

Living in London

Decena also shared her life in London and how she got the chance to join the show "Britain's Got Talent."

The singer said a typical day in London is spent cooking, resting, and cleaning the house. She is staying with her friends and she does not go out too often because of the cold weather.

She also goes around the city of Manchester and does the grocery. Decena said when she has available work she stays in her manager's place in Prescot.

But why work in the United Kingdom?

"I tried to work there (in the Philippines) pero di talaga kaya. I went to Singapore twice with a band and ok lang, then wala na kong contrata. After noon after months dito na ako sa UK.

Hardships in the UK

"Ito ay sa tulong din ng best frend ko si Renz Santos, and dito nag part time ako sa sandwich store at choco fruit store. Medyo mabigat ang trabaho. Minsan halos di na ako makalakad sa pagod naglalakad lang ako from work to house.

Decena said it is hard to work in London. When her best friend found a manager in need of an artist, she auditioned and luckily got the job.

"Ginawan ako ng work permit so nakabalik ako ng Pinas to do my work visa. I saw the kids for the last time. Iyak ng iyak ang panganay ko si Ysl sama na daw sya o kaya wag na akong umalis, si Yra yung bunso cool lang kasi bata pa pero sya ang lagi nagsasabi na uuwi na ba ako?" she said.

Decena said she is working for a small company called "Steve Jones Entertainments." She asked the company to help her and in return she will do her best to help the company. But she said it still did not provide much work for her.

"So naisip ko na sumali sa Britain's Got Talent s'yempre para makakuha ang isang artist ng trabaho. I need exposure, best way is TV and thank God everything went well and the rest is history."

Madonna's life- her daughters

Decena said she is doing everything to make the lives of her two pretty daughters comfy and happy.

"My kids just graduated with honors and got a couple of special awards. My parents invited the other family at ang tatay para sila magsabit ng medals sa kanila so ok naman.

"Di sila nag-aaral sa public school medyo sa okey na school naman kaya di sya ganun ka mura. Eh times two baon at pamasahe ay medyo mahal na di naman sila pwede maglakad talaga delikado," she said.

Decena as a single parent 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."

Madonna's love life

Decena is now separated from the father of her kids, and refused to comment further on her lovelife.

"I'd like to keep things like that private. I know everyone wants to know asan ang tatay nila. He's there sa pinas. We're separated for years, and we are not on speaking terms and I don't know his whereabouts. Wounds are just starting to heal and I like to keep it that way.

"My parents and kids are ok with their family. I respect their privacy too. I'm the only one supporting the kids for years now, and i think that became more of a favorable thing for me, because since I provide for the kids , I decide for them. Happy na ko na the kids are in the care of my parents. They did a good job w me, and i believe my kids are in good hands," she said.

Life change, prayers expectations

After her live audition at Manchester Theater for "Britain's Got Talent". Decena admitted that her life really changed.

"A lot of people are praising me about my performance and my purpose. I'm always on the news since that, pero di naman ako gaanong na-rerecognize sa personal kasi medyo mas mataba ako sa TV. And if I'm not working ..di naman ako nakaayos and my hair is straight. Baka akala din nila kasi matangkad ako."

She also shared that her prayers will always be for her family especially for her kids.

"It would always be about my kids, family- that they would be healthy happy and safe. Saka na yung para sa akin. I would pray hard also that I'd make it here... I asked that not for my own interest but for my family's security."

Decena is asking the audience to understand her situation. She said she is not using her story to win the contest.

"I went there to sing and be heard, hoping work would come. Yung story ko was just a side trip kaya naman ako nagwo-work eh para sa mga anak ko . I think nagustuhan din kasi ng show ang unselfish dream ko na di ko hinangad na manalo ako.

"Gusto ko lang ng pagkakataon at doon, gagawin ko ang lahat ng kaya ko para mapakita ang talent ko. Nasa audience na at judges and desisyon kung magustuhan nila ako o panalunin nila ako," Decena said.

"So ako, handa sa mangyayari. Okay lang kahit matalo. Kasi alam kong naabot ko na rin yung purpose ko ba't ako sumali. Manalo, matalo, madami nakarinig sa aking kumanta at alam kong mas madaming trabaho ang makukuha ko para makaipon para sa mga anak ko. Ultimately makasama ko na sila kasi kaya ko na silang supportahan," Decena said.