By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Filipino singers continue to make waves abroad.
Charice conquered international television shows "The Ellen DeGeneres" and "Paul
O'Grady", while Ramiele Malubay made her mark on "American Idol". This time,
Madonna Decena got a standing ovation on "Britain's Got Talent."

Decena is one of the favorites in the second season
of "Britain's Got Talent," 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 Holdren and journalist Piers
Morgan voted her through to the semi-finals during the live audition at
Manchester Theatre.

"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 singer who left the
Philippines 18 months ago to find work in the UK. A single parent, 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.