On this day 13 years ago, ABS-CBN introduced Filipino viewers to the inaugural season of The Voice of the Philippines, the local adaptation of the hit international singing competition.
Led by coaches Bamboo Mañalac, Sarah Geronimo, Lea Salonga, and The Black Eyed Peas member apl.de.ap, the show became a platform for aspiring singers to showcase their talent and pursue their dreams in the music industry.
More than a decade later, many of the contestants from the show have built successful careers. Here's a look back at some of Season 1's memorable contestants and where they are now:
Mitoy Yonting
Emerging as the season's grand winner, Mitoy Yonting delivered the first victory for Team Lea and became one of the most memorable champions of the franchise. During the blind auditions, he sang "Bakit Ako Mahihiya" by Didith Reyes that made coaches Bamboo and Lea turn.
Following his win, Mitoy released his debut album Hanggang Wakas and later served as a judge on Tawag ng Tanghalan. He also ventured into acting, appearing in projects such as Home Sweetie Home, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and Incognito.
Klarisse de Guzman
As the competition's first runner-up, Klarisse de Guzman impressed viewers with her powerful vocals and emotional performances throughout the season.
After The Voice, Klarisse became one of the mainstay performers of ASAP. She recently gained renewed popularity after joining the first-ever Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, where she earned the nickname "Nation's Mowm." She has also ventured into acting, including a role in The Secrets of Hotel 88 and Call Me Mother.
Janice Javier
Representing Team Apl, Janice Javier stood out as one of the season's four-chair turners and eventually reached the latter stages of the competition.
Following her stint on the show, Janice released her self-titled debut album and continued pursuing music through performances and original releases. She remains active in the local music scene through various events and live performances.
Myk Perez
Myk Perez secured a spot in Team Bamboo after impressing coaches and viewers with his rendition of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours."
Years after his The Voice journey, Myk remains active in music, performing at gigs and events while releasing his own material. In December last year, he shared online that he had successfully undergone vocal polyp removal surgery.
Morissette
Long before she became known as Asia's Phoenix, Morissette wowed Coach Sarah during the Blind Auditions with her performance of Beyoncé's "Love on Top."
Since then, Morissette has established herself as one of OPM's top stars, earning recognition both locally and internationally. Now 30 years old, she continues to perform worldwide and recently collaborated with Filipino-American singer and America's Got Talent winner Jessica Sanchez. She is also married to fellow singer Dave Lamar.
Thor Dulay
In a dream to bring comfort to his starting family and fulfill his mother’s dreams, vocal coach Thor Dulay joined The Voice of the Philippines. On his blind auditions, he performed “I Have Nothing”, making him one of the four-chair turners of the season. He picked team Apl and stayed in the competition until semifinals.
Today, he remains active as a singer, songwriter, and vocal coach, mentoring aspiring artists and celebrities, including Bimby Aquino.
Lorenzana Siblings (Grace and Guji Lorenzana)
Among the duos that joined the inaugural season were siblings Guji and Grace Lorenzana, who performed Lady A's "Need You Now" during the Blind Auditions.
After their run with Team Apl, Guji continued building his music career and is now Director of A&R and Client Development, APAC, for Symphonic Distribution. His daughter Cassidy also followed in his footsteps after joining the Manila production of Miss Saigon in 2024.
Meanwhile, Grace has stepped away from the spotlight and now resides abroad with her family.
Radha Cuadrado
Though she wasn't able to advance to the finale, Radha Cuadrado is among Team Lea’s top team members. During the Blind Auditions, Radha made the coaches dance and sing along with her particularly Coach Lea and Coach Sarah with her cover of Tina Turner’s "What's Love Got to Do with It." It also marked her first-ever competition in her life.
Radha has remained active as a performer and has also appeared in productions such as The Bodyguard The Musical.
Moira Dela Torre
Moira Dela Torre first introduced audiences to her unique style during The Voice of the Philippines. She became part of Team Apl and reached The Battles stage.
Today, she is regarded as one of the country's most influential recording artists, known for chart-topping hits and her distinctive musical style.
Japs Mendoza
Japs Mendoza was among the first artists selected for Team Lea during the inaugural season. Although his journey ended during The Battles round, Coach Lea expressed confidence that he would eventually find his place in the music industry.
Currently, Japs is part of the OPM band The Juans. He also wrote songs for his band.
Jessica Reynoso
Jessica Reynoso captured the attention of viewers during her time on Team Apl and eventually reached the Top 16.
From the local stages, Jessica is now internationally known as J. Rey Soul and became a member of The Black Eyed Peas alongside her former coach. She has performed on stages around the world and recently returned to perform before Filipino audiences during the group's Manila stop.
Emmanuelle Vera
Another member of Team Apl, Emmanuelle Vera showcased her vocal abilities throughout the competition before exiting during The Battles round.
Since her time on The Voice, Emmanuelle has continued her career in entertainment as both a singer and actress. She also explored the world of pageantry and recently embraced a new chapter in her life as a mother.
Dave Lamar
Dave Lamar became part of Team Sarah after impressing viewers with his performance of "The Man Who Can't Be Moved.”
Even though he never made it to the final round, Dave never stopped working in music and he took part in the 15th season of American Idol. Currently, he works as a musician, songwriter, and producer. He is also married to fellow The Voice alumna Morissette.
Thirteen years since The Voice of the Philippines first aired, many of its contestants have carved out successful careers in music, television, theater, and even the international stage, showcasing the talent and passion of Filipinos in music.
lik