First Pinoy pop band ‘JAMeela’ debuts in Dubai

 To the danceable tune for “Jameela happy all around, Jameela sparkles in your eyes, Jameela tiny big surprise,” – part of the 2:32 track “JAMeela Hooray,” – six young girls, ages 10 and 11, debuted a fortnight back in Dubai, for a movement melding patriotism and multi-ethnicity. 

“JAMeela” as they are called, the girls are the first-ever P-POP – that is Pinoy Pop – in the United Arab Emirates. They are Celine Madison “Celine” Matondo, 11, leader and main vocalist who had earned awards from international competitions in Canada and Turkey; Angela Jewel “Angela” Omega, 11, main dancer and sub rapper, the “performance powerhouse” for her dynamic stage presence and versatility, a Grand Champion dancer; Leianna Samara “Sam” Julaton, 11, the “all-rounder” main rapper and ace, excellent in rap, dance, and vocals with strong charisma and intensity; Jana Marie “Jana” Mangubat, 11, model and creative content creator with strong vocals, stage presence, and natural charm; Alexandria Melisse “Alex” Apolinario, 10, alto vocalist, lead rapper and sub dancer whose distinct lower vocal tone, rhythmic rap, dance and modelling experiences add depth; and Stephanie Jean “Stephanie” de Guzman, 10, lead dancer and sub vocalist, who brings vibrant energy and expressive dance. “Handpicked” from a long list of the selected, JAMeela – Filipino-Middle East fusion of jamming creatively together – sets the fuel for the “structured, world-class training” of the discovered and yet-to-be-tapped young Filipino talents across the country. “It is essential that parents are very supportive while the children have a shared passion and a commitment to learn, improve, and evolve into outstanding performers. Education is first policy. Academic performance is prioritised.

Members are encouraged to maintain good school standing and training sessions are structured around school commitments,” said Elipas Sibua.

The World Championships of Performing Arts UAE National director who composed “JAMeela Hooray” shares the spotlight with John Ewald Galit and Bril Juan, as the girls’ mentors. Galit, responsible for “idol training, choreography and group formation” was a GMA Network Artist Centre talent and former member of the MajorSeven boyband.

He moved recently to the UAE from a 15-year residency in Bahrain where he worked in the hospitality industry. In-charge of “creative direction, branding and storytelling,” Juan has been into community-driven productions as film/television/stage director in the Philippines and in the UAE. 

Weeks before the launch wherein they performed their debut track “JAMeela Hooray,” the girls already got into the groove of vocal training, choreography, and stage production orientations for their modern pop, dance music, cultural storytelling and EDM “blends.” EDM is electronic dance music which, Sibua explained, is the “broad genre of music characterised by digitally produced sounds and beats, strong basslines and high-energy drops and transitions, designed primarily for dancing and live performances.” 

On their selection, Sibua pointed out that apart from “versatility,” and the “rare combination of qualities such as consistency across all evaluation stages,” clearly noticeable were the girls’ “strong work ethics and discipline.” “Most importantly, they showed readiness not just to perform, but to represent a movement,” added Sibua. 

A movement that upholds “teamwork” instead of a toxic environment and “strong parental involvement,” which is indispensable in scheduling and decision-making since supreme is the girls’ “welfare.” 

Thumbay University Hospital Psychiatry specialist Dr. Adnan Ahmadiazad said that children permitted to genuinely engage in their interests and personality development activities, become tenacious that “enables them to cope more effectively with stress” aside from “enjoying a strong sense of identity and self-worth.” “Such activities also serve as healthy emotional outlets, helping children regulate their feelings and express themselves constructively,” Ahmadiazad added. He cautioned against pressured “rigid expectations” and “achievements.” 

Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Ambrosio Brian Enciso III, who attended the launch with Economic Affairs and Community Relations Vice Consul Jim Jimeno, highlighted the cultural diplomacy contribution of JAMeela: “They help project a positive and dynamic image of the Philippines while highlighting the talent of Filipinos in the diaspora. Their debut carried a message of empowerment, visibility and creative aspiration for young Filipinas which deserves recognition and encouragement,” Enciso also said, as JAMeela’s debut was on the last Friday of March, which is “Women’s Month.