Samantha Gavin Made It To The Grand Finals Of Long & McQuade

Samantha Gavin at a concert in Oshawa in 2017

The motif was mint green (Or something like that) at a wedding where I was asked to capture in 2004. During the reception and as the wedding event was waning, this very young girl took the floor with her songs, and yes, she was wearing the wedding motif gown that I thought was a little  loose on her making her look so cute.

That was the first time I saw Samantha Gavin which I think she was only 9 y/o at that time. If I am not mistaken, her mother hails from Mindanao, Philippines. "Sammy" as she is fondly called, is noticeably an aspirant singer, if I am to look back at that wedding reception where she eventually closes that evening's curtain with the mic on her hand.

As a community leader and blogger, my path crossed a couple of times and her mom eventually became a friend. Then I noticed Sammy became visible in the local music scene at our community. She belongs to a musical group and she trained at a local entertainment training Centre along the GTA. Occasionally, I borrowed her to perform at my events and her mom always gave me that privilege to have her daughter Sammy.

2017 photo of Samantha Gavin

My perspective of our Filipino-Canadian youth is that, they honed their hobbies at an early age. Canada has offered so many opportunities to our youth. Each one of them pursuing their individual God- given talents. And because of easy access to tools and materials to enhance those gifts with a supportive family, Sammy Gavin has followed her passion through the years.

These are formative years, where even if we found these young singers brilliant, the road to acquire that dream is very, very far and elusive. It is very rare for Asians, much more to a Filipino to climb the top. Something that I am profoundly asking and admitting that, our young talents are short in meeting the standards of the main stream where singers are taken seriously by musical moguls.

So what does it take to make it at the top? Honed that vocals and learn the art of professionalism. Sammy Gavin is only 13 y/o a month from now. She has many years to develop her singing talent. Being a performer is not just about the 'voice'...It is also about personality and performance. Sammy Gavin is one to reckon with among many. A couple of years to prepare her to a more serious pursuit of her singing career is necessary.

No rush, although getting into music competitions is a necessity to expose her to her craft, Sammy Gavin will eventually become a talent we cannot overlook. Like this video from her most recent music competition at Long & McQuade in Toronto where she passed through the needle and make it at the grand finals this coming April 21, 2018 at Pearson Convention Centre where this blogger is sure to attend to lend support and to help mold this young talent. Watch the video below captured by her family and do not forget to admire that powerful vocals and stage presence of a 12 y/o nurturing her singing talent.