Expat Duets duo on why being last in rankings can be a good thing
DUBAI – In the past five weekly battle rounds of Expat Duets, Allan Joseph Galang and Leo Evangelista have always finished last in the rankings but the duo said that’s not exactly a bad thing. The singing competition puts them in a six-week themed music showdown that culminates on March 10. They have been competing with veterans in the music scene such as Philippine Idol Mau Marcelo, Norwich Got Talent champion Ryan Mayor and other local singing competition champions. “At times we feel that we are not improving based on the rankings each week but the judges have said they really appreciate our efforts in showing up each week to give the audience something different. They see improvements in us after every performance,” Evangelista told Expatmedia.net. They’ve landed in the last spot for five weeks in a row, but they still show up determined to perform each week. Could that change on Friday? The theme is rock music, Galang's forte.
“Allan and I are the newbies in this contest but it won't give us a reason to give up because we are very eager to learn from the judges and co-contenders on how to develop our singing. We are showing up every week to show people that we love this craft and we don't take this as a competition but as a great learning experience since this is the first ever singing event we have joined overseas,” Evangelista said. “The support that we're getting from our family and fellow contestants keep us going,” said the 37-year-old store trainer who paired at the last minute with 27-year-old Galang, an operations support personnel in Dubai. “It all started when my sister sent me a message about the audition for Expat Duets. I was in a meeting then, that was why it took hours for me to look for my singing partner. I was hesitant at first because I prefer to sing solo and I don't have any idea who sings in my workplace. I also prefer a female singing partner but I was running out of time. I asked Allan if he knew someone who can sing. He said he does so right then and there I sent our profile to Expat Media,” Evangelista explained. The two are exact opposites in terms of singing style: Evangelista is the smooth balladeer while Galang prefers edgy rock, rap and rhythm and blues. How do they make their differing singing styles work together? “We know that we are different among all other contestants and that's our advantage because we are able to put something new on the table... Not always the typical love song duet performance. We collaborate and we are always open to suggestions on what to wear and sing that will suit our voices during the battle rounds. We make sure that we always look presentable and ready to perform,” Galang said. What are they trying to prove by showing up each week at Expat Duets? “Working with these talented Filipino singers gives us the reason to still be on track. We also want to inspire Filipinos who have a dream to become professional singers in Dubai,” Evangelista said.
Get to know them more with their Q&A with Expatmedia.net: First of all, tell us about yourself. Evangelista: I am a father of three sons and happily married to my lovely wife for almost 10 years. I spend my day off talking to them through Skype. Galang: I'm a very simple guy with a huge dream. Not only for myself but also especially to my primary family back home, also the people who made an influence on what kind of person I am today. I do love music, even if sometimes music doesn't love me back (laughs). But seriously, I'm that guy that you usually see with earphones plugged in my ears. What's your life like in the UAE? Tell us about it. Galang: It's a mixture of struggle and fun. Evangelista: I am living a simple life here in Dubai with my three siblings and a nephew. I'm just a work-home type of person and I spend my Fridays for Expat Duets. Can you tell us more about your job and what you do? Evangelista: As part of retail operations and HR, I am responsible in the selection process and training of new employees for store operations. Galang: I work in an office; started from the bottom, as you may say. Have you always loved music? Tell us about the first time you performed in public. Evangelista: My family really loves music especially my father. When I was about 8 years old, I performed in our town fiesta and won second place. Galang: For sure. I haven’t performed much in public, only to show off or when I am pushed to perform! But some people appreciate it. Who is your musical inspiration and why? Evangelista: I love black American singers like Neyo and Brian Mcknight because their melody and lyrics are very good and I can sing some of their songs as well. Galang: Michael Jackson and artists like Ne-yo, Chris Brown, Usher and Bruno Mars. I also admire my cabalen (Kapampangan) the one and only Apl d Ap of Black Eyed Peas for his endeavors and achievements in life. Among Filipino artists, Francis M and Gloc 9 top my list. Truly inspiring artists and proud to be Pinoy. If you could describe your current life in a song, what would that song be? Evangelista: Win by Brian Mcknight. Galang: The Apl Song. It reflects the real me and the reality of being a Filipino. What achievements in your life are you particularly proud of? Tell us more about these milestones. Galang: Self-actualization. I'm still for that thing. Evangelista: Building and having my own family is my greatest achievement in life because they are priceless. Having one makes me happy and drives me to do better, to dream big and to be successful. In my two years here in Dubai, I can say that I'm still starting to establish a good career now and being one of the pioneers of the company who train people for customer service and store operations from diverse cultures is also a big achievement for me. What do you love about your expat life in the UAE? And what do you wish to improve about it? Evangelista: The opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment and to know other cultures and languages. I don’t like feeling homesick. Missing my wife and kids is the hardest part of being an expat here in the UAE. To overcome it and reduce homesickness, we have to do something we love, like singing and that's the good thing about having Expat Duets to make ourselves busy during Friday night for our performance on stage. Galang: I like that I am leading an independent life here and I am able to face every obstacle and I’m still standing on my own feet. What's the most memorable thing that has ever happened to you in Expat Duets so far? Evangelista: I considered the Disney Theme Week last Friday as the most memorable one since we received a very good feedback from the judges that we improved a lot compared to previous weeks. We also heard the cheers and applause from the audience. Galang: I was able to gain friendship rather than a prize that will just fade away someday. I also learned a lot from all the flaws. I feel blessed to be able to show my talent. What is your motto in life? Evangelista: Success belongs to those who dare and believe to achieve it. Galang: This one is borrowed from Michael Jordan. “I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” Best lesson you've learned in life. Galang: Live life to the fullest. Evangelista: Focus on the things that you can control and don't dwell too much on the things you can't. Always look on the positive side in every situation. What is your message to other expats in the UAE? Evangelista: Always be thankful for what you have because others don't have the same opportunity that you have right now. Don't ever give up on your dreams and always believe that you will get it in God's proper timing. Galang: Always believe in your dreams. Nothing is impossible.
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