WHO is Lyra Micolob? How determined is she to bring home the championship trophy of GMA Network’s newest singing tilt “The Clash”?
During the July 22 episode of the Regine Velasquez-hosted program, a Dabawenya ended it with a bang.
The 23-year-old singer, who was born and raised in Alpha Homes, Matina, proved that despite not having a high vocal range, one could still win a battle through her powerful voice and strong stage presence. And this was the observation of the show’s three judges - Lani Misalucha, AiAi delas Alas, and Christian Bautista. They unanimously picked her over contender Patricia Hernandez of Camarines Norte after her superb rendition of Etta James’s “Something’s Got to Hold On Me.”
In an interview via Facebook Messenger on Monday, July 23, Lyra shared that it has always been her dream to become a successful singer. By becoming one of the show’s top 62 hopefuls, and eventually completed the top 32 list who made it to the next round, she has been given the chance to work for that life goal.
“Na-motivate po akong mag-join sa ‘The Clash’ kasi singing/performing is really my passion and gusto ko sana na mas may mapatunayan ako sa sarili ko and sa family ko. I wanna help my family through this career,” she narrated. “I submitted my audition video through online. Nagbabakasakali pong makapasok.”
The clasher, who spent her elementary and high school years in Southpoint School, revealed that she has been living and working in Metro Manila for more than a year already.
“Before joining ‘The Clash,’ I was a full time singer here sa Manila; sa mga hotels, resto bars and casinos. More than one year na rin ako dito para i-pursue dreams ko,” she said.
The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) graduate shared that “The Clash” is not her first competition, as she already joined a handful of singing contests in the past, especially when she was still here in Davao City. She pointed out, however, that “The Clash” is surely a different experience.
“Ngayon, panibagong competition na naman yung sinalihan ko, medyo kakaiba ito kasi kalaban mo lahat e. Talagang mag ba-battle parehas na magagaling sa stage and would show who deserve to win (that fight),” she said. “Kaya po mas grabe po pressure dito kasi sobrang gagaling po lahat ng nakapasok sa ‘The Clash!’”
When asked how she prepared for her battle last weekend, Lyra had this to say: “Iyong preparation ko po sa battle is siguro enough sleep lang and practice nang practice. And syempre po, samahan ng dasal sa itaas.”
“I also picked that song kasi siguro po maipapakita ko po iyong character ng boses ko, and I know that everyone will enjoy the song,” she added.
For the next round, she committed to continuously give her best shot, and even do better each time.
“Mas pag-iigihan and mas gagalingan ko pa po iyong performance ko para sa susunod na battle! Kasi madami pang pasabog ang ‘The Clash’ sa next round!Patindi ng patindi na yung competition!” she said.
Amid the challenging battle ahead, Lyra is happy that she has the support of her family, friends, and fellow Dabawenyos.
“I would like to thank the Lord for giving me this talent! Thank you kaayo sa tanang Dabawenyos na nagsuporta sa akong journey diri sa ‘The Clash.’ Pati sa akong family, friends ug sa mga fans na wala nagsawa og suporta sa akoa. Thank you kaayo! Gina-dedicate nko akong performance sa inyong tanan!”
Catch Lyra on "The Clash," which airs every Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m., on GMA Network!
(Thanks to GMA CorpComm for the photo!)