This Filipina Stole the Spotlight in a Surprise Duet with Cynthia Erivo

Marielle is an enthusiast of many things—marketing, fitness, dogs, travel, beauty, you name it—but the string that ties her entire self together is singing. “I’ve loved singing for as long as I can remember,” and it’s a love she shares through her song covers online.

She also often takes the train to New York, having watched more than 10 shows on Broadway. With this, her support for Cynthia comes as no surprise. “I’ve been a huge fan of hers since my college days—my friends and I used to jam to The Color Purple tracks, and I was blown away by how amazing she was as Elphaba in Wicked,” Marielle gushed. “I also think her performance of Alfie is one of the greatest live performances ever. When I found out she was performing in Philly, I didn’t even think twice.”

The soulful track was beyond familiar to her, being a song she has frequently sung in karaoke and with live bands. Recalling the experience, she shared, “She started walking toward the audience, and by chance, my seat was right by the stairs that she was going to pass through. We locked eyes for a moment and I kind of mouthed to her if I could sing with her. She then shared the mic with me, and the rest is history!”

For her, the warm and humble act by Cynthia meant so much. Marielle was born in San Pablo, Laguna, and moved abroad in her 20s. She tells Preview, “Life hasn’t been the easiest, especially being far away from my family and friends.”

Having music as her anchor led her to connect with Cynthia “in the most unexpected, magical way, and I’ll forever be grateful for that moment.” Marielle has always carried the dream of becoming a singer, and she has considered letting it go, although it never fully let go of her. “For now, I’m just going to keep singing—and trust that maybe, one day, that dream will find its way to me.”