Nanay Violeta Bayawa, 70, Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Showtime Finalist, not only showcased her ageless talent but has also proven that love is timeless no matter the circumstances.
It was in the Semi-Finals that she first tugged the hearts of the madlang people including the judges Dulce and Jaya who were seen wiping their eyes when she performed “Unchained Melody” on August 26, 2019. By far, it has gained an estimate of 1.3 million views.
In the earlier episodes of the competition, Nanay Violeta shared about her failed relationships, including the man behind the songs she had been singing – her husband who abandoned her for another woman. Despite the torment, she went on with her life still hoping that someday, they will reclaim the love they once had.
It’s been almost 50 years that had passed but still, Nanay Violeta’s love remained. When Vice Ganda, in one of the Semi-Finals episode of the said show, asked her why she still loves her estranged husband, she sincerely answered “Kasi kasal po kami sa harap ng tao at sa harap ng Diyos. Yun lang po”. It must have been tough, but she chose to keep the love alive.
Nanay Violeta, in the same episode, felt elated after Vice Ganda told her that Zacharias Bayawa, 80, whom she fondly (until now) calls “Ga” has a video message for her. It’s Showtime staff found “Ga” in the town of Leo Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. There was a flood of emotions, especially when Jennifer Bayawa, their daughter, was asked about how she feels about her father whom she hasn’t met since birth.
Naka-relate ka ba sa paglaban ni Violeta sa buhay at nagustuhan ang kanyang pag-awit? Iboto na siya! #TNT3HulingTapatanDay3
Posted by Tawag Ng Tanghalan on Tuesday, September 24, 2019
According to her, she has never felt anger towards her father and rather longs for his hug. She also expressed her gratitude towards the show for having led them to her father. Nanay Violeta must have instilled so much love in her daughter. Her song “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” sent a bunch of emotional feels to the audience, particularly the fans she has already gained and paved a way to her qualifying for the next round.
Before Nanay Violeta’s performance yesterday, September 24, 2019, her VTR featured their emotional reunion as a family that once again touched the hearts of many. The sparkle in the eyes of our TNT contender was evident as she sang “Bayan Ko” as her entry for TNT Tapatan Day 2 describes as another song of love not just for the Philippines but the love she found again – her Ga.
A couple of her songs in the competition that made more “madlang people” believe in love again included “This is My Life”, “Yesterday When I Was Young”, “Love Story”, and “Something” among others. Some “senior citizen” who could belt out high notes plus so much love than hate is hoped to qualify for the Grand Finals of the above-mentioned noon-time show’s renowned song competition segment.
In this day and age, when love would already seem too much to bear, choosing to stay would rather sound absurd than sensible. You might be even tagged martyr for crying out loud. But it’s the choices we make, believing in it and holding on to the love that leads you to its fulfillment. Some people might not understand, but one’s choice makes up her own story. After all, we’re only bi-standers and spectators who could only hope for love to win in the end.
While some may say that Violeta Bayawa is a Filipina legend for being “marupok,” we’d rather consider her as an epitome of a woman who loved, been broken yet chose to love again despite the odds and finally won the battle. Another Wonder Pinay for the books indeed!
