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Did you know that Ramiele Malubay is the third Filipino who made it to the top 10 of American Idol? The 4-feet and 11-inch native of Florida, tagged as a “small girl with a huge voice, funky hair and dynamic personality” is definitely part of AI history now! =) Aside from Ramiele Malubay, previous six Fil-Ams have reached the top 24 of this singing reality TV show created by Simon Fuller. The six were Brad Estrin (Season 1), Jordan Segundo (Season 2), Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco (Season 3), Jose “Sway” Peñala (Season 5), and AJ Tablado (Season 6). Notice that in almost every season there’s a Filipino! Galing talaga ng Pinoy! =) Among the six, only Jasmine and Camile were lucky enough to go through final 12. But Camile was the fourth to be eliminated, while Jasmine finished third overall. Will Ramiele Malubay be as successful as Jasmine? The answer is in your votes guys!

In a fan-based reality show, the fans are the bread and butter of a contestant who wishes to survive. Ramiele Malubay is quite lucky coz despite her less-than stellar recent performances, her fans still supported her. The big question — will she be able to equal, if not surpass Jasmine Trias’ feat, or just have the same fate as Camile Velasco? Will Ramiele Malubay make it to the final three or not? Here’s what some of the American Idol viewers said:

“She will make it [to top three]. She has a very good chance. ‘Vocally’, she’s okay.”
–Resty Furuc, software developer

“No, she won’t [make it]. She keeps on choosing songs that don’t highlight her vocal range. She’s trying to copy Regine Velasquez. American Idol isn’t a venue for imitating anybody.”
—Ria Olson, health care officer

“She will go far [in the contest], but not as far as top three.”
—Christian Guatlo, migrant worker

“Yes. She spices up every song that she sings. She sounds better than Jasmine Trias!”
—Ihna Obispo, bank teller

“No. [Because] Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will choose a ‘pure’ American in the end. Look what happened to Jasmine Trias? Finalists with foreign [particularly Asian] lineage have zero chance of winning the grand prize. It’s a sad fact.”
—Donald Carpio, student

Of course it’s primarily coz she is of Filipino descent. Never mind if she didn’t grew up in the Philippines — Ramiele Malubay will always be a “kababayan” for all the Filipinos out there. And the fact that she’s a singer, that made her all the more lovable. Pinoys are very fond of singing, FYI =) University of the Philippines (UP) sociologist Andrea Martinez explains, “Filipinos cheer for Ramiele Malubay because they can relate to her. The singer embodies the longing of every single Pinoy to be successful.”

The sociologist adds, “There is also the natural propensity of Filipinos to identify with the underdog since the singer is considered a member of the minority who can be subjected to discrimination.” Ooohh, now you’re talking serious ma’am! But we all love underdogs right? And just like boxing idol Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the UP sociologist also said Filipinos will support Ramiele Malubay because she gives them reason to be proud of their nationality.

Remember the “C” hand sign that the Pinay singing sensation flashed for Danny when he was eliminated from American Idol weeks ago? That sign stands for corazon, Spanish for “heart” =) The fantabulous gay singer revealed this bit recently in a phone interview with journalists from around the world arranged by Star World. Danny Noriega explained, “It’s a cute little half-heart thing that we just do.” He also said that Ramiele Malubay is his “best friend” in the reality show. And you can easily see proof of this on the AI website where various photos of the two hugging and goofing around are displayed. Danny further shared, “We became really close [Ramiele Malubay] at the end of Hollywood week. We have a lot in common. She’s my twin and I love her.” Awww, too sweet for words! I’m sure Ramiele Malubay feels the same way too Danny! And the truth is, you’re both lucky to have each other =)

Aside from Danny Noriega, the cutie Fil-Am sensation is also close to Kady Malloy, an American Idol contestant voted off the same week as Danny. “We’re the little ‘Charlie’s Angels’ of the group,” Danny said of their triumvirate [him, Kady and Ramiele Malubay]. “We do the same things. We talk the same way. We all have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).” LOL! No wonder they got along so well! In fact, in a recent American Idol episode, Danny was seen joining Ramie’s parents in the audience, all of them in T-shirts with her picture. That’s what friends are for right?? =)

Anyway, when Danny Noriega was voted off, Ramiele Malubay found new friends in the persons of Brooke White and David Cook. In a recent AI episode, the petite singer called the white chick “Mama Brooke” and she reciprocated by calling Ramie her “Little One” =) As for David Cook, he is like an elder brother to the Pinay singer. Ramiele Malubay shared, “He gives me pep talks.”