Filipina singer Ronica Mae Mangahas dominated the recently concluded 2023 World Championships of Performing Arts in Anaheim, California.

The international competition, said to be the “Talent Olympics,” is held annually for performers and entertainers from across the globe.

Contenders from America, Europe, South Africa and Asia participated in the contest, while esteemed entertainment celebrities and professionals were invited to judge, conduct seminars and scout for talents.

A representative of the Philippines, Mangahas competed in eight out of 14 genres in the Vocal Solo Category. She won gold medals in the Opera, Open and Rhythm and Blues tilts. Her winning entries were Habanera from Carmen by Georges Bizet, “You Gotta Be” by Patti Austin and “Yesterday” by Shanice, respectively.

The 30-year-old vocalist likewise finished silver in the Gospel, Original Works, Rock and World divisions through her lauded renditions of Win by Brian McKnight, “See Me Fly” by Ammie Ruth Suarez, “For The” Very First Time by Roxette and Ilay Gandangan by Rodolfo Delarmente, respectively.

She also serenaded the panel in the Country classification with her personal take on Bless the Broken Road by the Rascal Flatts.

“Competing on the world stage is a dream come true,” said Mangahas. “I never thought that my passion would get me to represent the country.”

Mangahas was a full arts and design scholar at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, graduating with a degree in Music Production. She was a member of the resident chorale group Coro San Benildo and participated in various ensemble tournaments overseas.

She was also hailed as the daily winner in the noontime program It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan, and Top 10 in NICKL Entertainment’s online songwriting match.

During the pandemic, she formed the MS/MR SARA band and launched several original singles.