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After years of coming close but never clinching the ultimate title, singer Arabelle dela Cruz has finally found her breakthrough moment, just when she was ready to walk away from the competition stage.

The Filipino vocalist, who finished as first runner-up on The Clash 2025, recently emerged as the grand champion of Veiled Cup Korea, defeating 27 finalists from across Asia in what marked her first international competition and her first time performing abroad.

Marketed as South Korea's version of Eurovision-style global singing competitions, Veiled Cup Korea brings together artists from different countries in a high-stakes format that celebrates cross-cultural music performance.

Contestants undergo rigorous rounds performing behind a veil with only their silhouettes, nicknames, and hometowns revealed to the judges, consisting of a professional singer panel, making the grand prize victory a significant milestone for any performer, especially for a first-time international competitor like Arabelle.

For the Kapuso singer, the win still feels surreal. “Ang dami kong nararamdaman, masaya ako na parang pina-process ko pa 'yung 'Nangyari na ba talaga 'yun?'” she said, reflecting on the emotional aftermath of her victory.

Before this defining moment, however, Arabelle admitted she had been battling quitting joining singing competitions after repeatedly reaching grand finals without taking home the top prize. At this point in her career, Arabelle is already a mainstay with the girls of Queendom on All-Out Sundays.

“Ilang competitions na ang nasalihan ko, lahat grand finals na ang inabot ko, hindi ko pa nakuha 'yung title, laging malapit na. Pero ngayon, nabigay na. Sabi ko, 'Grabe talaga 'yung timing.' Kasi, before po ng Veiled Cup, noong katatapos lang ng The Clash sabi ko hindi na ako sasali, parang 'yun na 'yung last competition ko. Then came the Veiled Cup, so super unexpected.”

Her near decision to stop competing makes the victory even more meaningful, a reminder that persistence can sometimes pay off at the most unexpected time.

Despite the personal triumph, Arabelle emphasized that the achievement feels shared with the people who supported her throughout her journey.

“Nablanko ako, actually. Sabi ko 'yung pagkapanalo ko parang hindi lang ako ang nagka-, achievement nung nabigyan ako ng title. Kasi, yung family ko ever since sobrang supportive nila, kaya rin ako nagpapatuloy kaya rin ako sali ng sali kasi gusto ko nakikita nila 'yung nangyayari sa akin. Yung achievements ko natutuwa rin talaga 'yung family ko and lahat ng mga taong sumusuporta sa akin. Kaya nung binigay na sa'kin 'yung title sabi ko, 'Ay, ito na, ito pala ang pakiramdam ng manalo.'”

Now hailed as the grand champion of Veiled Cup Korea, Arabelle's journey stands as a testament to resilience, proof that even artists on the verge of giving up can find their biggest moment when they least expect it.

GET TO KNOW ARABELLE DELA CRUZ, VEILED CUP KOREA CHAMPION