Jessica Sanchez raring to go home to PHL, her lolo says

Published June 5, 2012 5:50pm

"American Idol" Season 11 first runner-up Jessica Sanchez is raring to come home to the Philippines but has to finish her commitment with the famous television show until September this year, her grandfather Eddie Bugay said.

“Oras na matapos ng apo ko ang kanyang commitment sa AI, uuwi siya kasabay ang dalawa ko pang anak na babae at kanilang pamilya ganoon din ang mga kaibigan nila upang tuloy pasalamatan ang mga kababayang Pilipino sa kanilang ginawang pagtulong,” Eddie said in an interview on Monday.

Eddie said there was no definite date yet of Jessica’s homecoming because she has yet to fulfill her obligation with the television program.

“Sabik na sabik na talagang makauwi dito si Jessica,” Jessica's lolo said. Jessica has a Filipino mother — Editha Bugay Sanchez — and a Mexican father.

Eddie, a retired American sailor, just arrived last Friday from the United States.

He said the last time he was with Jessica was during her Washington memorial concert in Washington D.C. from May 25 to 28.

“Doon namin huling nakasama ang apo ko at pagkatapos ay umuwi kami sa California at si Jessica naman sa Florida sa New York,” he said.

Eddie said he went with Jessica in some of her performances during the "American Idol" competition. “Pero hindi sa lahat dahil baka ma-eliminate at masabing ako pa malas,” he said in jest.

He left his wife Virgie to attend to Jessica’s two younger brothers. Jessica's mother Editha was busy accompanying the 16-year-old singer in her singing engagements.

Editha has not been in the Philippines since 1987.

“Sumususo pa sa bote si Editha nang dalhin ko siya sa Japan at nakabalik sila sa Pilipinas nang madestino ako sa Subic noong 1985,” the retired US Navy man said. God-given talent

Eddie considered Jessica’s talent as God-given, adding that they belong to a family of musicians.

“Pero walang singer sa pamilya (bukod kay Jessica) but I play the trumpet while my late father, the trombone. Some brothers of my father and my cousins belong to a local brass band,” he said.

On his granddaughter being a first runner-up, Eddie said Jessica and even the rest of the family accepted it with open hearts.

“Tanggap nang maluwag ng bata at kaming lahat ay satisfied sa narating niya,” he said, adding “hindi namin nakitang tumulo ang luha ng bata dahil hindi siya naging American idol.”

Will concentrate on singing

Eddie said Jessica will finish her studies as she pursues her singing career.

“Baka nga mag-modelo pa siya,” he said.

As to being a front act of Jennifer Lopez, one of the "American Idol" judges, he said he does not know anything yet about that plan.

Meanwhile, he also acknowledged the big role the Philippine media played in helping his granddaughter rise to the finale.

“Maraming salamat sa media,” Eddie said.

In Orani, Bataan, Eddie was busy tending to his fighting cock farm shaded by towering mango trees.

Along with three handlers, Eddie looks after his many fighting cocks as cockfighting is his hobby. - Ernie Esconde, Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News

Tags: jessicasanchez, americanidol