Clowy Tiglao cherishes 'The Clash Teens' Top 12 journey, dedicates performances to parents' dreams

For 17-year-old aspiring singer Clowy Tiglao, making it to the Top 12 of “The Clash Teens” is more than just a personal achievement; it is the fulfillment of a dream that her parents were never able to pursue.

Speaking to GMA News Online, Clowy admitted that advancing in the competition still feels surreal, especially since “The Clash” is the very first singing competition she has ever joined.

"It feels so unreal," she said. "Ito po ‘yung first competition ko and it's already on national television. Being part of the Top 24 and now the Top 12 already means so much to me."

Clowy believes that every milestone she has reached in the competition has happened for a reason.

"I think God placed me here for a reason. I am very blessed that I'm still here, still standing, and I'll continue to do my best," she said.

As one of the youngest contestants in the competition, Clowy shared that her experience in “The Clash” has taught her valuable lessons that extend beyond singing.

According to Clowy, preparation and discipline have become the biggest takeaways from her journey.

"The biggest lesson I've realized is the importance of being prepared," she said. "You have to be ready all the time—not just for singing, but also for shoots and even preparing your outfits. Since this is all new to me, I've learned that you really need discipline and you always have to be prepared."

Despite the pressure of the competition, Clowy said one of her favorite memories is the friendships she formed with her fellow contestants.

She fondly recalled how the contestants would always gather around one table during meals, making sure no one was left behind.

"My fondest memory is eating together with my groupmates," she shared. "Every lunchtime, dinner, or breakfast, we would all sit together. We wouldn't let anyone be missing from the table."

Among the remaining contestants, Clowy revealed that she has become especially close to fellow Top 12 contender Lois Bersalona.

While winning “The Clash” remains her goal, Clowy said the first thing she would do if she emerged victorious would be to thank everyone who has supported her journey.

"First and foremost, I will thank God, my mom, my dad, my family, my relatives, and even the people from our community in Pampanga," she said. "I always see their support, and they're one of the reasons bakit po ako nagpatuloy. Dahil po iyon sa aking support system."

Per Clowy, every performance she delivers on stage is dedicated to her family, who have long dreamed of pursuing music themselves.

“Sa lahat po ng family ko po, ako lang po 'yung nakapunta po dito. Kasi singers din po 'yung family ko and dream po nila din 'yung ganito,” she shared.

She revealed that both her mother and father once dreamed of following a similar path, but were unable to do so because opportunities were limited and traveling to Manila was difficult at the time.

“Si mother po naging dream po niya, 'yung father po naging dream po niya," Clowy said. “So now, I'm here to achieve not only my dream but also theirs."

Clowy also spoke about the artists who inspired her to pursue singing, saying she has admired numerous performers throughout the years. However, one name has stood out since childhood.

"Ever since I was little, my biggest idol has been Lea Salonga," she said.

Known worldwide for her Disney and Broadway performances, Lea has long been one of Clowy's musical inspirations, with the young singer happily admitting she is a "Disney girl."

As the competition heads into its next phase, Clowy hopes to continue growing as a performer while honoring her family's sacrifices and dreams. —CDC, GMA News