Jeric Herradura dedicates 'The Clash' Teens Top 12 journey to parents, eyes UP education if he wins

For 17-year-old Jeric Herradura of Laguna, making it to the Top 12 of “The Clash” is more than a personal accomplishment. It is also a tribute to the unwavering support of his parents and the unconditional love of his family, whom he considers his greatest source of inspiration.

"My inspiration in singing is my parents, first of all, and especially God," Jeric said. "My parents have always been there for me. Supportive po sila. Their love and support are unconditional."

According to Jeric, each of his performance is dedicated to his parents and to God, whom he credits for blessing him with his talent.

"I offer all of my songs to them, and especially to God for giving me this talent," he said.

Earning a place in the Top 12 has filled him with excitement, but it has also brought greater pressure, Jeric admitted.

"Of course, I'm excited and happy," he said. "But at the same time, I'm nervous kasi there's so much pressure. Kapag nasa Top 12 ka po, people expect po na maging better ka."

While he celebrates his achievement, Jeric also acknowledged that advancing in the competition means saying goodbye to contestants who have become close friends.

He said watching fellow competitors leave week after week has been one of the most emotional parts of the experience, saying "When we were still complete, masaya po kami lahat. Pero unti-unti po kaming nabawasan. Masakit at malungkot po kasi parang pamilya na kami."

Among his most treasured memories in “The Clash” are the moments he shared with his fellow members of the Yellow Team, whose friendship, he said, goes far beyond the competition.

"My most memorable experience was spending time with the Yellow Team," Jeric recalled. "The bond we built wasn't like an ordinary contest. We really became family and friends."

He said what made the experience special was the way contestants constantly encouraged one another despite competing for the same title.

"We always supported each other and gave each other hope," he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Jeric said the biggest lesson he has learned is to never stop pursuing his dreams, even when the road becomes difficult.

"When things get hard, don't stop," he said. "Just keep fighting for your dreams."

"Kapag di niyo po pinuruse ang dreams niyo, how are you going to achieve them?" he said. "Kailangan niyo pong pagsikapan ang mga pangarap niyo," he added.

The young singer hopes his own story will encourage other aspiring performers to continue believing in themselves despite setbacks.

"I want to inspire young singers and aspiring artists," he said. "I want to show them that hard work is important and that dreams can be achieved if you don't give up."

Although music remains his passion, Jeric also has clear goals outside the entertainment industry.

If he wins “The Clash,” one of his priorities would be to continue his education.

"I would use the prize po para sa studies ko," he said.

Jeric revealed that he and his older brother will soon be studying in college at the same time, making education one of his family's biggest priorities.

"My older brother will already be in his fourth year while I'll be entering my first year," he said.

The aspiring singer said he hopes to enroll at the University of the Philippines, where he plans to pursue accountancy. The course, he said, is one of his long-term goals alongside building a music career.

As the competition grows more intense, Jeric remains determined to give his all in every performance, carrying with him the lessons he has learned throughout his “The Clash” journey.

Whether on stage or in the classroom, the young singer from Laguna hopes to prove that dreams are achieved through faith, perseverance, and the support of the people who believe in you the most. — LA, GMA News