At 14, 'The Clash Teens' hopeful Donnel Mendoza says dreams require hard work, faith, perseverance

At an age when many teenagers are just beginning to discover their interests, Donnel Mendoza is already pursuing his biggest dream on the national stage.

The 14-year-old aspiring singer has earned a coveted spot in “The Clash Teens” Top 12, a milestone he believes was made possible by years of training, unwavering faith, and the support of the people who have stood by him throughout his musical journey.

Despite advancing further in the competition, Donnel remains focused on the challenges ahead rather than thinking about the grand prize.

"Wala pa naman po masyadong pinaplano kasi we still have much more to prepare for the upcoming rounds," Donnel told GMA News Online when asked what he would do if he wins the competition.

Still, the young singer already knows who he wants to celebrate with should he be named this season's champion.

"If ever man po, I would love to celebrate it with my family, express my deepest gratitude sa lahat ng supporters, especially to our Heavenly Father," he said.

Rather than spending the prize on himself, Donnel shared that he intends to entrust the financial reward to the person he trusts the most.

"I would definitely let my mom handle all the money, the allowance I'll be getting, because I know that my mom is capable of managing what we spend," he said.

For Donnel, however, the biggest reward from joining “The Clash Teens” has been the lessons he has learned throughout the competition.

"Ang biggest lesson ko po na natutunan dito is galing sa theme song ng ‘The Clash’—'Mangarap ka, sige laban pa.' Kasi it's not hard to dream. You can dream anything you want. Be the person you want to be," he shared.

According to Donnel, dreaming alone is never enough. Success, he said, comes from the willingness to keep trying despite failures.

"'Pag 'sige laban pa,' just keep on trying. There's always trials and errors, but no matter the results, all you have at the end of the day is yourself trying and trying. Making efforts every day is what matters," he added.

That mindset has carried him through every stage of the competition, including one unforgettable surprise that changed his journey.

"Tinawagan po ako na pumunta sa GMA, pero hindi ko po alam na part na pala ako ng Top 24. Wala pong nagsabi sa akin. Noong binasa 'yung letter na officially Top 24 Clasher na ako, sobrang unforgettable po talaga ang moment na iyon," he recalled.

Making it all the way to the Top 12, he said, validated the years of hard work he had invested in developing his voice.

"Definitely grateful po ako for what has happened kasi for me, I have earned this spot. Lahat po ng practices, lahat ng lessons with my vocal coach, lahat ng pinagdaanan ko sa singing, nag-pay off po siya," Donnel said.

He also thanked everyone who supported him on his journey.

"Grateful din po ako sa Lord, sa supporters ko, sa parents ko, sa siblings ko, sa family ko, sa vocal coach ko, sa friends ko, at sa mga teachers ko. I'm so grateful for being in the Top 12," he added.

Donnel likewise credited his vocal coach as one of his biggest inspirations in music.

"He's such an amazing teacher. Part po siya ng UST Singers, and they perform in different countries. 'Yung perseverance nila bilang choir is very amazing. My vocal coach really inspires me to keep on singing and pursuing this passion," he said.

Outside the competition, Donnel looks up to Ariana Grande, whom he admires not only for her vocal ability but also for her work ethic and compassion.

"Nakaka-inspire po talaga bawat performance ni Ariana Grande. Bilang fan, alam kong hindi ko kayang abutin lahat ng high notes niya, pero ini-interpret ko po sila gamit ang sarili kong boses dahil magkaiba po kami ng vocal range," he explained.

"Ang dami na niyang narating dahil sa hard work and determination niya. She also helps a lot of people go through whatever they're experiencing. Nagiging therapy po siya sa iba through her music. 'Yung kindness niya at personality niya, sobrang inspiring po talaga." —CDC, GMA News