Jessica Sanchez pays courtesy call on Bongbong, Liza Marcos; to perform in ASEAN Summit

Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday.

Sanchez, winner of the 20th season of America's Got Talent, is set to perform in the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Cebu, which the Philippines will chair. 

''You made us all very, very proud...,'' Marcos told Sanchez.

The President added that he would be in Cebu in May for the ASEAN Summit.

During the courtesy call, the First Lady shared how Sanchez is very popular even in other nations, as other heads of state also know her. 

''My husband was nervous about the ASEAN and the Prime Minister said, ‘You guys have no problem. You are so musical, you know you have Jessica Sanchez.’ And my husband was, ‘Oh, she’s singing [in ASEAN 2026],''' Liza said.

Jessica, for her part, said she is excited about performing in the upcoming Summit. 

''I’m very excited for that. I think I need some time to really plan out what I’m gonna be singing because I’ll be representing the Filipinos so I wanna take my time figuring out my song choices,'' Jessica said.

She also mentioned that she would be releasing her album in the first quarter of 2026. 

''I also plan on doing some Tagalog songs and also collaborating with Filipino artists. I’m very excited for you to hear the new music,'' Jessica said.

Jessica is set to perform at Newport World Resorts’ New Year's countdown event on December 31 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

—CDC/KG, GMA Integrated News