JESSICA Dispels Rumor

Jessica Sanchez has a sweet smile that has won many fans over apart from her spectacular singing voice. Press con was held at SOFITEL Phil Plaza Dec. 9, 2013. Jessica will also have a New Years concert at Eastwood Mall. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

A more grown up Jessica Sanchez faced reporters at the SOFITEL Philippine Plaza to talk about her most recent projects last December 9, 2013. She has a lot going on like her debut album ME YOU & THE MUSIC and her single LEAD ME HOME whose proceeds will benefit YOLANDA typhoon victims and her activities for the STARKEY HEARING FOUNDATION here in the Philippines. She will also have a New Year concert at Eastwood City.

One of the questions that she answered with aplomb was that of her lineage. There have been reports since late 2012 that her biological father is actually Filipino. Her mom Editha Sanchez hails from Bataan. Gilbert Sanchez who is of Mexican descent is reportedly her stepfather. To this she clearly states, “My dad is Mexican and his name is Gilbert Sanchez. That is my biological father. I’m half Filipino and half Mexican and I’m proud of my cultures.”

Jessica Sanchez has gotten more curvy and sexy since her first trip here. Press con was held at SOFITEL Phil Plaza Dec. 9, 2013. Jessica will also have a New Years concert at Eastwood Mall. Photo by Jude Bautista

She categorically states that there is no confusion or controversy with that. After the press con Editha Sanchez in an interview with Ginger Conejero confirmed that Gilbert Sanchez is indeed the biological father of Jessica.

Jessica has a sweet smile that has won many fans over apart from her spectacular singing voice. Press con was held at SOFITEL Phil Plaza Dec. 9, 2013. Jessica will also have a New Years concert at Eastwood Mall. Photo by Jude Bautista

Apl D Ap, another U.S. based famous Filipino entertainer was also supposed to join her this trip. The Black Eyed Peas star had already visited Yolanda victims in Tacloban last November 26. She said, “He’s awesome. I love him, he’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. He actually wanted to come with us in the Starkey Foundation this trip. But he couldn’t, he’s busy doing his thing. Maybe next time he could come. I love working with him with SMART the songs were awesome.” Earlier this year Jessica and Apl worked together in the single JUMP IN sponsored by SMART the top telecommunications company, which promotes tourist spots in the Philippines.

CAPTION FROM PDI: ARTIST WITH A BIG HEART Fil-Am singer and songwriter apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas feels the pain of those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods as he surveys the damage wrought by typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City. INQ Snap this page (not just the logo) to view more photos and access SONGS FROM THE PHILIPPINES. Photo by Raffy Lerma

The issue with Jessica’s biological father began with a tweet from Charice Pempengco’s former manager, Courtney Blooding. Back in September 2012 she tweeted: “why do the Philippines claim Jessica Sanchez? Jessica was born an raised in the US. I don’t THINK she speaks tagalog.” Courtney went on to say that she was “insulted” by the fact that the Philippines are claiming Jessica — “something that is made in the USA” — rather than some of their own homegrown talent.

New Look Charice performed at the Phil Pop Music fest held last July 20, 2013 at the MERALCO Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

Apart from having Pinoy blood, BOTH Charice and Jessica had an appearance in the show GLEE. Talking about her experience with the hit show Jessica said, “Glee was awesome. The way they infuse music and acting together it was great.” Musicals could be an option in the long term, “I definitely would love to. Anything that involves music, I’d love to do. Acting is something I want to do in the future. I wana try it. Of course I don’t think acting is my passion. But it was so much fun so I’d love to do that in the future.”

MB reporter Jecelyn Macahindog asks about the Pacquiao v Rios anthems and shoots a video with her phone. Press con was held at SOFITEL Phil Plaza Dec. 9, 2013. Jessica will also have a New Years concert at Eastwood Mall. Photo by Jude Bautista

What is undeniably Filipino about Jessica is the extended Christmas season. “This Christmas is going to be a little strange. I started Christmas this year before Halloween. I had my Christmas tree up. I had my Christmas shopping done before Halloween. All the presents and Christmas tree are up in my house. We’re gonna be opening presents the day before Christmas. Because we’re driving to San Diego and I’m going to sing for the Poinsettia Ball in San Diego. Then we drive right back to L.A. then to the Philippines the next day. Then I get here for New Year’s and I’ll perform for you guys . I’m gonna have a blast. I’m gonna be busy after Christmas.”