Mika's Story
I started singing when I was 12 years old. I joined the various singing contest that were held in the Philippines, where I lived. My mother was a Harana singer when she was young, not sure, but I'm thinking; between 17-20. Harana, is a traditional courtship in the Philippines, wherein men introduce themselves, and/or wooed women they're in love with; by singing underneath her window at night. A Filipino Serenade.
And because of the flow of heredity, I found out singing was in my blood; and it flowed from my mother to me. At this point in my life, I started dreaming that someday I could be a real singer, with the ability to sing before large crowds of people. So I began to sing everywhere I could. I joined different amateur singing contest; from the age of 12 to the age of 19. My friends encouraged me to join in "The Biggest Extravaganza Singing Contest" held in Cavite City; where I lived.
The Extravaganza was produced by a TV talent scout named Bong Fami, and the audition was very strict, because the judges were TV personalities, and a movie director. Members of "That's Entertainment" company were young stars; and director
Joel Lamangan. However, the contest didn't just consist of amateurs, but there were also professional singers there as well. So there I was, facing professional people, and realizing that there so many talented Filipino singers.
So I was very surprised when I was one of the 12 finalist out of 80 people, and needless to say I was very, excited to tell my parents. But in all the things we do, we either win or lose. I lost that competition, but I didn't expect that it would be the beginning of my dream. To my surprise, I was approached by one of the 12 finalist, and was offered a chance to be a singer. At the time, I worked at the Export Processing Zone Authority, in Cepza Cavite, as a line leader. Even though I loved singing, and was very excited about the offer; I was worried.
I thought I needed to have lots of music already prepared, but I had none.
However, a friend told me "NOT TO WORRY!" That this was only the beginning!
Then my friend told me that all I needed to do was, as I made money, buy myself tapes that were called; "Multiplex" (Dual with voice guide and Karaoke)
I asked my mother's opinion, and she said; "You're the one to make that decision for yourself!" So I had to decide. Do I continue to work in that company, doing a job that really didn't make me happy; or do I want to sing?
So seeing that all I've ever dreamed about, even since I was a young child, was being a singer; it wasn't a hard decision to make. I decided to quit the company, and accept the singing job. And since that day, I've never looked back!
And proof that I made the right decision, as well a fact that makes me happy, as well as keeps me inspired to keep on singing. Is the fact that every place I applied to;
I GOT THE JOB. Everyplace I applied to, whether it was a club, or a live house gig,
everywhere I went; I got the job. I started singing in different clubs, parties, birthday invitations, and campaigns. Until one day, I was approached by a customer from the club, who offered me the chance to go to Japan as a singer, a talent.
Now, because I was born in a poor family, I wanted the opportunity to give my parents a better life. A life that they'd not had the chance to experience.
But at the same time I realized, that going to Japan wasn't easy. I told myself, that going to Japan would be a very big challenge. I don't know how to speak Japanese, not even a little. But I also thought to myself, that going to Japan would offer me bigger and better opportunities, to help out with my family's financial problems.
But even so, at that time, my parents, and grand parents wouldn't allow me to go because they were worried about me being alone; that far away.
But for me, everything that comes to our lives can be a challenge. And when challenges stand between us and our dreams; we have to fight for our dreams.
We need to be strong, and fight to experience our own adventures. Not letting other people's fears and negative mindsets, determine where our lives are going.
I made up my mind, that I wanted to experience going to Japan. So I told my parents, and my mother allowed me, because she knew how much I wanted my dream.
To make my long story short, I worked in a Filipino Club Destination, in Osaka Japan.
At first, I felt loneliness, worry, and lots of stress, because I couldn't communicate, as I didn't know how to speak Japanese. But because of my determination to help my family still in Philippines, I kept my patience, and I guess I was blessed by God with the endurance I needed, not to quit, and keep going. Then my friend, Japanese/Korean club Mama San, introduced me to a Japanese producer, who offered me to enter the world of a radio personality as a singer/artist; from 2014 to 2016.
I appeared weekly as a radio personality on Kansai Radio Program 558 KHz.
However, the production company did nothing for me Mika. Lorie as an artist.
so it was at that time, that I decided to give the radio station, my resignation.
Then, I got an offer from another Japanese friend that introduced me to a music productions company called; Lugz & Jera (LSR Lugz Star Records)
They made and produced my first single entitled, MIKA Dream, and they did it in both Japanese, and English versions.
And because I was an independent free lancer, I got another offer from a different production company, "Winglows Music. They produced my second single, "Distant Stars Mika" produced by Eiji Yoshizu of Winglows Music.
And from these were the start of all the offers I began to receive from many different events, live shows, singing jobs etc. From posting different gigs, live shows, invitations, and parties that I posted on Facebook, is the way ran into True Songs Productions, producer and songwriter; William Lemuel.
Sir Will, offered me the opportunity to sing songs he wrote and produced, as well as the opportunity to do what I didn't expect; which was to go to America.
First I got worried, because Will and I had only met online, and never in person.
And because the internet is filled with bad people stalking women, and making promises that come to nothing. But Will showed me his best, and made me believe
in his honesty and sincerity, as well as documented proof that he truly was a music producer with a great facility.
Not only that, he showed me that he actually could do what he said, and get me to America. This encouraged me to trust him, and the rest is history.
So now I am very happy that I accepted the offer from True Songs Productions.
I am very happy, and very thankful for all the good experiences, and good people helping me to reach my dream.
In my upcoming album, I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to my producer and songwriter, William Lemuel. To my family who inspired me, to all my friends, and fans who supported me; and most of all Our Creator Who guides me.
I ask and hope that everybody will support me with my soon to be released album,
"Mika Is My Name" Mika Lorie. With all my heart; Thank You Very Much To All!
