By Anna Mae Areja
Filipino Angel Bonilla made history as the first-ever transgender contestant of “The Voice USA.” The 31-year old native from Cabuyao, Laguna impressed the judges and audience with her rendition of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down.”
“I was born Carlos back in the Philippines,” Angel revealed during the show.
“As early as five years old, I already knew that I am a girl trapped in a boy’s body,” she continued.
According to her, it has been hard for him to be accepted by his conservative family, especially to his father.
“Growing up in a very conservative family, it was very difficult for my father. When my dad saw me as a girl for the first time, he was puzzled. He’s not sure if I am his son, but he embraced me,” she shared.
Judge Adam Levine happily welcomed Angel to his team. As per her statement, she wants to make his father proud of her.
“I wanted my father to be proud of me, and I’m doing this to honor him,” she stated.
Prior to this, Angel already represented the country during the Discovery International Song Competition in Bulgaria. She ended up as one of the Top 15 finalist of its 2016 edition.
“This time I can tell, I fulfilled my dream…confidential pa. But I promise you are one of the first persons who will know and I will take care of you.. like the way you cared for me. Medyo mahirap, pero gagawin ko ang makakaayanan ko para makadagdag pride sa Pilipinas,” she said with high hopes.
Angel currently lives in Los Angeles, where she is pursuing the often difficult dream of becoming a singer.
