On March 22, Belle Mariano won the Listeners’ Choice Award at Billboard Philippines Women In Music. The fan-voted category – which aims to spotlight the song that made ripples across the country – saw the actress-singer up against the likes of Maymay Entrata, mrld, Denise Julia, rhodessa, jikamarie, and more.

In her acceptance speech, Mariano took to the stage to share how she found her love music, reminiscing over singing karaoke with her Lola as a child. “I started singing in the karaoke with Lola growing, and then and there, that’s when I had a heart for it,” she says.

Mariano continues, “As I created and listened to music, I feel free and inspired. And hopefully, through my music, I am able to inspire others, and inspire little girls who want to be singers, songwriters, composers, and many more. As an Ate, a piece of advice I would like to share to you: never stop dreaming and dream big because nothing is impossible.”