The unstoppable Marlisa

X Factor winner pays tribute to her motherland on the occasion of Independence Day

By Kristine Abante

Published: Thu 11 Jun 2015, 9:19 PM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jul 2015, 3:14 PM

X-FACTOR AUSTRALIA WINNER Marlisa Punzalan pays homage to the motherland this weekend with the release of the Filipino version of her second single Unstoppable.

The song, dubbed in Tagalog, is being released worldwide by Sony Music just in time for the celebration of the Philippines’ 117th Indepenence day on June 12.

The follow up to her Platinum selling winning single, Stand By You, and co-written with Jon Hume (Evermore) and Dean Lewis, Unstoppable (the Flipino version) is an uplifting pop smash with a strong message of resilience. When asked about the track Marlisa says: “It’s about rising up to the challenge as a nation, as family or as a group of individuals.”

Since winning The X Factor last year, 16-year old Filipino-Australian Marlisa embarked on a promotional visit to the Phillippines performing on major TV programs including It’s Showtime, A.S.A.P, in-store performances at Lucky Chinatown and Eastwood Mall Open Park, but the most meaningful of all was her return to their family’s hometown in Bataan for a very special and intimate performance.

“It was my second time to visit the Philippines. I was 9 years old when we last came, and it was really good to be reunited with family and friends, and being warmly welcomed by everyone. I am overwhelmed and very grateful to my Filipino fans for all their support.”

Marlisa’s father Lito and mother Andrea migrated to Australia in the mid ’90s; she and her older brother Martin were born in Sydney, Australia. Marlisa was excited to fly to the Philippines because she wanted to meet her Filipino fans and get in touch with her roots. She says she learned to sing in Tagalog from her mom.

“I did not really speak Tagalog growing up, but my mom helped me a lot. She helped translate the song.”

“I enjoyed coming home to the Philippines. I loved the food, and everyone treated us so well. It was also a great experience performing with top artists there. I would love to sing more in Filipino next time,” she adds.

Marlisa is currently filming her music video for Unstoppable (the Filipino version) with the track available to purchase digitally now.