'Always chase your dreams': 12-year-old Filipina making her mark in the musical theatre world

Zola Bulan

12-year-old Zola Bulan dreams of becoming a professional singer and musical actor.

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At just 12 years old, Zola Bulan from Queensland is already making a mark in musical theatre. With talent and dedication, she embraces every opportunity that comes her way.


KEY POINTS
  • Zola Bulan will be one of the opening acts for Maestro Ryan Cayabyab’s concert in Australia entitled "Ryan,Ryan Musikahan The Queensland Concert" on September 7.
  • Zola's journey in performing arts has already seen her grace the stages of several community theatre productions in both Sydney and Brisbane.
  • According to Zola's father, Art, while managing everything is a balancing act, it is crucial for parents to support and guide their children's passions.
From a tender age of two, Zola Bulan found herself enchanted by the magic of Broadway musicals. The melodies and stories of Shrek, Aladdin, Hamilton, and Frozen ignited her passion for singing. Her early renditions of these musicals quickly evolved from mere play to a serious pursuit as her talent bloomed.

“When Zola was young, we watched a musical show and noticed her interest in it. After that, she started to perform and sing,” says Zola's father, Art Bulan.

Fuelling her passion further and supporting her dreams, her parents enrolled her in drama and musical theatre classes. These experiences have not only honed her skills but have solidified her love for the stage, where she feels most at home.

“As a parent, we are delighted that she always wants to perform. I later realised that my child truly has talent, so we started to bring her to drama class, ballet, anything related to performing, and piano. When she turned 7, there was an opportunity to play in a musical show, so she auditioned and got the role.”
Zola Bulan
Zola Bulan performs at the Queensland Filipino Excellence Awards
Zola's journey in performing arts has already seen her grace the stages of several community theatre productions in both Sydney and Brisbane.

Zola will be one of the opening acts for Maestro Ryan Cayabyab’s concert in Australia entitled "Ryan,Ryan Musikahan The Queensland Concert" on September 7.

“I’m excited to be a part of his concert. We’re working on finding the right song- something that matches my age and will resonate with the Filipino crowd,” she shares.

Art says that while managing everything is a balancing act, it is crucial for parents to support and guide their children's passions.

"Support and observe your child. Understand what interests your child, and be there to support and guide her," he advises.

As for Zola who is already making her mark at a young age, she continues to grow and develop her talents.

“Always chase your dreams and work hard for them. Say yes to every opportunity, try everything, stay humble, keep your feet on the ground, and do your best in everything you undertake.”
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'Always chase your dreams': 12-year-old Filipina making her mark in the musical theatre world

SBS Filipino

18/07/202425:35
Tugtugan at Kwentuhan features the story of artists and talents who are making their own mark in the music and arts industry.

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