Maalaala Mo Kaya April 22 Recap: Noven Belleza’s Story In The Spotlight With Khalil Ramos MMKNoven

Noven Belleza is on the spotlight in MMKNoven on April 22. Nyoy Volante and Khalil Ramos star in this episode representing a family of singers and farmers. Noven and his father, Rey, are veterans in joining singing contests in their local town and even in neighboring communities. They are dedicated to this because it helps make ends meet specially in between harvest times. As Noven thrives and endures in this hard reality, the gift of song is his silver lining.

Noven Is Born Into the Life of Singing and Farming

In the passing of the storm one night in Negros Occidental, the Belleza family is thankful that their home is in tact. They instantly burst into song to express such gratefulness. It is here we see that Noven is born into a family who loves singing, the perfect remedy for a hard life in farming. As a child, he is inspired by how good his father, Rey, is when it comes to singing. Gifted with a golden voice himself, Noven embraces this gift and follows after his father’s footsteps. He, too, began joining singing contests.

A day came when Noven sang in front of a handful of people. Because the audience was delighted, they gave him some money in appreciation. This was the first time Noven felt successful in his singing. With his meager “prize” money, he felt so rich thinking that he can buy pork for dinner. His father only smiled to this, but felt a sense of pride in his son’s newfound gift.

Rey vowed to support his son in his talent, something that he did not get from his own parents while he was growing up. Soon, Noven joined his first singing contest but it did not turn out as expected. Stage fright left him frozen and he forgot the lyrics to his song. This was a prelude to what was down the road in his journey as a singer.

Poverty Leaves Noven’s Life Off-Key Time and Again

Growing up, Noven has had his share of being thrown off by Life many times. The first time was when his parents were left with no choice but to have another family take care of his newborn brother, Noel, because they are no longer able to provide for the child’s needs. The second was when the family had to mortgage their land in the hope of providing for Noven’s studies in college and for the family to survive. However, the expectation of finishing college is short lived. Noven was asked to stop studying and work instead because his parents can no longer support his studies. In between those unfortunate events, Noven lost the joy in singing.

Novel and Singing: From a Joy to a Source of Sadness

After numerous winning streaks in his hometown and neighboring barrios, Noven began losing his fervor in his music. It started when he wanted to change some songs in his repertoire. From his father’s selections from Basil Valdez and Marco Sison, he wanted to sing songs by Air Supply. This created a wall between the father and son leaving Noven feeling that he will never measure up to his father’s expectations. From his perspective as a father and husband, however, Rey is desperate to have his family live a comfortable life. He is heavily burdened by the reality that their farm is almost gone and his children are not able to go to school. It is a complicated predicament. A burden that is not easy to carry at all.

Noven Belleza Gives His Dreams Another Chance

When Noven and his dad finally got a chance to sit down and really talk, beyond the tedious rehearsals and the blame game, they were able to be honest with each other. In that, the joy that they both missed out on for a long time was restored and Noven tried singing again.

After the auditions for Pilipinas Got Talent and The Voice, Noven auditioned for Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Showtime. After he sang, he got the same response, “We will call you within a week.” Noven instantly shut off any feeling of hope because he has heard those words all too much. A week passed by and still, no call. Noven went on with his daily routine, but this time with a lighter heart. At the most unexpected moment, he gets a call back telling him that he has made it to the TV Round. At that moment, his dreams started coming true. Week after week, he would win until he reached the Grand Finals.

He promised his family that he will take home the grand prize so that they can buy back their land, have enough to put his siblings to school, and finally be able to eat pork which adds variety to their family meals of kangkong, rice with banana and salt. Aside from that, he promised his father that he will sing the very song of their life as a family to remind everyone of his home and their dream.

In the Grand Finale, he sang “Without You” by Air Supply and as promised,  “Kahit Ako Ay Lupa,” by Basil Valdez. He sang his heart out that day and he won triumphantly – both in the competition, but more in his and his family’s life. When asked what that song means to him, he said that even among simple people, it is possible to dream. His win is more than well-deserved. It is meant for him and his family.

The episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya this April 22^nd is entitled, “Tubunan.”