Joice Espinoza, a singer and performer from Olongapo City, credits her family for nurturing her passion for music, pageantry, and the performing arts.
Espinoza said her interest in music began in childhood while singing along to theme songs from children’s shows and cartoons. Her parents recognized her ability to sing in tune and enrolled her in vocal training.
“At a young age, I just watched kids’ shows and cartoons and sang along to their many theme songs,” she said. “My parents were amused by my ability to sing in pitch. As I grew older, my mother enrolled me in vocal training in our hometown.”
Her passion for music and performing blossomed when she competed in Princess of the World in Pomorie, Bulgaria, at age 10. She won in the voice and modeling categories, earning a standing ovation for her performance during the talent portion.
“When I won Princess of the World 2017, I was just ten years old. It was truly surprising and unbelievable,” she said. “I am grateful and honored to have been given the opportunity to raise my flag and pride as a Filipino.”
Espinoza later competed on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 7” in 2023, winning the Daily Winner title. Her entertainment career began under the mentorship of talent manager John Rey Malto, whose guidance has been instrumental to her growth.
Her family remains a steady source of support, particularly her mother, who first recognized her talent. Espinoza balances her studies with her performance, crediting time management as key to her journey.
Beyond singing, Espinoza has also ventured into acting but said her focus remains on music. She plays piano and guitar to develop her creativity and hone her musical storytelling skills.
In 2024, Espinoza released her debut single, “Pangako Mo,” written by Malto, arranged by Adonis Arcilla, and mixed by Angelo M. Rozul. The song gained over 1.2 million views and widespread acclaim.
“The song is about the beauty of promises kept—making you feel loved and cared for,” she said.
Espinoza plans to release more music inspired by her experiences as a young artist and hopes to collaborate with Broadway star Lea Salonga.
“I’d love to work with Miss Lea Salonga in a musical theater production,” she said. “Her clarity and execution are breathtaking.”
Espinoza is nominated for Best New Female Artist at the 37th Aliw Awards. Her original song also won at the Parai Musical International Awards in Chennai, India, and the Global Music Awards in California. The music video for “Pangako Mo” earned recognition at the World Music and Independent Film Festival in Virginia.
