While most young teenagers spend their Friday afternoons unwinding after a week of school, 13-year-old Michelle Garcia—daughter of Filipino actor Patrick Garcia—spends hers preparing for grueling practice sessions alongside veteran K-pop trainers.
Photo: Patrick Garcia/Instagram
Every Friday, Garcia takes a four-hour flight from the Philippines to Singapore to pursue her dream on a global stage. She recently earned a spot in the Professional Training Programme at SM Universe Singapore, an academy established by industry titan SM Entertainment as its premier Southeast Asian hub to replicate the intense regimen of South Korean trainees.
In a promotional feature released by the academy, Garcia shared a glimpse into her routine. Balancing vocal exercises with intricate choreography rehearsals, she views the back-and-forth commute as an essential investment in her craft. Studying directly under Korean instructors allows her to adopt refined techniques developed over decades, making the physical strain of constant travel well worth the effort.
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Although her formal training in Singapore marks a major step forward, Garcia is no stranger to high-stakes environments. In 2024, she was selected as a backup dancer for K-pop star IU during the Bulacan leg of her H.E.R.E.H. world tour, performing on stage during the track “Holssi”. She has also built a strong online following, amassing nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok through dance covers, lifestyle clips, and family content.
Her momentum in the entertainment industry gained further traction when she signed with ABS-CBN’s talent management agency, Star Magic—paving the way for her acceptance into the K-pop academy.
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Her father, Patrick, previously admitted in interviews that watching his daughter enter show business at a young age brought a mix of emotions, though he ultimately recognized her determination and passion for performing. To support her through the physical and emotional demands of her schedule, her parents frequently travel with her to Singapore, turning busy training weekends into quality time exploring local spots.
For other young people hesitant to pursue ambitious paths, Garcia’s perspective remains straightforward: push past self-doubt. Taking calculated risks, as she shared in her introduction feature, is ultimately about self-discovery, skill development, and personal growth.
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