When Shaina Magdayao starred in the Lav Diaz epic musical “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw,” she surprised everyone, especially her dad, by singing in the movie. She said that it doubles as tribute to her dad, who wanted her to pursue singing when she was young.
“Ang Panahon Ng Halimaw” is my surprise to Dad. He doesn’t know na kumanta ako sa buong film. And wala kaming dubbing, so lahat ‘yun live ang pagkanta namin. Wala akong formal voice lessons but maybe the reason also why I had that guts or parang confidence is because I know in my mind, my dad is going to be proud of me kapag napanood niya ako kasi matagal na niya talagang dream,” said Shaina in an episode of Tonight with Boy Abunda.
Her father pushed her to become a singer like her sister Vina Morales. At the age of 9, while juggling showbiz and schooling, she took vocal trainings with her dad at home. “Si Daddy ho kasi talaga ‘yung singer sa amin at siya ‘yung coach ni Ate Vina. And he wanted me to sing.” Thus, Shaina tried to become a singer as a child star and released a self-titled album under Star Records.