About Jasmine
Jasmine (Elaine) Ragual
Profile
Jasmine was born on September 19, 1996 at Peel Memorial Hospital, located in Brampton, Ontario, also known as the “Flower Capital of Canada” . She started singing at a tender age of 5. She was a very shy girl who would be singing by herself in the basement with their karaoke machine when no one was around. She would stop when she knew that someone was listening and watching her. In fact, her voice was so simple then, with no vibrato whatsoever, but with the right key, tones and timing. She must have gotten this from both sides of the family – her dad who can carry a tune and her mom who can play the piano (with a music sheet). She must also have gotten it from both sides of her grandparents – her dad’s parents were all singers (at church and home) and her mom’s parents as piano tuners and piano refurbishing buy and sell business back home in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Her first public performance was during a Christmas Party at her dad’s accountant’s association. She was encouraged hardly by her parents (with a little bribe of $5 dollar bill). She went on to successfully deliver her song and even though she didn’t win in that talent contest, she was a sure “winner” in fighting her nervousness, shyness and certainly gained confidence. Of course, her subsequent performances in various events were different after then.
In 2005, when she was 8, she joined the Little Miss Philippines PIDC search. The goal was not so much on winning the title but more importantly to showcase her talent, gaining confidence and develop her personality. She went on bagging the 1st Runner Up title and most of all, the “Best Talent” award. She outdone her competitors as she sang “On My Own”, a big song for a little miss. That same year, she was also a grandfinalist of the FCT Filipino Singing Idol. Although, she didn’t emerge as a winner, again, it added to her experience.
Her big break came after she was invited to sing the National Anthem in front of the citizens of Brampton, when the city was awarded the International Safety Award in September 2007. One of the spectators in that event was the Operations Manager of the Brampton Symphony Orchestra (BSO), Leona Davidson, who was captivated by Jasmine’s voice that she invited her to audition before the principal conductor, Maestro Robert Raines. Needless to say, Jasmine was asked to guest-perform with the BSO during their November 2007 show called “Sympfusion”. That night, BSO’s special honoree guest was Princess Thi-Nga of Vietnam, and Jasmine was dubbed the “BSO’s Little Princess” when she captivated the audience with her angelic voice. That same feat of performances with the BSO were repeated when she travelled with them to South Beach Miami Florida performing at the Colony Theatre. The next year, she again performed with the BSO during their 22nd season both in Brampton’s Rose Theatre and in South Beach, Miami Florida this time at the Lincoln Theatre.
Years of singing and gaining experiences opened many doors for Jasmine. It brought her various accolades, honors and awards. In 2007, she competed at the Carrassauga Philippine Pavilion’s Filipino Singing Idol (Junior) Search and bagged the championship title. That year, she also competed at the Culture Philippines of Ontario (CPO) 1st Battle of the Champions at the Paramount Canada’s Wonderland and coveted the Junior championship title. In May 2008, she joined the “USA Worldshowcase Talent Competition” in Las Vegas, Nevada where she was unanimously judged the “Best Child Female Performer” . She went on to win 3rd Place Overall at the conclusion of the worldwide internet voting. Then, in September 2008, she was a grandfinalist of the CNE (Junior) Rising Star Search at Exhibition Place Toronto and bagged the Championship title.
Coming this far performing and at such a young age was not at all easy. Juggling between studies, voice lessons, rehearsals and performances (locally and abroad) can be hectic at times. But Jasmine has learned on how to deal with it. It made her more responsible budgeting her time and made her more aware of what a success that she has become. Creating music, entertaining and performing is what she wants to be in the future. Honing her craft was a result of years of harbor including taking voice lessons with the renowned operatic singer Madam Eleanor Calbes of the Calbes Voice Studio based in Oakville, Ontario. In her first singing recital with the Studio, she was the tiniest and youngest student but amazed her audience with her big voice within. She also takes piano lessons with Maestro Solon Reyes, an accomplished pianist and was a former adjudicator of RCM examinations not only here in Canada but also in the US.
In late November 2009, Jasmine has recorded her debut single entitled “One Heart” co-written by Amos Carlen (a Canadian) and Noah Shilkin (an Australian-born). The song is very special to Jasmine and also has very meaningful lyrics. “Believe in what one heart can do” is the main message that it brings and she dedicates this to everyone.
Summary of Awards, Accomplishments and Affiliation:
Over the years, Jasmine has received numerous accolades and awards including:
- 2008 Citizen’s Awards (Arts Acclaim Award), May 2009 , Brampton Ontario
- 2008 Junior Champion, CNE Rising Star Search in Toronto, Ontario
- 2008 Best Child Female Solo Performance, and was 3rd Place overall Voted winner at the conclusion of the internet voting, USA Worldshowcase Talent Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- 2007 Junior Champion of the Culture Philippines of Ontario’s “1st Battle of the Champions” held at the Paramount Canada’s Wonderland.
- 2007 Champion of the St. Anne’s Brampton 1st Singing Idol Search, Brampton, Ontario
- A recipient of the 2007 scholarship award by the City Centre Musical Production of Mississauga.
- A member of the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada, was a member of the Brampton Music Theatre, the (Junior) Himig Pilipino Chorale Ensemble, and a youth member of the Federation of Filipino Canadians of Brampton.
- Also a member of the promising young performing group called “The Champions” (comprising of Glenn Montera, Candace Santos and Roy Tugbang).
Major Performances:
Jasmine’s performances were not only limited to the Filipino audiences but to the mainstream community, both locally and abroad. She has travelled to many parts of the US and in Europe.
Jasmine’s major performances include:
December 2009 – As Annie in the “Taste of Broadway – The Classics” Encore presentation held at the Markham Theatre presented by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians to benefit the Philippine Typhoon/Flood Victims.
October 2009 - As Annie in the “Taste of Broadway – The Classics” held at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts presented by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians.
August 2009 – performed as vocalist for the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada’s tour to the Interfolk Festival in Strzegom and Kolobrzeg, Poland.
March 2009 – performed with the Brampton Symphony Orchestra’s tour to South Beach, Miami, Florida at the renowned Lincoln Theatre.
November 2008 - as “Amahl” in the Christmas musical play entitled “Amahl and the Night Visitors” sponsored by the City Centre Musical Production of Mississauga.
November 2008 - performed with the Brampton Symphony Orchestra at the Rose Theatre, Brampton for its 21st Season’s concerts.
February 2008 – performed with the Brampton Symphony Orchestra’s tour to South Beach, Miami, Florida at the Colony Theatre to benefit the SoBe Music Institute.
