Teenage girl is a vocalist, sustainability warrior, racer — and she has her parents to thank

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December 14, 2025 | 5:21pm

MANILA, Philippines — Softspoken and slight of build, Wilhelmina Tan looks every inch the normal teenaged girl. Underneath that exterior, however, is a young woman with several disparate interests few people her age might share.

Last October, Wilhelmina performed in a solo recital at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City where she was accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO). Since 2018, the vocalist has been a committed voice student at the MSO Music Academy where she has regularly performed in solo and ensemble settings. 

Her mother, Lorna, recalled how her daughter had always been drawn to music even as a child. “It really started in her primary school years when she joined school performances,” she said. “I could see how much she enjoyed being on stage. I always hoped she’d pick up at least one musical instrument, partly because I believe it helps develop cognitive abilities, discipline, and creativity. She first tried the violin, then later piano, but it was voice lessons that she truly fell in love with.”

Wilhelmina is currently pursuing the International Baccalureate diploma at the British School Manila where she is taking Higher Level Music as part of her academic program. Aside from being musically inclined, she spearheaded a sustainability project in a school in Pampanga that transformed plastic waste into functional seating for students. 

With the help of over 1,000 students at the San Isidro High School in Santa Ana, Pampanga, they produced close to 2,000 eco-bricks that were used to manufacture benches for the school’s then largely unused garden. The eco-bricks are actually plastic bottles that have been tightly packed with non-biodegradable waste like food wrappers, plastic bags and packaging. Wilhelmina had first seen the eco-bricks in primary school and had filed that memory away, resurrecting it when she realized their potential as as simple yet impactful solution to plastic waste. 

Well-rounded

Lorna recalled her daughter’s reticence and quiet demeanor as a child. “As a kid, Wilhelmina was very shy but observant. She wasn’t the type to speak up right away, but she expressed herself through things she enjoyed like music, movement, and later on, sports. Performing helped her come out of her shell and gain confidence,” Lorna said. 

Aside from honing her musical skills and taking action when it comes to sustainability, Wilhelmina also races — an interest she shares with her father William, a champion racer during his younger years. “I love racing because of the excitement and focus it requires. It’s the same with music,” Wilhelmina said. 

Asked if she or her husband influenced their daughter’s interests, Lorna said that they guided and exposed her to different activities but that, ultimately, they let her choose. “I don’t force her to stick to something she doesn’t like. I want her to find her passions naturally, and when she does, I support her fully. I’m involved, but I also give her space to explore and discover who she is,” Lorna said.

This early, Wilhelmina said she is intent on pursuing music at university. And her mother is fine with that. “As parents who come from the business world, we originally thought a business course would be more practical, but we fully support her choice to follow her passion for music. She can always explore the business side of the music industry as well, which gives her the best of both worlds,” Lorna said.

“My dream for her is simple. I just want her to be happy and fulfilled in whatever she chooses to do. Whether it’s music, sports, academics, or something else. I hope she grows up confident, kind, and passionate. Living a life she feels excited about and proud of. More than anything, I pray that she always feels God’s guidance in her decisions and that she follows a path aligned with His purpose for her.”

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