The viral father-daughter duo Mat and Savanna Shaw wishes to do a collaboration with Filipino Broadway star Lea Salonga.
In an exclusive interview with Star FM Baguio, the music pair praised the Tony winner and shared their hopes to meet her one day.
“Lea Salonga, oh gosh, she’s incredible. She’s a Disney princess, so she’s Savanna’s favorite. That would be amazing. We’d love to sing with her,” Mat shares.
Mat, 40, also expressed his love for the Philippines. Back in 2000, he lived in Cebu for two years as a missionary. He admits to loving the people and he wishes to be back very soon.
“I lived in the Philippines for two years. I lived down in Cebu as a missionary for my church and I loved it. I really, really miss the Philippines. The Filipino people have a special place in my heart. I just think they’re the happiest, the kindest, the funnest people on earth. I really do. I really miss it a ton. I really need to get back.”
He even teased her daughter who’s never been to the country to try a popular Filipino exotic food.
“I want Savanna to try some balut! Masarap,” he says.
High school student and 16-year-old Savanna also mentions about her willingness to visit the country if she gets the chance after the pandemic.
“We would really love to come to the Philippines to perform,” she shares.
The teen also opens up about showcasing her singing skills for the first time, which, according to her, was a surprise to many of her friends who didn’t know she had the vocal prowess.
“Honestly, they are just as shocked as we are. A lot of my best friends didn’t even know that I sing at all. When this started to get so many views, they’re like, ‘Wait, you do this?’ It’s been kind of a shock to everyone.”
On the other hand, Mat is very glad that her daughter is beginning to come out of her shy personality.
“Savanna’s always been a little shy. That’s one of the funnest things – seeing her come out of her shell and be vulnerable and share her music. She’s been able to grow so much in confidence. It’s still amazing to me that her friends didn’t know that she sang before. Now, I think she’s gained a lot of confidence.”
The father and daughter duo also reveals that it was their first time singing together and it felt lovely how their music resonated to a lot of people. They also admit that they are pretty much surprised and overwhelmed of the attention they are receiving.
“It’s kinda surprising that this all started a couple of months ago for us. We’ve both been singing most of our lives but to bring our voices together, that’s all new to us. We probably should’ve done it a long time but we it’s been so fun,” Matt mentions.
The Utah-based singers are also thankful of the support they are receiving from fans around the world.
Both of them also promised to continue releasing beautiful music as a way to bring hope and inspiration during these trying times.
“It’s really an honor, and that’s what makes this music so meaningful for us. It’s a difficult time right now for a lot of people, so to be in a position where we can use music to really affect people and to lift heavy hearts and to share hope and to spread joy, that’s what makes the music so special and so meaningful for us. Music has been our small way to be able to help, to lift heart, and spread hope,” Mat says.
Savanna is also thankful to contribute joy and inspiration to many.
“Hearing people’s stories and connecting with them, it’s really so meaningful and special. Everyone can contribute, everyone has something that they can share and use to uplift everyone because we need it right now,” she shares.
Mat also did not forget to thank their fans from the country who as he mentions has a special place in his heart.
“To the Filipinos, thank you so much. One of my favorite things is how much the Filipinos love their music. There’s a karaoke machine in every house and I love it. Thank you to everyone of you who has been supporting us, encouraging us in our music. It just means the world that you’re all giving us this opportunity.”
The duo found social media fame after their viral “The Prayer” cover done during the pandemic. Since then, they have released covers of popular songs such as “A Million Dreams”, “You Are The Reason”, and “Shallow”, all of which garnered millions of views from all over the globe. (DJ Gabby)
