FELSON PALAD
Filipino Singer's American Dream: From Manila to Music Star in Orange County
Felson Palad is a talented singer originally from the Philippines, now thriving in the vibrant community of Orange County California USA. His passion for music has shaped his journey as an artist. His musical journey began at the tender age of seven, inspired by the dedicated encouragement of his Filipino mother, who, despite lacking a musical background, recognized his extraordinary gift. Surrounded by her cherished collection of timeless crooners—icons like Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, and her personal favorite, Johnny Mathis—Felson's childhood was steeped in the rich tapestry of classic melodies.
It was during this formative period that Felson encountered his first singing contest at school, a pivotal moment in his life. When he boldly auditioned, his music teacher’s dismissive remark—“Who told you that you could sing?”—stung, yet ignited a fire within him. Rather than be deterred, he pleaded with his mother to enroll him in music school. Impressed by his capabilities and convinced of his prodigious talent, she humorously quipped, “I don’t want to pay them. They should pay us because you are talented!” With her unwavering support, Felson began to cultivate his musical abilities.
Growing up in the Philippines, a nation where singing is akin to a sport, weekends were adorned with opportunities to showcase his burgeoning talent at various local contests. His mother emphasized the importance of observation over winning, encouraging him to learn from the champions rather than merely compete. Interestingly, Felson often found himself purposefully forgetting lyrics during performances, as the difference between the winner’s prize and the consolation was minimal. This strategic misstep allowed him to remain in the spotlight, as he became increasingly recognized by city officials and judges through his participation in these events.
During high school, Felson formed his own band, exploring the realm of alternative rock. However, it wasn’t until he pursued a degree in biology that he fully embraced his singing aspirations. While hoping to follow a path in nursing, he instead found himself majoring in human biology due to his exceptional academic performance. Resource challenges almost hindered his enrollment in college, but a remarkable opportunity arose when he landed a major role as the university's patron, St. John Baptist De La Salle, securing a scholarship that enabled him to complete his education.
After earning his degree, Felson began teaching biology at local high schools and colleges, all the while nurturing his passion for music on the side. He became an integral part of a large congregation of 15,000 at a local church, leading three to four services every Sunday with a live band. This experience allowed him to flourish musically, culminating in the writing of original gospel songs like "Hold On," "Muli," and "Abot Kamay," many of which remain unpublished.
Felson’s journey took an inspiring turn when he connected with messianic Jew Amir Tsarfati, leading him and his sister, Sheena, to Israel, where they contributed their musical talents to the “Behold Israel” project. Felson Palad is not just a singer; he is a beacon of hope and inspiration, using his voice to uplift and connect with others through the power of music.
Following his impactful experience in Israel, where he and his sister Sheena led the Behold Israel leadership tour, Felson Palad had the fortuitous opportunity to meet Ron Strand's daughters, Ryan and Taylor. This connection ultimately paved the way for Felson and Sheena to return to the United States, where they were invited to perform for the Upper Room Presents Ministry. Their heartfelt performances resonated deeply with the community, leading the ministry to extend an invitation for Felson to remain as a partner minister and serve as the resident artist at the Upper Room.
As his ministry flourished, Felson found his calling in bringing joy and hope to the elderly. He now dedicates his time to singing at 70 retirement homes across Orange County and Los Angeles counties, often performing between one to five times a day. This commitment to uplifting the spirits of seniors has become a major aspect of his ministry. Felson's talent and passion for music have allowed him to collaborate with esteemed gospel artists like Don Moen, Tommy Walker, and the Love Song Band through his association with the Upper Room Ministry. Additionally, he has had the privilege of working alongside celebrated Filipino artists, such as Odette Quesada, Cecile Azarcon, Jaya, Kuh Ledesma, Ryann Fuentes, Raymond Lauchengco, and many more, forging connections that transcend borders.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Felson recently starred alongside his wife, Donita, in a movie titled "Malice in Manila," now available on Amazon Prime, where he portrayed the antagonist while she took on the leading role. His artistic versatility also shone through in June 2024, when he played the character Kareem in the modern opera "Karim at Jasmin," written by the renowned Dr. Geluz, a pioneer of contemporary opera.
Not only is Felson a gifted singer, but he also excels as a master of ceremonies, frequently hosting corporate events, weddings, and various social gatherings alongside his wife. His dedication and contribution to the arts have not gone unnoticed; he was honored as the 2021 Asia Pacific Lumineers Gospel Artist of the Year and also received the title of 2021 Gawad America Gospel Artist of the Year. Since these accolades, Felson has embraced a full-time career as a singer and master of ceremonies, captivating audiences across the United States with his heartfelt performances and inspiring presence. Through each endeavor, Felson continues to touch lives, weaving his passion for music with his unwavering commitment to serve others.
