Photo Credit: Gilbert Rossi
Marcelito “Mars” Castro Pomoy is a Filipino singer who rose from humble beginnings to international stardom, captivating audiences worldwide with his extraordinary ability to sing flawlessly in both male tenor/baritone and female soprano/mezzo-soprano voices. His journey from winning Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 to becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent: The Champions is a remarkable tale of talent, resilience, and the power of dreams. This article delves into the life, career, and impact of this unique Filipino artist.
Early Life and Discovery of a Unique Talent
Humble Beginnings in Surigao del Sur
Born on September 22, 1984, in Imus, Cavite, Marcelito Pomoy spent most of his formative years in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Life dealt him a difficult hand early on—his father was imprisoned, and his mother left the family to move to Manila. Later adopted by a police officer, Pomoy worked various odd jobs, including on a poultry farm. It was there he discovered his exceptional vocal gift: the ability to switch effortlessly between a rich male voice and a soaring female vocal range. This rare ability—often referred to as singing in a “dual voice”—would set him apart in the world of music.
The Road to Pilipinas Got Talent
This newfound ability opened doors for Pomoy to participate in various local amateur and professional singing contests, including Talentadong Pinoy. Though initial attempts didn’t always lead to success, he persevered. His determination eventually led him to audition for the second season of the major reality talent competition, Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT), bringing his unique vocal ability to a national stage.
Career Highlights: From Local Win to Global Spotlight
Pilipinas Got Talent Triumph (2011)
In 2011, Pomoy captured the hearts of millions when he won Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2. His performances—most notably his rendition of “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli—earned standing ovations and unanimous praise from judges Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai de las Alas, and Freddie M. Garcia. His victory marked not only a professional milestone but also a personal one, as the show facilitated his emotional reunion with estranged family members.
Developing His Music Career
Following his win, Pomoy signed with ABS-CBN’s Star Records (now Star Music) and released his debut album, Duet Yourself, in 2011. The album featured covers and original tracks designed to showcase his dual voice talent, such as “Let The Love Begin” and “Hanggang Ngayon.” In 2013, he followed up with another album titled Split, further demonstrating his vocal range. Pomoy also became a regular performer on ABS-CBN’s variety show ASAP.
International Breakthrough via Ellen and AGT
In 2018, a performance on the Wish 107.5 Bus went viral, catching the attention of Ellen DeGeneres. Invited to appear on The Ellen Show, Pomoy wowed American audiences and fulfilled a dream by meeting his idol, Celine Dion, in Las Vegas in 2019. Ellen’s endorsement and the viral buzz helped introduce Pomoy to a global audience.
This exposure led to his participation in America’s Got Talent: The Champions Season 2 in 2020. With breathtaking performances of songs like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Prayer,” Pomoy advanced to the finals and placed fourth overall—a phenomenal feat on a global stage.
The Unique Dual Voice
What Makes It Unique
Marcelito Pomoy’s dual voice isn’t simply a falsetto trick. He expertly shifts between distinct vocal registers—male tenor/baritone and female soprano/mezzo-soprano—allowing him to perform songs as both parts of a duet. What’s more impressive is that he developed this ability without formal training.
Global Reception
His dual-voice performances have earned him labels such as “dual-voiced genius.” They’ve gone viral on social media, inspired reaction videos worldwide, and led to standing ovations from audiences across continents. It’s a talent that transcends language and cultural barriers.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Family Life
Away from the limelight, Pomoy leads a grounded life with his wife, Joan Paraiso, whom he married on September 21, 2014. They have two daughters, Marcella Janiah (MJ) and Marchesa Janoah (MC), and reside in Calauag, Quezon.
Giving Back
Deeply connected to his roots, Pomoy uses his success to uplift others. Through his hardware business, he has helped build homes for people in need and supported educational initiatives and local causes in Calauag. His philanthropic work echoes the hardships he overcame and shows a heart as big as his voice.
Conclusion
Marcelito Pomoy’s journey from a challenging childhood in the Philippines to international acclaim is a powerful narrative of innate talent meeting perseverance. His unique dual voice continues to amaze audiences globally, making him one of the most distinctive Filipino artists on the world stage. Beyond his vocal gift, his story of overcoming adversity and his efforts to give back to his community contribute to his significance as an inspirational figure. Marcelito Pomoy stands as a testament to the extraordinary talent found in the Philippines and its ability to resonate across cultures and continents.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on publicly available information and search results, including Wikipedia, news articles, and other online sources as, current as of March 2025. While accuracy is intended, details may evolve. Should you find any inaccuracies, please report them to info@taasnoopilipino.com.
