Rushard Almel Feliciano: A Dream Fueled by Passion, Purpose, and Possibility

Some people spend their lives searching for what inspires them. Others discover it in the simple moments that make them feel most alive.

For Rushard Almel Feliciano, inspiration has always come from the joy of performing, creating, and sharing positive energy with others. Long before he stepped onto larger stages or pursued opportunities in music and entertainment, he was already the kind of person who approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that every day offered a chance to learn, grow, and become better than he was before.

From an energetic young boy in Quezon City with a love for performance to an emerging artist finding his place in the world of music and entertainment, his story is one of passion, self-discovery, and perseverance. Guided by faith, inspired by his family, and motivated by a genuine love for music, Rushard has embraced every experience as an opportunity to grow—not only as an artist but also as an individual.

What makes his journey inspiring is not a single achievement, competition, or milestone. Rather, it is the mindset that continues to shape his path. He approaches opportunities with gratitude, challenges with determination, and dreams with the belief that progress is built one step at a time. Whether through dancing, singing, songwriting, or performing, he has always found happiness in the process of creating, improving, and connecting with people.

Today, as one of the recognized contenders in Viva’s Next Big Star Top 53, Rushard continues to pursue his aspirations with the same energy that first inspired him as a child. His story serves as a reminder that dreams are not simply destinations waiting to be reached. They are journeys that evolve through experience, hard work, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Growing Up in Quezon City: A Childhood Full of Energy and Curiosity

Born on February 21, 2004, in Quezon City, Rushard Almel Feliciano describes his childhood as vibrant, energetic, and filled with memorable experiences. Looking back, he often laughs when family stories from his younger years are brought up during conversations at home.

By his own admission, he was once a spoiled child who wanted nearly every toy that caught his attention. Whenever he saw something he liked, he would do everything he could to convince his parents to get it for him. Those moments have since become favorite family stories that continue to bring laughter whenever they are retold.

As he matured, however, Rushard began to see those experiences differently. He realized that life required more than simply getting what he wanted. He learned that growth often comes from challenges, patience, and perseverance.

One of the most important lessons he discovered about himself was his tendency to avoid difficult situations. When things became challenging, he sometimes wanted to give up quickly rather than push through obstacles. Over time, he recognized this habit and made a conscious effort to change it.

That shift in mindset became one of the defining moments of his personal development.

Today, rather than avoiding challenges, he embraces them. He believes that the most rewarding experiences often come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and committing fully to the journey, no matter how difficult it may seem.

Instead of seeing struggles as something negative, he views them as opportunities to learn, improve, and become stronger. It is a perspective that continues to influence both his personal life and his career as a performer.

The Parents Who Inspired His Work Ethic

Among the many people who have influenced Rushard’s life, none have had a greater impact than his parents.

Growing up, he watched them work with dedication and passion, setting an example that would leave a lasting impression on him. Their commitment to their responsibilities taught him valuable lessons about discipline, consistency, and perseverance.

More importantly, they demonstrated the importance of loving what you do.

For Rushard, seeing his parents approach their work with genuine passion became a source of inspiration. Their example encouraged him to pursue his own dreams with the same level of commitment and determination.

Even today, he continues to express deep gratitude for the support and encouragement they have provided throughout his journey.

Family remains one of the strongest foundations of his life, serving as a constant reminder of where he came from and the values that continue to guide him.

When Dancing Was the Dream

Interestingly, music was not Rushard’s first dream.

Long before he imagined himself singing or writing songs, he dreamed of becoming a dancer.

As a child, he admired performers who could captivate audiences through movement, energy, and stage presence. Dance represented excitement, creativity, and freedom. It was the art form that first sparked his love for performing.

In fact, he admits that there was a time when he did not fully appreciate singing.

While watching talent competitions on television as a young boy, he often found himself rooting for dancers and performers who executed physically demanding routines. At that age, he struggled to understand why singers frequently received as much recognition as dancers.

Years later, he laughs at the memory.

As his understanding of music and performance deepened, his perspective began to change. He discovered that singing offered something unique—the ability to communicate emotions, tell stories, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

What started as a love for dance gradually expanded into a broader appreciation for music and artistic expression.

Rather than choosing one path over the other, Rushard embraced both. Dance and music became complementary parts of his creative identity, allowing him to express himself in multiple ways.

Searching for Purpose and Finding Music

As he entered his teenage years, Rushard began to think more seriously about his future and the kind of person he wanted to become.

Like many young people, he experienced moments when he felt different from those around him. Naturally energetic and expressive, he sometimes found it difficult to fit in with others. There were periods when he struggled to connect socially and questioned where he truly belonged.

Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, he searched for something that could give him a stronger sense of direction and purpose.

That search eventually led him to music.

A significant source of inspiration came from the music and performances of various artists, including the globally popular K-pop group TWICE. Their vibrant concepts, energetic performances, and ability to bring happiness to audiences resonated deeply with him.

For Rushard, it was not simply about entertainment. It was about the feeling those performances created.

He admired the way artists could inspire emotions, bring people together, and create moments of joy through music. That realization sparked a new dream—one that extended beyond performing for himself.

He wanted to become someone who could make people smile, feel inspired, and experience happiness through his own performances and songs.

That dream continues to motivate him today.

Music became more than a passion. It became a purpose.

With every song, every performance, and every opportunity to grow, Rushard continues to pursue that purpose while remaining committed to the values that have guided him from the beginning: gratitude, perseverance, faith, and the desire to make a positive impact through his art.

Learning to Sing: The Challenge That Changed Everything

Although Rushard had already developed a love for performing through dance, his journey into singing was far from easy.

Unlike some artists who seem naturally gifted from the beginning, he openly admits that singing was one of the most challenging skills he had ever attempted to learn. Understanding notes, pitch, vocal control, and technique did not come naturally to him, and there were moments when he wondered whether music was truly meant for him.

Yet despite the difficulties, something kept pulling him back.

His passion for performing was stronger than his doubts. Even when progress felt slow, he continued to practice, learn, and challenge himself. Looking back, he now views those early struggles as an essential part of his growth—not only as a singer but also as a person.

For Rushard, the experience reinforced an important lesson: talent may open doors, but perseverance is what keeps them open.

The Audition He Will Never Forget

Among the many memories that have shaped his journey, one experience remains impossible to forget.

At a time when he was still developing his vocal abilities, Rushard decided to join a singing competition. Although he knew he still had much to learn, he chose to take the risk and step onto the stage.

It was a decision that required courage.

The performance did not unfold the way he had hoped. By his own admission, he was not yet prepared for the demands of competitive singing, and the experience became a humbling moment in his artistic development.

Yet rather than allowing the experience to define him negatively, it became one of the most important turning points of his life.

Years later, he is still able to laugh about that chapter of his journey, recognizing it as a valuable lesson that ultimately pushed him toward improvement.

A Lesson Learned in Robinsons Galleria

Following that memorable audition, Rushard found himself reflecting on what had happened.

Like many aspiring artists who care deeply about their craft, he felt disappointed that he had not performed the way he wanted to. The experience left a strong impression on him, not because of the result itself, but because of what happened afterward.

During that period of reflection, his father offered words that would remain with him for years.

Instead of focusing on the outcome, his father chose to recognize the courage it took for him to audition.

It was a simple but powerful reminder that growth often begins with the willingness to try.

That perspective changed the way Rushard viewed challenges. Rather than measuring success solely by results, he began appreciating the value of effort, courage, and persistence.

The lesson became a foundation for how he approaches opportunities today.

Choosing Improvement Over Discouragement

After that experience, Rushard made an important decision.

Instead of walking away from music, he committed himself to becoming better.

He pursued vocal training, studied the fundamentals of singing, and invested more time in developing his skills. Every lesson became an opportunity to learn something new, and every challenge became motivation to continue improving.

The process required patience and discipline. Progress did not happen overnight, but with consistency came growth.

What once felt impossible gradually became achievable.

Looking back, Rushard believes that some of the most valuable lessons in life come from moments that encourage people to improve rather than give up.

His journey as a singer continues to evolve, but those early experiences remain among the most important chapters of his development.

First Experiences in Entertainment

Rushard’s connection to the entertainment industry began long before he became involved in major talent competitions.

As a child, he experienced the excitement of performing before audiences and participating in activities that introduced him to the world of entertainment.

One particularly memorable experience came through his participation in a segment of the popular noontime program It’s Showtime.

The opportunity allowed him to showcase his enthusiasm and love for performance at a young age. For a child who enjoyed entertaining people, stepping onto a nationally recognized platform was both exciting and memorable.

Experiences like these helped build his confidence and strengthened his desire to continue pursuing performance-related opportunities.

More importantly, they allowed him to experience firsthand the joy of connecting with audiences.

Exploring Opportunities Beyond the Stage

As he continued developing his skills, Rushard also explored other opportunities within the entertainment field.

Among these experiences was participating in a commercial project for AMA University.

Although it represented only one chapter of his journey, the experience provided valuable insight into another side of the industry and allowed him to gain additional exposure to professional production environments.

Every project, regardless of size, contributed to his growth and understanding of how the entertainment world operates.

For Rushard, each opportunity represented a chance to learn, gain experience, and become more comfortable in professional creative settings.

The Voice Academy of the Philippines: A Place for Growth

A significant part of Rushard’s artistic development came through his training at The Voice Academy of the Philippines.

There, he was able to further develop his abilities as both a singer and performer while receiving guidance from mentors who helped shape his approach to the craft.

The experience challenged him to work harder, practice consistently, and develop greater confidence in his abilities.

Training often involved long hours of rehearsals, vocal exercises, dance sessions, and performance preparation. It required commitment, focus, and a willingness to embrace continuous improvement.

Although demanding, the experience proved invaluable.

It allowed him to strengthen his foundation as a performer while refining the skills necessary for pursuing opportunities in the music and entertainment industry.

More importantly, it reinforced a mindset that continues to guide him today—that growth happens through dedication, preparation, and a willingness to keep learning.

Music as a Constant Source of Motivation

Throughout every stage of his journey, one thing has remained consistent: his love for music.

Whether celebrating achievements, navigating challenges, or preparing for future opportunities, music has always played a central role in his life.

For Rushard, music is more than a profession or creative interest. It is a source of inspiration, self-expression, and motivation.

Artists such as TWICE, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Chris Brown, and many others have influenced his appreciation for creativity and performance. Their work has inspired him to continue developing his own artistic voice while exploring different styles and perspectives.

At the same time, his faith remains an important part of his journey. He often expresses gratitude for the opportunities, lessons, and experiences that have helped shape his path.

Together, music, faith, family, and personal determination have become the pillars supporting his continued growth as an artist.

And as his story continues to unfold, those same pillars remain at the heart of everything he hopes to accomplish in the future.

Viva’s Next Big Star Top 53: An Opportunity That Exceeded Expectations

For many aspiring performers, opportunities often arrive when they are least expected. For Rushard Almel Feliciano, becoming one of the recognized contenders in Viva’s Next Big Star Top 53 was one of those moments.

Interestingly, he entered the competition without placing enormous expectations on the outcome. Rather than focusing solely on advancing through the competition, he viewed the experience as an opportunity to meet fellow artists, learn from others, and continue growing as a performer.

That mindset allowed him to enjoy the process while remaining open to whatever opportunities might come his way.

When he learned that he had advanced to the Top 53, the moment became deeply meaningful.

For someone who had spent years working on his craft, developing his skills, and overcoming personal challenges, the recognition represented more than a placement in a competition. It reflected the countless hours spent practicing, learning, and believing in his ability to improve.

The experience also strengthened his appreciation for the people who supported him throughout his journey. From family members and friends to mentors and supporters, he recognizes that every milestone is shared with those who believed in him along the way.

A Life Centered on Growth and Creativity

Behind every performance is a routine built on discipline and consistency.

For Rushard, growth is not limited to what happens on stage. He believes that improvement comes from the choices a person makes every day.

When he is not performing, he spends much of his time writing songs, exploring new creative ideas, and developing his skills as an artist. Songwriting has become one of the most important parts of his creative process because it allows him to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a personal way.

Outside of music, he also prioritizes physical fitness and self-development. Regular exercise helps him maintain the stamina required for performing, while reading allows him to expand his knowledge and gain new perspectives.

For Rushard, every day is an opportunity to become better than he was yesterday.

The Philosophy That Keeps Him Moving Forward

Throughout his journey, Rushard has developed a simple philosophy that continues to guide him through both successes and challenges: keep trying.

He believes that difficult moments are a natural part of life and that obstacles often serve as opportunities for growth. Rather than becoming discouraged by setbacks, he focuses on what can be learned from each experience.

This mindset has helped him navigate uncertainty while maintaining a positive outlook.

He often emphasizes the importance of perseverance, reminding himself that progress is rarely immediate and that meaningful achievements require patience, consistency, and determination.

For him, success is not defined by perfection. It is defined by the willingness to continue moving forward.

The People Who Matter Most

Despite his ambitions and growing opportunities, Rushard remains deeply appreciative of the people who have supported him throughout his journey.

Family continues to play a central role in his life, providing encouragement, guidance, and motivation. He also values the friendships he has built over the years and credits many of those relationships for helping him remain positive and focused.

Equally important are the supporters who appreciate his music and performances.

Knowing that people connect with his work inspires him to keep creating and improving. For Rushard, every listener, supporter, and well-wisher contributes to the purpose that drives him as an artist.

He often speaks about gratitude and recognizes that no journey is accomplished alone.

Staying Grounded Through Faith and Perspective

As his opportunities continue to grow, Rushard remains committed to staying grounded.

Faith plays an important role in his life and serves as a source of strength, guidance, and perspective. He believes that every opportunity carries a purpose and that gratitude should remain at the center of every achievement.

At the same time, he understands the importance of humility.

Life has taught him that growth is a continuous process and that there is always room to learn, improve, and evolve. Rather than becoming comfortable with where he is today, he remains focused on becoming a better version of himself tomorrow.

This balance between ambition and humility continues to shape his outlook on both life and career.

A Vision for Filipino Music

As an emerging artist, Rushard hopes to contribute to the continued growth of Filipino music.

He believes that the Philippines is home to exceptional talent and immense creative potential. While he appreciates the achievements already made by Filipino artists, he also sees opportunities for the industry to continue evolving and reaching even wider audiences.

His vision is simple: to help showcase Filipino artistry on a larger stage and encourage greater recognition of Original Pilipino Music both locally and internationally.

It is a goal rooted not only in personal ambition but also in a genuine appreciation for the creativity and talent found throughout the country’s music community.

A Dream Collaboration With Dionela

Like many artists, Rushard has a list of performers whose work he greatly admires.

Among them is Filipino singer-songwriter Dionela, whose music has earned widespread attention for its distinctive style and emotional storytelling.

Rushard has openly expressed his admiration for Dionela’s artistry and considers him one of the artists he would most like to collaborate with in the future.

For him, the possibility of working alongside respected musicians represents an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful creative projects.

Dreaming Beyond Borders

While Rushard remains focused on the present, he is not afraid to dream big.

Among his long-term aspirations is the hope of achieving international recognition for his work and contributing to the global visibility of Filipino music.

Like many artists who dedicate themselves fully to their craft, he hopes that his music and performances will one day reach audiences beyond national borders.

Whether through major performances, meaningful collaborations, or prestigious recognitions, he views these aspirations not as guarantees but as goals that inspire him to continue working hard every day.

For Rushard, dreaming big is not about seeking validation. It is about giving himself something meaningful to strive toward while continuing to enjoy the journey.

A Message to Dreamers

If there is one message that consistently appears throughout Rushard’s story, it is the importance of perseverance.

He believes that everyone will face moments of uncertainty, difficulty, and self-doubt. However, he also believes that those moments should never become reasons to stop pursuing one’s goals.

Instead, they should serve as reminders of why the journey matters.

His advice is simple: continue moving forward, stay positive, remain patient with yourself, and never underestimate the power of persistence.

Growth may take time, but every step forward matters.

Looking Ahead

At just 22 years old, Rushard Almel Feliciano continues to write the next chapter of a story defined by passion, purpose, and possibility.

From a young boy in Quezon City who dreamed of performing, to a singer, songwriter, dancer, and Viva’s Next Big Star Top 53 contender, his journey reflects the power of optimism, dedication, and continuous self-improvement.

While the future remains unwritten, one thing is clear: he intends to keep learning, growing, and pursuing every opportunity that allows him to share his creativity with the world.

For Rushard, success is not simply about reaching a destination. It is about embracing the journey, appreciating every lesson, and remaining grateful for every opportunity along the way.

And as his story continues to unfold, he remains guided by a personal belief that has shaped much of his journey:

“Dream big, never settle for less.”

It is a message that captures not only his aspirations but also the mindset that continues to inspire him to move forward—one song, one performance, and one dream at a time.