They say she sounds like Cassie. She says she's more of a Christina Aguilera.

Meet Dubai-based Filipino singer, songwriter, DJ, TV commercial model, and actress Khaela who's on a path to international success following her passion for music and fashion. Her face beamed when asked who inspires her. "My mom. She always asks me to sing during family gatherings, and whenever we're bored at home, we sing karaoke to the tune of her favorite songs," she recalls.

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Kaehla's musical journey started when she was 7. When she competes in beauty pageants, singing has been her go-to talent-portion piece. "My mom lets me sing karaoke because she always believed I'm good at it and that I have to keep practicing." The singer/model knew since then that her singing pleased her mother. "I always loved that smile on her face whenever I sang. So I just kept doing it. I started writing poems, and songs at a young age." Khaela founded a girl band—consisting of friends—performing in mall shows and events. The group garnered a decent fan base at that time. "We were huge in the Philippines."

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I always loved that smile on her face whenever I sang. So I just kept doing it.

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A series of events led to Kaehla being discovered by Star Magic, an outfit under one of the biggest TV networks in the Philippines, ABS-CBN. "They started giving me training with acting, dancing and singing. That's when I started doing TV commercials for big brands, and have done a TV series with a challenging role." Deep in the songstress's heart, singing was something Kaehla still desired to pursue. "So I left everything to start recording, and songwriting," says the aspiring singer. She received offers from different labels and companies wanting to sign her but the young artist always believed that signing a record deal with an entity has a price to pay—a common heart and vision. "My music is my treasure, and my story to tell. So I always believed it should be in good hands."

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My music is my treasure, and my story to tell. So I always believed it should be in good hands.

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Consequently, she flew to Dubai and started creating music with several producer friends. "I was also given a chance to perform at the Warehouse, and it was packed," she shares. Right at that moment, she found herself. "This is who I am," she added. Khaela is hopeful that more opportunities will come and doors keep opening for her to showcase her talent. "Now my focus is to release 'Call My Name' and find the right management to support me with producing my music. I won't stop until I get there. So I can keep the smile on my mom's face, and make her proud," she concludes.

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I won't stop until I get there. So I can keep the smile on my mom's face, and make her proud

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Watch this space for more of Kaehla and her.

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