MANILA, Philippines — At just 13 years old, Michelle Celeste Garcia, the daughter of actors Patrick Garcia and Nikka Martinez, is taking her K-pop dream to an international level.
Michelle has been traveling from the Philippines to Singapore every Friday for a 10-week K-pop training program at SM Universe Singapore, an academy established under the training system of South Korean entertainment powerhouse SM Entertainment.
But this is more than just a weekend hobby.
For 10 consecutive weekends, Michelle has committed herself to developing her singing and dancing skills alongside professional coaches, making a four-hour flight to Singapore as part of her journey toward becoming a stronger performer.
According to PEP.ph, Michelle enrolled in the K-Pop Professional Training Programme, where participants receive training in vocals and dance from coaches connected with the Korean entertainment industry. The program’s reported training fee is around P320,000, although the family’s total travel and accommodation expenses have not been publicly disclosed.
‘Pretty Worth It’: Michelle Opens Up About Her Weekly Trips
Michelle herself recently shared a glimpse of the demanding routine behind her training.
Every Friday, she boards a plane from the Philippines to Singapore to attend classes and work with new coaches.
Despite the frequent travel, Michelle described the experience as worthwhile because of the lessons and techniques she is gaining for both singing and dancing.
GMA Entertainment reported that Michelle’s parents have been actively supporting her throughout the journey, with the family’s Singapore trips also becoming opportunities for bonding. Her mother, Nikka, reportedly reflected on their 10 consecutive weekends in Singapore as a memorable chapter in Michelle’s young career.
From IU’s Concert Stage to K-Pop Training
Michelle’s latest training is not her first major experience in the world of K-pop.
In June 2024, she performed as one of the junior dancers during South Korean superstar IU’s H.E.R.E.H. World Tour stop at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Patrick Garcia proudly celebrated his daughter’s performance at the time, describing the milestone as only the beginning of her journey.
That earlier appearance now gives Michelle’s latest training another layer of significance.
From sharing a massive Philippine concert stage with one of South Korea’s biggest solo artists, she is now undergoing structured training designed to further develop her performance skills.
What Is SM Universe Singapore?
SM Universe Singapore is a K-pop training academy launched as part of the broader entertainment training ecosystem associated with South Korea’s SM Entertainment.
SM Entertainment is known for helping develop some of K-pop’s most recognizable artists and groups, including Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet and NCT.
Michelle’s program in Singapore focuses on skills associated with K-pop artist development, particularly vocal performance and dance.
ABS-CBN News and other entertainment outlets also reported that Michelle joined the K-Pop Professional Training Programme at SM Universe Singapore as she continues pursuing her interest in performing.
Is Michelle Preparing for a Future in Showbiz?
Michelle’s K-pop training has naturally sparked interest among entertainment followers, particularly because she has already started building experience in front of audiences.
Aside from her 2024 performance with IU, GMA Entertainment reported that Michelle became one of the new talents under ABS-CBN’s Star Magic in 2025 and has continued exploring singing, dancing and content creation.
Her latest training program does not necessarily mean she is officially preparing for a K-pop debut. However, the level of commitment involved — including weekly international travel for 10 consecutive weekends — shows that Michelle and her family are taking her artistic development seriously.
For Patrick Garcia and Nikka Martinez, the journey appears to be about supporting their daughter’s passion while allowing her to gain professional experience and discover where her talents may eventually lead.
A New Generation of Filipino Performers Going Global?
Michelle’s journey also comes as Filipino performers and Southeast Asian pop acts continue attracting greater international attention.
The growing influence of K-pop’s training and performance model has inspired young artists across Southeast Asia, while Filipino acts have increasingly demonstrated their ability to compete on larger international stages.
For Michelle, however, the journey remains personal.
At 13, she is still learning, training and gaining experience — one Singapore flight at a time.
And after performing with IU and now training through an SM Entertainment-linked K-pop academy, fans may be asking the same question: Could Michelle Garcia’s biggest stage still be ahead of her?
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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