The Filipino-Croatian teen who starred at president’s inauguration
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Chriztel Renae Aceveda (Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
ZAGREB, 18 February 2025. (Hina/CW) – Performing in a 105-year-old traditional folk costume from the Croatian region of Međimurje, 13-year-old Chriztel Renae Aceveda stole the show at president’s inauguration on Tuesday in Zagreb.
Chriztel sang a moving rendition of the folk song “Dej mi Boze oči sokolove” at the inauguration of President Zoran Milanović.
“I am very satisfied. This is really a feeling that I cannot describe at all,” said Chriztel, before adding.
“It’s a beautiful feeling to be in front of a lot of important people and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to sing in front of everyone”.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
She thanked President Milanović for the invitation and said that it was an honour to perform and meet him.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
The 13-year-old, who was born in the Philippines, has become a household name in Croatia after winning Supertalent in 2023.
Her victory not only captured the hearts of viewers but also marked her as the youngest winner of the popular talent show.
Raised in Angeles City, Chriztel spent much of her childhood singing karaoke with her mother. In 2020, her life took a significant turn when her mother married a Croatian from Međimurje.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
The family relocated to the village of Sveti Martin na Muri, where Chriztel embraced a new chapter in her life.
Chriztel faced the challenge of learning a completely new language. With the help of her teacher, she found a creative way to learn—by immersing herself in the traditional međimurske popevke (Međimurje folk songs).
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
One song, in particular, “Raca plava,” captured her heart and sparked a deep love for Croatian traditional music.
Chriztel, who now speaks fluent Croatian, is continuing to pursue her musical dreams while also excelling academically. She is a student at the Music School in Varaždin, where she studies solo singing and solfeggio.
(Photo: HINA/ POOL/ Damir SENČAR)
She is also an active member of her local church choir and the HKUD (Cultural Arts Society) of Sveti Martin na Muri, and frequently performs with the local majorettes.
You can watch her performance from the president’s inauguration in the video below from the 1:53..45 mark.
Check out her Supertalent performance below.
