Arzen Rose Dulzura

Dia, Pepe, Jason, and Rufa Mae on their transformations so far in “Your Face Sounds Familiar”

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760923384570New Project (3).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Weekend nights just got a lot more exciting with the return of &quot;<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>.&quot; The beloved show that transforms celebrities into music icons is back to revive everyone’s weekend viewing habit, with a new batch of talents and pure entertainment in every performance.  </p><p><a href="http://chat.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Kapamilya Chat</u></strong></a> caught up with four of this season’s eight performers for a quick chat about their experiences so far and what it’s really like to step into the shoes of some of the biggest stars in music. </p><div><iframe width="928" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ait3IN4ltNA" title="Ruffa Mae Quinto, Jason Dy, Dia Mate and Pepe Herrera | Kapamilya Chat" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Dia Mate </strong></div><p>Our very own Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 is ready to showcase a different side of herself in &quot;<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>.&quot; Dia made a strong first impression this season as she transformed into Tyla during the show’s opening week. The preparation, she admitted, was no joke. She had to unlearn her usual poise and instead move with Tyla’s signature fluidity and groove. &quot;I really had to practice everything, in order to achieve &#x27;yung paggalaw niya sa stage,&quot; shared Dia, recalling how she worked on loosening up her body to match the South African singer’s sultry stage presence.  <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/5/week-1-dia-mate-channels-tyla-in-a-show-stopping-stage-moment-yfsf-2025-2209"><strong><u></u></strong></a></p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/5/week-1-dia-mate-channels-tyla-in-a-show-stopping-stage-moment-yfsf-2025-2209"><strong><u>WATCH: Dia Mate channels Tyla in a show-stopping stage moment | YFSF 2025</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>And all that hard work paid off as the netizens and the jury composed of Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, and Ogie Alcasid commended the effort she poured into the performance. Dia was proud of what she delivered, especially considering that it was her first time stepping onto the &quot;<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>&quot; stage. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760924244596New Project (8).jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>During the second wave of performances, she was back with another high-energy transformation, this time as Maymay Entrata in the October 18 episode. &quot;Wala talaga akong pahinga. First week may sayaw, second week may sayaw ulit,&quot; she laughed. While her Tyla number focused more on nailing the moves, her Maymay impression challenged her vocally as she belted out &quot;Amakabogera,&quot; which meant she had to double her focus on the lyrics, timing, and breath control. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/18/6-week-2-dia-mate-shines-bright-in-her-fierce-and-flawless-amakabogera-performance-yfsf-2025-2143"><strong><u>WATCH: Dia Mate shines bright in her fierce and flawless “Amakabogera” performance| YFSF 2025</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>&quot;Minsan nabubulol ako sa mga lyrics,&quot; admitted Dia, who sometimes struggles with Tagalog. &quot;I really had to memorize everything, making sure &#x27;yung mga nuances ko at pronunciation ko, exactly like Maymay. So, talagang &#x27;yun ang mahirap.&quot; Still, Dia had fun with it, since she loves songs that radiate empowerment and confidence, the same message her own tracks like “Ganda Gandahan” promote. It also helped that she’s a fan of Maymay and dreams of collaborating with her someday. </p><p>Pageantry is Dia’s comfort zone, and she sees it as an advantage in this competition in a way that the confidence she brings to the pageant stage helps her push through the challenges in &quot;<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>.&quot; </p><p>&quot;Kahit magkamali ako, okay lang. As long as confident ako, walang mistake, gano&#x27;n &#x27;yung tingin ko,&quot; she said. We’ve always seen Dia as the polished and graceful beauty queen, but her YFSF stint is giving her space to show her carefree side. &quot;Very relaxed ako,&quot; she shared. &quot;I can show who I am. I don&#x27;t have to hold back in any sense.&quot;  </p><p>When asked which icons she’d love to impersonate next, Dia mentioned Dua Lipa for her stunning visual and Jaya for her distinct soulful tone which she finds interesting. Coincidentally, during the mini-challenge at the end of the interview where she had to draw an icon’s name for a quick impression, she picked Jaya, and just a few words into her sample, you could already hear that signature Jaya flair. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Pepe Herrera </strong></div><p>&quot;Namula &#x27;yung tonsil ko,&quot; Pepe joked when asked how it felt performing Maki’s hit song “Namumula” during the show’s first wave of performances. But kidding aside, the theater actor was grateful for the positive response from the jury and viewers alike, saying the encouraging feedback gave him a huge confidence boost as he prepared for his next transformation as rock legend Steven Tyler in the October 18 episode. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/12/week-1-pepe-herrera-takes-the-spotlight-with-his-jaw-dropping-maki-transformation-yfsf-2025-2059"><strong><u>WATCH: Pepe Herrera takes the spotlight with his jaw-dropping Maki transformation | YFSF 2025</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Just like how he prepared for Maki, Pepe’s process for Steven involved endless watching and studying of performances, paying close attention to the rock icon’s mannerisms down to the smallest details like how he holds the microphone. Pepe spilled the toughest part of the whole thing was the patience it takes to keep rewatching the artist’s videos until every gesture and vocal nuance sinks into his system. Pepe’s solid theater background definitely comes in handy since it trained him to stay calm under pressure and master the art of movement.  </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/18/pepe-herrera-unleashes-his-inner-rockstar-in-a-stunning-steven-tyler-transformation-yfsf-2025-2136"><strong><u>WATCH: Pepe Herrera unleashes his inner rockstar in a stunning Steven Tyler transformation | YFSF 2025 </u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>One thing he enjoys about being on the show is his growing closeness with his co-celebrity contestants. When asked if there’s anyone in the lineup he finds intimidating, he said none because he sees everyone as a friend. What he does feel, however, is inspiration, especially from the “JMielle” tandem of JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano. &quot;For me, may advantage na sila kasi ang galing na nila bawat isa, what more pa &#x27;pag pinagsama, tapos &#x27;yung chemistry nakakakilig talaga,&quot; he remarked. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760924226615New Project (7).jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>During the mini-challenge at the end of the interview, Pepe drew Toni Gonzaga and Jodi Sta. Maria from the bowl of names and gamely imitated their iconic lines. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jason Dy </strong></div><p>The Philippines’ Prince of Soul confessed that it was a little nerve-wracking to impersonate his &quot;<a href="http://asap.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>ASAP</u></strong></a>&quot; co-artist and friend Erik Santos during the show’s first week.  </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760924211736SnapInsta.to_561175782_18531263029035046_5180946749144017559_n.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>To ease the awkwardness, Jason reached out to Erik beforehand to let him know it was all in good fun. Besides, he saw the performance as a way of paying tribute to his friend&#x27;s artistry. In turn, Erik was very supportive that he actually came to the studio to watch the performance live, and he loved every bit of it.  </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/5/week-1-jason-dy-brings-erik-santos-to-life-with-an-amazing-transformation-yfsf-2025-0124"><strong><u>WATCH: Jason Dy brings Erik Santos to life with an amazing transformation | YFSF 2025 </u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>From a local icon, Jason went international for his next &quot;<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>&quot; performance as he took on the challenge of impersonating Sam Smith. As in the previous week, he prepared extensively, starting with nailing the British singer-songwriter’s accent so well that he answered questions in it during this interview.  </p><p>Jason isn’t new to Sam&#x27;s music style. In fact, it was the Grammy Award-winning artist&#x27;s hit “Stay With Me” that he sang as his audition piece for <strong>&quot;The Voice of the Philippines&quot; Season 2</strong>, where he received a four-chair turn. It was, therefore, a &#x27;Sam Smith&#x27; song that started it all for his career.  </p><p>Still, Jason didn’t let familiarity make him complacent. Instead of going for the emotional ballads the pop superstar is best known for, and the kind of Sam Smith songs he usually covers, he decided to take on a more upbeat track this time.</p><p>That meant double the effort in rehearsals. He worked closely with the show&#x27;s resident vocal mentor and reigning “<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>” champion Klarisse De Guzman, who guided him through vocal placement and tone to achieve Sam’s unique resonance. For movement, he took all the advice of Nyoy Volante, the show’s resident movement mentor, who helped him channel Sam’s expressive, flamboyant stage presence. And as if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, the overall look required him to perform in high heels!  </p><p>Even with the demanding preparations, Jason enjoys sharing his YFSF experience with his equally talented co-celebrity performers. He admitted being particularly impressed by Pepe and the “JMielle” pair, JM and Marielle.</p><p>Wrapping up the interview, Jason took on a fun mini-challenge where he had to pick random artists to imitate. He drew Vhong Navarro, one of the show’s hosts, prompting him to show off his &quot;Totoy Bibo&quot; moves, then wowed everyone with a few lines from Regine Velasquez’s “Tuwing Umuulan.”  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Rufa Mae Quinto </strong></div><p>It wasn’t an easy start for the comedienne when she first stepped on the “<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>” stage. She’s still recovering from the loss of her ex-husband, Trevor Magallanes, but here she is, back to spreading laughter in front of the camera once again. </p><p>&quot;Hindi na ako sanay na mag-perform,&quot; Rufa Mae opened up during her interview with <a href="http://chat.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Kapamilya Chat</u></strong></a>. This marks her big television comeback after years of focusing on her married life and motherhood in the United States. Aside from a few guest appearances on TV, this is her first regular show in quite some time, which explains why everything has felt new and unfamiliar.  </p><p>Getting back on stage was definitely an adjustment, especially with such a big role of impersonating Vice Ganda right away. &quot;Para akong na-shock. Parang hindi ko marinig [&#x27;yung music] kasi may sumisigaw, maraming fans tapos lahat palakpakan. Parang nagulat ako paglabas ko [sa stage] kaya parang hindi ko nasundan &#x27;yung kanta. Kumbaga, bahala na. Nagulat ako tapos nadulas pa ako dahil sa damit,&quot; she recalled her &quot;<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>&quot; debut as the Unkabogable Superstar and “<a href="http://itsshowtime.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>It’s Showtime</u></strong></a>” host. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/11/week-1-rufa-mae-quinto-serves-unkabogable-realness-in-her-vice-ganda-rampa-act-yfsf-2025-2224"><strong><u>WATCH: Rufa Mae Quinto serves unkabogable realness in her Vice Ganda “Rampa” act | YFSF 2025</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>&quot;Hindi ko na-picture na gano&#x27;n pala, na hindi gano&#x27;n kadali pala mag-perform nang serious na.&quot; That&#x27;s why she’s grateful to her co-celebrity performers for helping her adjust.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760924113253New Project (6).jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>When asked why she thinks the public continues to support her even after her semi-hiatus from showbiz, Rufa Mae said she believes it’s because she’s always tried to maintain a good track record throughout her career. &quot;Wala naman akong inagrabyado o sinaktan,&quot; she mused. That&#x27;s why her motto in life is to &quot;spread love from here to there.&quot; In the Oct 19 episode, she channeled Cyndi Lauper in a colorful and fun YFSF transformation. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/19/watch-rufa-mae-delights-the-crowd-with-her-humorous-takes-on-cyndi-lauper-yfsf-2025-2100"><strong><u>WATCH: Rufa Mae delights the crowd with her humorous takes on Cyndi Lauper | YFSF 2025</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>As the interview wrapped up, Rufa Mae joined a quick mini-challenge where she had to pick the name of an artist or icon to impersonate on the spot. She picked Charo Santos, mimicking the &quot;<a href="http://mmk.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Maalala Mo Kaya</u></strong></a>&quot; host as she “read” a dramatic letter that turned into comedy. </p><p>Stay tuned for the next Kapamilya Chat interview featuring the rest of the “<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>” celebrity performers—Alexa Ilacad, Jarlo Base, JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, and BGYO Akira.  </p><p>Watch &quot;<a href="http://yourface.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></a>,&quot; every Saturday and Sunday, at 7:15 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>. Viewers can also catch it on TV5 every Saturday, at 8:15PM, and Sundays, at 8:30 PM.</p>

<p>Dia, Pepe, Jason, and Rufa Mae share fun behind-the-scenes stories from this season of "Your Face Sounds Familiar."</p>

Dia, Pepe, Jason, and Rufa Mae share fun behind-the-scenes stories from this season of "Your Face Sounds Familiar."