Young Bicolano making waves with his piano talents

9-year-old Bicolano prodigy gains int’l attention

Story by JESSICA CALINOG
GMA Regional TV
12 May 2024

A nine-year-old boy from Milaor, Bicol has been making waves internationally with his piano talents, earning numerous medals from international competitions.

Brent Cataneo-Amado has been featured in the newspapers based in Bahrain, such as the Gulf Weekly.

According to Brent’s mother, Aileen Cataneo, his focus and confidence have grown significantly since he began pursuing his passion for piano during the COVID-19 pandemic at just six years old.

“Actually, wala naman masyadong nagbago. Mas nag-focus lang siya, tapos mas naging confident siya. Kunwari performing in crowds, kasi before shy type siya,” Aileen said

(Actually, not much changed. He became more focused, and he became more confident. He pretended to perform in crowds, he used to be shy.)

With supportive parents and a new practice routine in place, Brent dedicates himself to honing his skills through piano lessons and regular practice sessions.

“I usually practice and take lessons two to three times a week. [But] there are days that I don’t like to practice because I am not inspired or motivated,” Brent said.

Their family now resides in Bahrain, where Brent's talent has flourished on the international stage.

Brent received an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, United States in June 2024.—GMA Regional TV