UCR has a hidden treasure right under its nose or rather its Art department. When I was first introduced to Mark by a friend of mine I could not believe his small frame could hold such big lungs. I could see the subtle love Mark held for signing. Mark’s charisma and his genuine good nature is the kind of attitude I hope most artists have about their talents.
DOB: May 17, 1992
Major: Studio Art
Year: 4th
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Where can we find you around campus? Well, the biggest club I’m involved in right now is Kaitpunan, so you can find me there. I’m also in the art building a lot of course…and wherever there’s good food! (Laughs) So you can find me in the dining halls and latitude I love food!
When did you first start singing? I first started singing/performing when I was 7 at a formal family party event and sometime after that I started taking singing lessons. Eventually I started doing shows and concerts. Than in 2003, when I was 10 years old I was on Star Search I was on for two seasons. (Mark won both seasons in his category and beat a fellow contestant by the name of David Archuleta). I started making TV appearances like a year after that and during the competition.
Do you still perform? Yeah, I still perform like wherever I can, I’m down to preform anywhere. I also perform in some of the singing competitions we have here at school.
What is it about singing that you love? Just the fact that I have been doing it my whole life, singing is my thing. I grew up with the music. My parents influenced me to continue to pursue music. They really support me!
Who inspires you musically? A lot of artists inspire me like Chris Brown… well like the old Chris Brown, he’s very talented. And then Mariah Carey she’s really good and Brian McKnight. My grandparents were in a choir group back in the Philippines, they inspire me alot.
Do you hope to continue pursing your career with music? I would love to have a career in music. I hope to always have it in my life even if it is not my mine focus it will always be a part of me. Music aside from art is my main love. I would be lost without either.
Although Mark is on a bit of YouTube hiatus you can still check out some of his old stuff. And trust me you will not be disappointed! Also if you have any photographer needs you can check out Mark’s very talented works on his page both linked below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzCKa_Yz4QE (Mark’s first time on Star Search)
http://www.youtube.com/user/markster06?feature=watch (Mark’s youtube account)
http://markmejia.com/ (Mark’s Photographer/Artist website)