Bernadette "Bernah" Navarro, whose native talents were first discovered at the age of three, is a truly promising performer who can inspire and entertain her audience despite her poor eyesight.
When she was born, doctors diagnosed her that she would become totally blind. But her mother had seen a vision in her dream that her child would not live her life totally blind. She sought a doctor for a second opinion and after a series of tests, Bernah's left eye showed signs that it could see, but her right eye will remain blind. A year after, she had a left eye surgery. This spared her from a world of total darkness.
Growing up just like any people with imperfections, she was not exempted from being teased, whether directly or indirectly.
But she proved that she couldn't be let down by winning in singing contests, beating other children who were born without any disability.
Soon, she got enrolled in a special school for the visually impaired where she was treated, respected, and her talents fully recognized, thanks to the sponsorship which came from Monet Silvestre, voice coach and musician, among others.
One of her blind teachers, Mrs. Lopez, has "seen" the artist in her when she heard her sing for the first time, the nationalistic song, "Inang Bayan".
Her passion for music and zeal to perform was highly recognized, opening opportunities for her to sing and dance in big events. Because of this, she was dubbed, The Songbird of Philippine National School for the Blind.
Her dance teacher, Gloria Jamandre, said that aside from doing broadway, Berna could also do ballroom dancing and be a bamboo clapper in Tinikling.
A positive outlook in her life and her creative visualization let her achieve her dreams.
"Mahilig ako sa music at mag-imagine. Sa umaga, ang parati kong ginagawa ay linisin ang kwarto at ini-imagine ko na studio ang kwartong iyon. Tapos, magpapatugtog ako ng music at sumasabay ako sa pagkanta", Bernah said.
Her next step is to pursue an educational scholarship from a foundation so she could enter college and take up a course in Music. She dreamed of teaching music after getting a successful career in musical performance.
Truly, Berna's story is an inspiration for all to be brave in the face of adversity. One's imperfection is not a hindrance to become an achiever.
