Filipino singing sensation Maria Aragon may be a worldwide phenomenon who has a lot of fans on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter; has met the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and TV host Ellen DeGeneres; and performed with pop star Lady Gaga, but—believe it or not—she is one normal girl.

I got to prove this when I met up with Maria for an interview at the Bellevue hotel last July 9.

Maria, who is 11 years old, struck me as a well-rounded girl who is being raised well by her parents—to think that her life these past few months has been a rollercoaster ride, with all the fans, adulation, and attention brought forth by her sudden rise to fame.

She was very courteous during the whole interview. For example, when we were introduced, she extended her hand for a shake. She also addressed me with a kuya all throughout the interview.

One thing I discovered about Maria is that she likes drawing—and she’s very good at it! So imagine her delight when I showed her a set of felt tip pens. Together with Sophie and Sabrina—the daughters of Maria’s manager—she doodled and doodled and doodled, but was sensitive enough to stop whenever I asked her questions, even if I told it was perfectly fine if she continued drawing while answering my questions.

Maria drew me a thin pig, and then as I requested, a greeting for readers of our magazine and the site. The sweet girl that she is, Maria also drew a caricature of me, which I have to say is pretty spot on, from the hair to the clothes.

Maria was such a fun interviewee. Her answers were simple but sensible and well-constructed and delivered—especially for someone her age. She was enthusiastic the whole time (she explained that she had a free day the other day so she was well-rested), smiling, giggling with the girls, and running around.

Before, we parted ways, I made sure I asked Maria to sing for me—and for you, so go check our Videos section very soon for a special song number by Maria. She sang just a couple of lines but they were more than enough to impress me. She has such a nice voice quality, tone, and presence, I am confident she will be an even bigger star very, very soon.

For more videos of Maria, check out her YouTube account now. She also has an album out—her first!—so make sure you get a copy of her debut disc, which contains, of course, her version of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”.