Patrick Garcia’s daughter Michelle undergoes K-pop training at SM Entertainment

Michelle Celeste, Patrick Garcia’s daughter, has been undergoing K-pop training in Singapore under SM Entertainment’s K-pop Professional Training Programme at SM Universe Singapore.

The 13-year-old is currently enrolled in the first K-pop training academy in Southeast Asia. Launched by SM Entertainment in 2025, SM Universe Singapore uses training methods modeled after those of South Korea’s entertainment industry. 

Students receive instruction in singing, dancing, and overall performance, with Korean industry trainers guiding them throughout the program.

SM Entertainment is the talent company giant behind some of South Korea’s best-known K-pop acts, including EXO, Red Velvet, Super Junior, and Girls’ Generation.

Michelle recently appeared in a video posted by SM Universe Singapore on Instagram, where she introduced herself and shared her experience in the program.

“Hi, I'm Michelle Garcia. I'm from the Philippines, and I’m 13 years old,” she said as she introduced herself.

Michelle shared that she travels from the Philippines to Singapore every Friday to attend her K-pop classes.

“I think it's pretty worth it to join this program because you learn a lot,” she said. 

“You meet new people, you meet new coaches, and that teaches you a lot. Especially coaches from Korea who help you learn their techniques [which] they have learned throughout the years, and it's good to apply it in your singing and your dancing,” she added.

The video also featured Michelle during her singing and dance sessions, giving viewers a glimpse of her hands-on training with Korean industry trainers as she continues to develop her performance skills.

According to SM Universe Singapore’s official website, the program is invite-only, with interested participants required to undergo a screening and evaluation process before being accepted. Its faculty includes Korean industry trainers and other professionals with extensive experience and expertise in the K-pop and entertainment industries.

While the training is helping Michelle improve as a performer, she also sees it as an opportunity to learn more about herself. She encouraged other young people to try something unfamiliar and take a chance on themselves.

“Just do it. Just take a risk, you know? You never know what you might find out about yourself, about your attitude, about your skills. You never know what might come out and this is all for your growth, and this is all for you. I guess I would say just do it for you.”

Michelle has already gained experience onstage before beginning her training in Singapore. In 2024, she was selected to be part of the backup dance team for IU’s “H.E.R.E.H. World Tour Concert” stop at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

The following year, Michelle became one of the new talents of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.

Michelle is Patrick’s eldest daughter with his wife, Nikka Martinez, whom he married in 2015. The couple also have two more daughters and a son.

Patrick and Nikka have been supporting Michelle throughout her K-pop training journey as she continues to develop her skills as a young performer.