American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias won praise from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who saluted her singing talent and called her an inspiration to Filipinos everywhere.
The Filipino-American from Hawaii visited Arroyo at the presidential palace in Manila Tuesday with her parents, siblings, grandparents and an uncle.
Trias gave Arroyo autographed photos, macadamia nuts and an orchid bud, her signature hair accessory during the American Idol competition.
"It's good that as part of the youth, you have a lot of energy, and the smile is always there," Arroyo told the 17-year-old Trias. "And you're a family idol as well."
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