Winnipeg musician Chris de Guzman, who performs under the name Zacariah, won Awit Awards in the Philippines. (Zacariah.net)

A 25-year-old Winnipeg musician is being called the next big thing in the Philippines.

Chris de Guzman, who performs under the name Zacariah, won two Awit Awards — also known as the Philippine Grammy Awards — earlier this month.

De Guzman was nominated for six awards. He took home the people's choice honour for best new male recording artist and the people's choice award for favourite male artist.

"I couldn't believe it cause it's so rare for a new artist to get that [favourite male artist] award. I just have the best supporters and fans," he said in an interview with CBC News.

The awards were handed out Dec. 7 in San Juan, a city in metro Manila in the Philippines.

De Guzman released his first R&B album just last year. His English hit, Joyride, is getting airplay around the world, including on some Canadian radio stations.

"It's kind of cool. I even heard [it's being played in] Europe now, too, so it's like, kind of going well for me right now," he said.

De Guzman was studying in Winnipeg to become an eye doctor when he convinced his parents to let him pursue his musical dream.

Now based in the Philippines, de Guzman travels regularly between Manila and Winnipeg to visit family. He said his parents are big supporters and happy to see him doing so well.