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Matagal nang tapos ang World Championships of Performing Arts Competition pero hindi pa tapos ang isyu tungkol sa nabanggit na contest. For the meantime, hindi muna namin papangalanan ang nagpadala ng e-mail dahil na rin sa kanyang pakiusap:

I just wanted to set the record straight. There has been a lot of media buzz about Jonalyn Viray and Brenan Espartinez winning WCOPA but VERY LITTLE MENTION of Jeremie Antiporda.

I just wanted to clarify that yes they did win medals for WCOPA but they did NOT qualify for the FINALS VOCALS SOLO Category (SENIOR). Jonalyn and Brenan qualified only for the FINALS GROUP Category (SENIOR) but not VOCALS Solo. They lost out to Jeremie in the third round for VOCALS Solo.

Only Jeremie Antiporda made it to the FINALS. I am not sure why they’re putting Jeremie’s name only as a footnote. It gives me an impression that they are not forthcoming with the information.

Oh, is that so?  Okay. 

So Jona and Brenan did not qualify for the finals.  And Jeremie, did he win?  To tell you honestly, I don’t even know Jeremie Antiporda.

Still, congrats to everyone. 

Inilihim ang pagwawagi ng iba

After many days na natapos ang World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2006, may nabasa ba kayo o napanood sa mga balita sa telebisyon o radyo ng kumpletong listahan ng Pinoy artists na nanalo sa Hollywood this year?

Talagang wala at nagtataka kami.

Last year we got the complete list agad, pati ang mga Fil-Am na nanalo sa WCOPA 2005 na inilahok ng USA. Sina Jed Madela at Riza Novales ang ating multiple winners at si Jed ang grand champion among the champions.

Pero ngayon, maraming mga Pinoy ang nanalo sa iba’t ibang categories, sa junior at senior divisions.

Nagtataka lang kami na sa dami ng sumali sa ating bansa at sa dami ng pumunta roon, hindi pa rin tayo nagkakaroon ng kumpletong listahan ng mga nanalo mula sa ating bansa. Mas marami ang nanalo this year.

Nalulungkot kami dahil inaasahan namin na makukuha natin ito mula sa Siete at sa Artists Center pero tila concerned lang sila sa stars nila — kina Jonalyn Viray, Brenan Espartinez at Cercado Sisters.

More here –>> source

A big congratulations to Pinoy Pop Superstar year 1 grads.  You made the Filipinos proud.  Lalo na ang lola niyong si Regine.

With regards to the article above, I think it was a bit unfair that the other artists were not included in the press releases.  But what do we know about their protocol?  If GMA decides it that way, then so be it.  They are the ones paying for the spaces used anyway.  And of course, there is a saying that says ”love your own”.  Jonalyn, Brenan and the other Kapuso stars are just lucky that they belong to GMA.

Anyway, congrats pa ren sa lahat.

Jonalyn Viray, world-class ang galing

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Binigyang-karangalan ng Kapuso-stars na sina Jonalyn Viray at Brenan Espartinez (kapwa produkto ng Pinoy Pop Superstar) ang bansa at GMA Network nang magwagi sila ng maraming award sa katatapos na 2006 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) sa Hollywood, California.

Sa mahigit 50 awards na iniuwi ng Philippine team sa pangunguna ni Ida Henares na national director para sa nasabing event, kalahati nito ay gold medal kabilang na ang mga napanalunan nila Jonalyn at Brenan sa iba’t ibang kategorya sa Vocal Senior Division ng WCOPA, ang olympics ng performing arts.

Tatlong beses na tinanghal na Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo si Jonalyn nang magwagi siya sa mga kategoryang Broadway, Pop at Original.

Bukod dito, limang gold medal sa kategoryang Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B/Jazz at Variety ang nakamit ni Jonalyn at siya ring tinanghal bilang Industry Award Female Vocal Solo.

Nanalo si Jonalyn sa original category matapos niyang awitin ang Close To Where You Are na carrier single ng kanyang On My Own debut album sa GMA Records.

Naging panlaban ng Philippine team sa Male Vocal Senior Division ang Pinoy Pop Superstar (Year 1) runner-up na si Brenan. Kahit baguhan sa music industry, limang gold medal ang naiuwi ng binata matapos magwagi sa mga kategoryang Gospel, Original, Pop, R&B/Jazz at Variety.

Nanalo rin siya ng apat na plaque nang tanghaling Overall Champion Male Vocal Solo sa kategoryang Gospel, Original, Pop at Variety. Tinanghal din siya bilang Industry Award Male Vocal Solo.

Pinagsama rin ang husay nina Jonalyn at Brenan na nagresulta upang maiuwi ng Philippine team ang dalawang gold medal para sa kategoryang Pop at R&B/Jazz pati na rin ang Industry Award Vocal Duet/Trio at plaque bilang Overall Champion Vocal Duet/Trio para sa Pop, Gospel at Broadway.

Ngayong Linggo, isang engrandeng selebrasyon at homecoming ang handog ng SOP para kina Jonalyn at Brenan.

Ang iba pang miyembro ng Philippine team ay ang QTV 11 Famjam runner-up na Cercado sisters na nagwagi sa Vocal Junior Division bilang Grand Champion Vocal Group, Overall Champion Vocal Group for Pop at gold medal sa kategoryang Broadway, Gospel, Original at Pop.

Si Jon Joven na host ng Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman ay nagwagi ng gold medal sa Broadway category at dalawang silver sa kategorya ng Pop at Opera. Itinanghal rin siya bilang Overall Champion Male Vocal para sa Broadway event.

Nagbigay rin ng karangalan sa bansa matapos magwagi sina Rachel Alejandro, Faith Cuneta, Kim Flores, Jennifer Bautista, Dex de Rosa, Jeremie Antiporda, Juaquin Tungol, Bim Mangubat, Siblings, Angelo Ortiz, Glenn Cadampog at Rommel Luna.

Jonalyn has proven her immense talent and that she’s worthy of the expectations of the Filipinos.  Same goes to Brenan.  The PPS1 winners were tremendously gifted that was why they were chosen to represent our country.

Galing nyo, Jonalyn at Brenan.

Buti hindi nagkalat this time si Jennifer Bautista.    Hindi naman siguro National Anthem ang kinanta niya. Hahahaha. 

Pics of Gerald from the Finals.  

  

  

 

This one’s from Letskie.   My Humps! Check it out!!

 

Well, since it’s over and done with, I might as well write the name of the second Pinoy Pop Superstar. It’s baby GERALD SANTOS! 

How lucky can he get (aside from being my favorite, hehehe, that’s an honor na no!)?  A house and lot, a brand new, stylish, sleek car (which by the way I really covet, lolz) miscellaneous (clothing, grooming) prizes from sponsors, a record deal and 1 MILLION pesosesosessssssss?  Where in the world can you grab a dream such as that?  Only in shongbird’s singing contest.  And I believe they give out the prizes in full, not half-half, or chop chop, hehe.

Gerald truly deserved the win.  Of course, anyone can counteract or even counter-attack my opinion.  But as for me,  I’ve really admired that kid ever since I saw him perform in Pi-pi-esh.  And his dialogue before his performance, such strong conviction. He said, “Ayoko pong magperforn na parang dumaan lang.  Ibibigay ko po ang lahat ng makakaya ko dahil gusto ko po talagang manalo!”

He’s now among those kids who belong to the elite millionaires.  Good for him, and for his family. I saw the reaction of his father when Regine Velasquez announced his name as the winner.  He really jumped for joy, crying.  Who wouldn’t be?  I read in the newspapers that he’s a small-time fisherman.  It’s not only Gerald whose dream came true that night.  I think it’s much more so to his parents.  If he was my son, I could even kiss Regine (lolz, wish) vigorously (hala, yaki).  And when they climbed the stage and joined the singing Gerald, how could anyone not be touched.  There goes the family whose world became brighter and much more better.  All because of the youngest’s earnest grip to keep on singing (sus, bata pa siya no!) and a dash of good luck, an aura which would make anyone want to protect him and that oh-so-melodius voice. 

But I noticed something.  Gerald’s parents looked robust, his brother seemed to be in good health while baby looks sickly and a little thin.  Hehehe.  Inuubusan ng pagkain? Lolz. Joke lang, of course.

Anyways, here’s my picture essay for the biggest night of Gerald.

 

Regine after the “I Believe I Can Fly” opening number which they took so literally.  With the birdie hanging on a very visible harness while singing her lungs out.  She looked like an apparition with her devotees under her, hahaha.  Too bad my obsolete camera self-deleted some files.  Buset!

The first contestant to perform was Rosemarie Tan.  She looked like Paula Abdul. 

Regine behind the judges, eavesdropping for the scores, hahaha. 

Elise Estrada, the second contestant, looked so pretty on stage.  And her number was great.  Makes me wanna sing “Natural Woman”  along with her.

This kid almost made me cry.  How could you, Gerald? Lolz.  He sang “Kahit Isang Saglit” with all the loneliness pouring out from his voice and that eyes!  Makes me wanna hug him ang tell him, “Baby, sshhh, I’m here.”  Hangpanget!

The lady in orange, Aicelle did an awesome rendition of “All The Man That I Need”.  It’s the second time I appreciated the song.  The first time was when Regine sang it for her father on Father’s Day in SOP some light years ago.  Whitney didn’t make me feel the song.  I guess I just wasn’t interested in love songs then.  I was living on “The Sound of Music” or “Annie” songs, or Madonna and Cyndi Lauper.  (My tastes haven’t change, I see, hahaha)

Denver.  Oh, I forgot his song.  What was it? Esep-esep.  Ugh, no luck.  But I remember, my sister and I shared oppinions of admiration towards his rendition. (Ayaw ko mag-rhyme? Lolz) Too bad I can’t remember his song.  Not that it’s forgettable, in fairness, 

Irra.  It was evitable.  He looked uneasy on stage.  Must be the jitters.  And honestly, I didn’t like his song.  It’s beautiful, Im sure, but not much of a competition song.  And nobody knew what the bleep he’s singing, save for Regine and the songers everywere.  I even have to google it just to find out information about the song.   And when I heard Barbra’s take on it, I almost slept.  Hahaha.  Same with Irra’s perf.  I believe he’s best with R n B songs.

The ever cute Harry.  When will you grow up so I wouldn’t look lascivious oggling you?  Hahaha.  Joke lang.  But honestly, I could look at his face for hours with a dreamy smile pasted in my face. (Eew.  Erase, erase.  I’m toooooooo old for him.  He could be my great-grandson for bleep’s sake, harhar) Anyway, he made an okay perf.  But he looked nervous though.

The final four.  Aicelle, Harry, Denver and Gerald.

And then they were two.  Just.   

But before their last judgment number, the grandma of all has to sing, of course.  With her third daughter, (singing-champs-from-her-show-wise, first was Sarah Geronimo, then Rachelle Anne Go) Jonalyn Viray.

It was an awesome song number. Changing (I think that’s the title) - Winner in You (not so sure with the title again) - And I Am Telling You (now I’m sure there) Patayan Medley.  Jonalyn’s voice is at it’s best.  The judges last year made a very good decision in choosing her.  Just like her song, she’s ever so changing.  Where does she get that voice.  She’s so small but she sings so powerful.  Just like her lola.

And of course, lola Regine won’t let herself be upstaged with the dimunitive Miss Viray.  She sang her heart out, cleavage and all, to the crowd’s delight.  Walang kupas!  I think the both of them lost 5 pounds each with all that shouting and ear-shattering performance, hahaha.  Good for Regine.  Bad for Jonalyn, hehehe.

“And the winner is……………  The winner’s last name is Santos.”  That was Regine’s last effort at comedy for the night, because everybody is eagerly anticipating the results, even sweating profusely (I heard Araneta’s air conditioning broke down again, but that’s not the reason for their perspiration, hehe).  She tried to prolong everyone’s agony of waiting so she lightened up the mood with her witty (kinda) remark (or did she?) because she cried like she really felt touched (I’m sure she does, doesn’t she?) with the winners’ luck afterwards.

The whole dome erupted and shook in great relief (from the Santos, G camp) while everyone in the Santos, A group collapsed in disappointment when Regine shouted the winner’s name.  But Aicelle, ever poised and charming, was a gracious loser.  Her smile didn’t wane a bit and she congratulated baby Gerald with sincerity.  The best of luck for her.

But the stage is for Gerald,  I’m really so happy for him.  Hope he’ll prosper more in the coming days.  Can’t wait for his cd.  And his upcoming shows.  An acting job wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Waaaaaaah.  Congrats sa panalo.  I knew it.  Woohoo!!

Deserving talaga!!!  Pero I’m such a tease kaya I won’t post the name’s winner….  YET!!   

Clue?  Uhmmm, magaling siya kumanta, hahahaha. 

Tomorrow night na lang, hahaha.  Para alam na ng lahat.

Ang galing nya, pwamis!!!

At si Ibon at Jonalyn, patayan ang labanan!!!  Ayaw talaga nilang ipakanta yung mga kinanta nila sa mga normal na katulad natin.  Haaay.  Sabi pa ni Regine, “ayaw patalo nung bata, dinaan ko na lang sa cleavage!”    Ang kulet talaga ni ibon. 

At ang opening number, kabog to the max.    May dialogue pa ang lola na “Ano, dito na lang ako?”  Nakabitin kasi, hahaha.  Sana maganda ang pagkakatelevise!!! 

Meron pa akong chika.  May nagwalk-out.  Hala!  Di makapaniwala sa sinapit niya?  Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Congratulations uli!! You deserve it!!

Pero sana inagahan naman nila.  Ala-una pasado na ng madaling araw natapos yung finals!  Wawa naman yung ibang nanood na malayo pa ang bahay.  Yung 7PM na sched, hindi naganap.  8:30 na nagsimula.  At ang haba pa ng gaps in between sa show proper.  Eh minsan lang magpatawa yung ibong marikit.  Na naka-hair extension na naman!

Buti na lang maganda ang naging resulta.  Ang saya!

I was able to see the Pinoy Pop Shupershtar finalists being interviewed in 24Oras on Tuesday so I took the chance to take pics.  I was aiming for Gerald pics “only” but malas, I only got 1 close-up.  Better luck next time to me.

But all the luck to GERALD SANTOS tomorrow!  Fighting!!

Click the pics for a larger image.