JEDDAH, 26 June 2003 — Two students of the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) topped the “Awitan ng Mga Kabataan sa Jeddah” youth singing contest held last week at the Philippine Consulate General.

Adjudged champion for the high school level was Mark Robert Garcia, a third year student, for his rendition of the Tagalog song “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang.”

Tailing Garcia was Gerome Lopez, a 1st year student of Al-Hekma International School, with the song “I’ll Never Gonna Fall In Love Again.”

The other winners were Catherene Grace Atienza, 3rd year, IPSJ, 2nd runner-up, “Iisa Pa Lamang;” Nasrin Dianalan, 2nd year, IPSJ, 3rd runner-up, “Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig;” Najah Bilaran, 4th year, IPSJ, 4th runner-up, “Pangako.”

Topping the elementary level contest was Loraine Samsin, a Grade 6 pupil also of IPSJ, who sang “Ikaw.”

Caroline Joy Lopez, a Grade 6 pupil of Al-Hekma was 1st Runner-Up with the song “ One Moment In Time.”

The other winners were: Najmuddin Omar, Grade 5 at IPSJ, 2nd runner-up, “To Love You More;” Yvanna May David, Grade 6, IPSJ, 3rd runner-up, “Only World;” Catheren Jane Alcayde, Grade 5, IPSJ, 3rd runner-up, “Luha;” and Noubikko Ray Tadeo, Grade 3, Al-Hekma, 5th runner-up, “Love in Many Language.”

Apart from their trophies, all the contestants went home with electronic items from various sponsors, Seiko bags, computer gift packs from PC Time/ATMC Computer, music CDs by composer Rolly Amaranto, and cash prizes from Arab News.

The sponsors for the event were Muhammad Ali Taled of SEIKO, Arab News, Radwa Food Company, PC Time/ATMC Computer, El-Gusto Filipino Food, Sarawat Superstores, Dr. Annette Lagman, Dr. Andrea Taguibao; Dr. Reinita Respicio; Rolly Amaranto and Rudy Mateo.

The board of judges was chaired by musical instructor Sylvia delos Santos, with Evelyn Santos of PICPA, musical instructor Ajid Sayas, GACA vice president Elmer Castro as members.

Rudy Carillo of the Pangasinan Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Muhammad Isa de Jesus of the FML-MPC served as tabulator and auditor, respectively.

The contest was organized jointly by the ACE Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Kauswagan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the FML Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the OFW Cooperative Council (OFWCC), in coordination with the three Philippine schools in Jeddah ? IPSJ, Al-Hekma and the newly formed Al-Bader International School.

The event was among the activities in celebration of Philippine Independence Day and in commemoration of the birth of the Philippine National hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Adding glamour to the fun-filled occasion were magicians Ricky Tic-Tac and Cris de Jesus, assisted by Professor James. A parlor game was also held during and all the children who joined had received gift pack and cash prize.

Jeddah singing sensation Jeanette Cerbito of Al-Hekma International School also entertained the audience with her love songs, while Iana Monique, Coline Gabriel Fernandez, and Zcelene Pabico performed a lively Hawaiian Dance number.