JEDDAH, 21 August 2007 — The Filipino Expatriates for Sports & Socio-Cultural Organization (Fesscor) based in Riyadh is organizing a Kingdomwide search to unveil Filipino talents in the field of singing.
Aptly called “Kabayan Idol 2007” singing search, the 25 finalists from different parts of the Kingdom will use their vocal chords to show their singing prowess to qualify for the elimination rounds and grand finals scheduled on Aug. 30 and 31 respectively at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.
The candidates from the Western Region who made it to the magic 5 from 15 participants are Jerome Ignacio from Burger King; Mary Grace Icasiano, Erfan & Bagedo Hospital; Richmond Gulle, Abdulatif Jameel; Feliciano Austria, Arabian Food Supplies, and Art Cruz of the National Commercial Bank.
“Sumali ako sa singing contest na ito dahil gusto kong sumikat sa larangan ng pagkanta,” said the 25-year-old Ignacio.
Ignacio’s interpretation of the song Dakilang Lahi, a patriotic song popularized by Anthony Castelo, wowed the audience and earned him, just like his four counterparts a resounding applause. “Sakaling palarin ako at manalo sa championship round, iaalay ko ‘yon sa father ko para naman maging proud siya sa akin,” Ignacio added.
The panel of judges aside included Ed Santos, Ahjid Sayas, Eva Fernandez and Sylvia delos Santos as chairman.
To represent the Central region are Flordeliza Naval, Raymund Ruben, Jusan Bensoy, Reilann Velasquez, Belinda Ariles, Aivy Salvador Morales, Eduardo Gamboa Jr., Khaddafy Guiabar, Alex Jeremias Jr., Christine Marie Bayocboc, David dela Cruz, Allan Gabinete, Roy Columna, Ardon Hatab, Carlos de Guzman, Michael Ramirez Jr., Ryian Almelor, and Erwin Antonio Macapagal.
Only two contestants made it from the Eastern region, they are Mark Gil Moraga, Reynaldo Nalaza.
The program headed by Art Capulong, in coordination with Jeddah facilitators Erwin Reyes, Don Cuaresma, Mandy Dugenia, Edgar Mendoza, and Bobby Ensomo, is in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy and the Green Cedar International School (GCIS). Admission is free.