JEDDAH: Karla Maye Carreon is the new grand champion of the Himig Ng Kalayaan 2009 Search singing contest that was held last Friday at the Al-Shallal auditorium in Jeddah. Carreon sang the songs “Lipad Ng Pangarap” by Dessa in the elimination round and “Kung Iniibig Ka Nya” by Laarni Lozada in the finals, a selection that consistently put her on top. The 15-year-old beat 14 other finalists and also bagged the Best in Filipiniana Special Award. Contestant No. 2, John Paul Arban, bagged the Best in Filipiniana award in the male category. Other winners are Donna Nogoy (1st runner-up), Art Barco (2nd runner-up), Reynaldo Agustin Jr. (3rd runner-up), and Meryem Surmeli (4th runner-up). They also received cash prizes, gift checks, packs of goods from various sponsors, certificates and trophies. The event, which was organized by Pinoy Expatriates for Social Organization and Sports (PESOS) headed by Edgar Mendoza, was attended by Consul General Ezzedin Tago and Cultural Attache Prof. Camaloden “Kim” Guro, both of whom delivered inspirational messages. The event was also covered live on the web at www.pinoysajeddah.com.
