RIYADH, 2 May 2005 — Jamila Dibaratun of Cagayan de Oro City in the southern Philippines was adjudged winner on Friday in this year’s initial search for Riyadh Pop Icon, a reality-based singing competition of Special Events (SE) Productions patterned after ABS-CBN’s Star in a Million and Born Diva shows.
Dibaratun received a cash prize of $1000, plus appliances and gift certificates worth SR 8,000. Sony Powermax gave out a 21” Sony colored TV, Sony DVD player, while Mediacom provided a set of karaoke and home theater systems.
Albert Padilla, the star of Davao, whose powerful rendition of a medley of Ngayong Nandito Ka, In Your Eyes, One Love, and Livin’ La Vida Loca made the house screaming to the spectators’ delight, was the first runner-up,
“I respect the decision of the board of judges,” Padilla said with humility on Dibaratun’s victory. “Jamila is a promising singer and she’ll go a long, long way,” he added.
“Although Padilla was a total entertainer among the League of 7, Dibaratun got an edge over the voice quality and text votes which have an impact on the overall ruling,” a juror defended who asked not to be identified.
Edgar Esmeria, the star of Cabanatuan City, was named second runner-up. He sang a medley of Filipino songs.
Teary-eyed Dibaratun said she did not expect winning the title because all contestants were at their best.
“I will not forget the memories and friendship I found in them. They did not put me down, instead they pushed me up. I am sharing my award with every contestant and to my parents and friends,” Dibaratun told Arab News.
The other four contestants who made to the League of 7 were Jennifer dela Cruz (Star of Bulacan), Lowelene Tolentino (Star of Ilocos), Salmah Macabangkit (Star of Lanao del Sur) and Enrique Aure Jr. (Star of Cavite).
“She deserves the title in and out. She was singing with her heart and soul. I wish her good luck when she represents Saudi Arabia in the TFC Popstar Singing Competition in Dubai,” said Chris Lanuza, one of the first three eliminated contestants. Lanuza and other eliminated contestants had their own production number during the finals, which was held at the Philippine Embassy’s Liwasang Bonifacio.
Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla, in an inspirational speech, cited all the contestants and organizers for the musical extravaganza, which he said is the favorite pastime of the Filipinos to unwind.
“I congratulate all contestants. They have proven their worth and they are now stars,” he said.
Ranny Basanta, the chief executive officer of organizer SE Productions, said proceeds of the show will go to Bahay Kalinga, the temporary shelter for distressed Filipino workers maintained by the embassy.
Clovemin Campos, a composer, arranger, choral conductor and vocal coach headed the board of judges, with Daud Arrieta (a champion of Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1987), Edgar Garcia and Oliver Calma of TFC/ABS-CBN International, and Labor Attaché Manuel Roldan.
The Riyadh Pop Icon was sponsored by Sony Powermax, Western Union, Crown Asia, The Filipino Channel, Giordano, Little Ceasar’s Pizza, Evelyn Lugo Facial Center, Al-Rabie Saudi Foods Corporation, Media Com Digital Karaoke, Powerhorse Energy Drink, Sky Freight Forwarders, Forever Living Products, Lotus Fashion and Beauty Center, Manila Food Plaza, Herfy, Ikea, Abante Middle East and Arab News.
The other sponsors include Briggite Nathaniel and Alma Prasas (official make-up artists of the Pop Icon), SEND Incorporated, Gerico Canlapan Photography, Elite International School, Al Taj International School, Riyadh Palace Hotel, Holiday Inn Hotel Oleya, Radisson SAS Hotel, Mafaza Ostrich Restaurant, Diplomat Sweets, IPSR, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood and the Philippine Embassy.
