RIYADH, 2 September 2007 — Three out of the five OFW contestants who represented the Western Region won the major titles in the recently concluded Kabayan Idol 2007 singing competition at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh on Friday.
Feliciano “Sonny” Austria, a 35-year-old Jeddah-based merchandiser, emerged as grand champion in the kingdomwide search organized by the Filipino Expatriates for Sports & Socio-Cultural Organization (Fesscor).
Austria, who works for the Arabian Food Supply company, bested 13 other finalists, from originally 25 participants, with his original interpretation of the song There’s Just No Easy Way as popularized by Michael Bolton.
Austria’s electrifying dance performance during the grand face-off blended perfectly with his own interpretation of the fast song Dito Sa Puso Ko, popularized by Ogie Alcasid. His modulated voice, energetic movement and total stage projection wowed the audience and earned him a resounding applause.
In addition to the top trophy, Austria won cash prizes totaling SR1,500 plus other valuable prizes.
The other winners were Reynaldo Nalaza from the Eastern Region, 1st runner-up; Art Cruz, Western Region, 2nd runner-up; Mara Grace Icasiano, Western Region, 3rd runner-up; and Mark Gil Moraga, Eastern Region, 4th runner-up.
Each participating region presented specially choreographed song numbers and the winning trophy went to the group representing the Central Region.
Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor was not around to witness the contest but he endorsed the event and cited the organizing committee headed by Art Capulong for initiating the singing search.
“People who make music together cannot be enemies, at least not while the music lasts,” Villamor said in a message read for him by Vice Consul Roussel R. Reyes.
Villamor congratulated the organizing committee headed by Art Capulong for initiating the singing search.
He added: “Singing has been an integral part of Filipino heritage. It is a magical force that lifts our spirit into high heavens, nourishes our individual relationships and keeps us united.”
“It was indeed a wonderful experience to see how music works for us in harmony and in unity,” said Erwin Reyes who led the delegation from Jeddah and hosted the event together with Jennifer Veneracion and Henry Endradora.
Adding spice to the event were the young sisters Iana and Coline “Gabrielle” Fernandez from Jeddah and Fesscor talent Loweelene Tolentino, the special guest performers.
