Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Second Semi-Finals

The second batch of semi-finalists: Saurog Dance Troupe, Willy Cordovales, Sandugo Band, Marvic Alvarez, Geo Ed Rebucas and Muriel Lomadilla.

After we witnessed the first semi-finals night where the shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra and contemporary dancing duo Lucky Twins got the first two slots for the grand finals, 6 contenders with different talent battling for the second semi-finals of Pilipinas Got Talent.

The show opened with the rendition of Mariah Carey's "I'll Be There" from the falsetto singer Geo Ed Rebucas. He can reach the high notes and clean falsetto while singing. It was a good start but in the middle of the song it fell short. However, it was a good performance. 

The 16-member dance troupe from Eastern Samar called the Saurog Dance Troupe shown the liveliness of youth in their performance. I love the concept, costumes and the music choice from the musical "Grease." They have the precise choreography and it was an enjoyable performance.

The 40-year old tricycle driver Willy Cordovales made an impressive auditions with his performance of "Narito" by Gary Valenciano. In his semi-finals performance of "Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin" by Joey Albert, he had a vocal range which is similar to Basil Valdez and Martin Nievera, he has a powerful vocals, clear diction but the song choice is predictable.

The 8-year old metal balancer and twirler Marvic Alvarez did a good hand and eye coordination in twirling and turning the metals even it has a fire. It was an amazing act for his age plus it was very predictable.

The reggae band from San Pablo City, Laguna Sandugo performed Mike Hanopol's classic "No Touch" with a combination of rock and reggae in their performance. They have a very good and consistent showmanship and musicality, singing talent of the vocalist and musicians were fantastic and they have the energy and entertainment value.

The half-Nigerian, half-Filipina singer Muriel Lomadilla from Cebu sang Adele's "Rollin in the Deep." She had the soulful voice of a R&B singer, clear diction and a very good song choice which matches her vocal quality. She is truly a world-class and international performer as well with a radio-friendly voice.

An Extraordinary Facebook Friendship with the Young Sand Artist

"There are people who had 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 up to 2000 friends in Facebook. But I wonder: How many among your Facebook friends will understand when you have a problem? Who among these friends will share with your happy moments and comfort you in times of trouble."

Since 2009, I created my Facebook account for communication purposes with my family, relatives and friends. As a matter of fact, I met a lot of people which I considered as my friends, although I didn't know them personally. I get to know them through chat and only few of them will respond plus I already get their contact numbers which signifies that our friendship will getting stronger. 

One of my friends that I met in Facebook is Mark Kenneth Dolom, the young sand artist from Puerto Princesa City. He joined in the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent with his sand art performance in the tune of "Heal The World." He is still very young to do this kind of art but he has the potential. I added him in my Facebook account and I gave him a personal message which means that I appreciate his work. He responded by saying thank you plus I also included him in my review because his act was truly unique.

Mark Kenneth Dolom with his audition in the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent. Continue to keep up the good work in achieving your dream to become a successful young sand artist. The second picture shows a phoenix in his sand art piece which shows his skill.

As the days passed by, we were able to chat with each other and exchanging some sort of stories in Facebook and we exchange our contact numbers. There is also a time when we had a  simple misunderstanding but we solved that problem. But the most unforgettable experience with him is when he approached me to ask for help in making a concept in his sand art about history. I shared a lot of ideas with him about history plus I also research music or song choice for his sand art plus we had a brainstorming session where we combine our ideas to form a sand art.

I can describe Kenneth as a person who is friendly, accommodating, understanding and a very humble person. He accept the fact that he is just a beginner and he is keep on working hard to perfect his craft. He also knows how to appreciate other people who helped and supported him. (Maintain that kind of attitude!) Although other people think of him as a boastful person, but he is not that kind of person. Anyway, Kenneth keep on reaching to your dreams to become the master sand artist. Good luck and God Bless! 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNETH! I watched your current sand art video in the tune of "Go The Distance" you improved a lot and more practice to go and you will make it to the top! Never forget the people who supported you, refrain from negative vibes in your environment (don't get influenced by negative forces like vices and bad attitude), be humble and always be thankful and close to God. Kudos!

When the Young Blogger Meets the Youngest Presidentiable

JC Delos Reyes, the youngest presidential candidate of 2010 elections.

John Carlos “JC” Delos Reyes is a 2010 presidential candidate from Olongapo City. He is the standard-bearer of Ang Kapatiran Party last elections and the youngest among the presidential contenders. He is also the nephew of Richard Gordon.

I added him in my Facebook account because of his sincerity to run as a president and his passion to help our country towards progress and change. He approved my friend request and one day I was able to have a chat with him, telling that although he make it as the last place and did not win the elections , try to run again in the 2013 Senatorial Elections because of his sincerity and credibility in the politics. After that, he is able to like my essays on online abuse and priorities on ICT in the Aquino administration in my Facebook account. Because of that I send him a message by giving an appreciation on liking my notes (essays) in Facebook. Then after that, he responded by saying that “he was flattered in my note and ICT should be one of the priorities for the new administration.” In my next article about the impacts of issues on violence like the Maguindanao Massacre and the recent Manila Bus Hostage, he also likes my article and he gave a comment about it. Then, when I saw his mobile phone number in his Facebook account, I try to dial it and then he answer by telling that I am the one who create some essays about national issues and exchange of “thank you” for liking my essay and calling him within 2 minutes.

I can say to him that he is a young and soft-spoken person with sincerity and conviction on what he believes in a particular issue. He is a credible politician with a positive thought about changes in the current mainstream in Philippine politics and he believes that we should fight corruption in the government. He is also a nice and humble person, a politician who believes that God is the center of politics and public service and he helps other people toward progress. There are two things that I learned from Sir JC: to stand on my own viewpoint which I am going to side in the particular issue and to have conviction in myself. Although I did not voted for him and he is my third favorite presidentiable among the ten candidates, I really appreciate him more after the elections and I encourage more to write articles and essays about national issues. Hopefully our communication still continues and someday, I will meet him in person.

THANKS SIR J.C.! GOD BLESS =D

A Chat with Wanlu: The Ventriloquist Hall of Famer in Talentadong Pinoy

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2010, 8:00 - 9:00 PM 

I experienced an unexpected chat in facebook with Wanlu, the famous puppeteer and Hall of Famer in Talentadong Pinoy. First, I said to him that he and his puppets are great in terms of entertainment. He responded by saying “thanks :)” It followed by asking him a question about the importance of humility as a secret of success and he replied that it is important but he asked me a question “what is humility?” and when I replied he said that he was only joking and he knew the meaning of it but the most important thing in success is putting God in all the things we do and being humble comes from the heart not in appearance. Suddenly, I shared my experience on the wrong impression that I am boastful (I’m just only sharing my knowledge and experience on my success) and the dream of becoming a successful gameshow contestant at my young age. Then he said that “God knows that I am not boastful and he will keep an eye for me on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”

I learned a lot of things on this experience such as put God in our hearts and in everything we do and humility is important in different aspects of life. Thanks for this wonderful experience.

 jonathan =)

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: First Semi Finals

Who among the first batch of semi finalists will make it to the grand finals? Will it be the saxophonist Kristoffer Campos, the rock band Seedz, the singer from Hong Kong Rita Paraiso, the young singer Pauline Agupitan, the shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra or the contemporary dancing duo Lucky Twins?

The first set of semi-finalists on Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3. Upper row (L-R) Kristoffer Campos, saxophonist from Baguio City, Seedz Band, rock band from Negros Occidental, Rita Paraiso, singer from Hong Kong; Lower row (L-R): Pauline Agupitan singer from Lipa City, El Gamma Penumbra, shadow theater group from Batangas and Lucky Twins, contemporary dancing duo from Leyte.

The first act of the night is the rock band from Escalante City, Negros Occidental named Seedz Band.  They performed a Juan Dela Cruz classic "Beep Beep Beep" where the vocalist and the musicians are rockers in terms of their showmanship, stage movements, and the attitude. The lead vocalist has a strong showmanship in his performance. 

The 11-year old singer from Lipa City, Batangas Pauline Agupitan did a very good rendition of "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. She has the clear diction, powerful and dynamic vocals and according to Freddie M. Garcia, she is simply incredible.

The contemporary dancing duo from Tacloban City, Lucky Twins have the posture and the skill to become interpretative dancers. They have the synchronized choreography and they danced with passion and grace without losing their masculinity which remarked by Kris Aquino.

The only saxophonist who made it to the semi finals of Pilipinas Got Talent is Kristoffer Campos from Baguio City. He performed Ariel Rivera's "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" which his performance reminds me of Kenny G in terms of playing the saxophone. The dynamics were flawless and it was a refreshing act in Pilipinas Got Talent.

The 39-year old performer from Hong Kong Rita Paraiso sanG Patpi Austin's version of "It Might Be You." She showed that she is an experienced performer with her of powerful voice, clear delivery of lyrics and the accompaniment is very good as well with her song choice. Her performance is truly mesmerizing and I think she is the first female singer in PGT who received a standing ovation.

The first semi-finals ends up with the shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra from Batangas. They have the very good movements and formation of shapes through shadow play. But the best thing that impressed me in their performance is the concept of a Filipino going to different places in abroad which gives a  world geography lesson and the lesson that whatever countries and places in the world you visit, there is no place like home which is the Philippines. They are one of the most exceptional acts in PGT.

In addition, the Got Talent franchise challenged Pilipinas Got Talent that Filipinos has not just only focus on singing talent but in other talents as well like dancing and variety.

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Auditions Review

Right after the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent, the reality-talent show franchise continues its airing for the third season. This season, different variety acts conquered the show plus there are still performing acts like singing and dancing. For the first ten weeks of auditions, there are acts who truly stand out because of their unique talent they've shown.

Jet Barrun from second season come back with her rendition of "Man in the Mirror" with her distinct vocal quality and strong showmanship.

Knch Lhnn Cabillo of Cebu City made an impressive performance of Jennifer Holliday's "And I'm Telling You" which makes her tagged as the next Charice Pempengco of PGT.

Khalil Joseph Ramos with his rendition of "I'll Be" which makes him the next singing heartthrob of PGT. 

The Synergy Dance Troupe shown a breathtaking and world-class aerial acrobatics act.

Edmon Gaduang shown his keyboard playing skills in an upbeat tune although he was blindfolded.

Jefferson and Kurt Bringas made a smooth acoustic performance and their story  touched the hearts of the judges.

Kim Tenorio used his dwarf puppets in entertaining the people.

El Gamma Penumbra shown a unique and outstanding performance with their shadow play.

The impressionist and voice impersonator Elok Palabok did a great job in impersonating voices of Spongebob Squarepants and local personalities in Philippine TV.

• Trio Aerialist (Aerial Fabric Dancers, Bacolod City) - They did a breathtaking routine of aerial fabric dance plus they have the precise stunts in falling from the curtains as well as their balancing skills.

• Jefferson & Kurt Bringas (Acoustic Duo, Davao City) - They made a touching rendition of Peter Cetera's classic "After All" plus a sob story of the brothers which can be an inspiration to many people. 

• Loverkada Kids (Gymnastics Group, Butuan) - They have the flexibility and the grace of being a professional gymnasts and contortionists at their very young age. 

• Bahaghari (Reggae Band, Iloilo) - This band composed of men ages 20 to 50 years old were able to impressed the crowd and the judges with their rendition of Rey Valera's "Naaalala Ka" with their attack of reggae and definitely the musical accompaniment is the best.

• Hello World (Dance Crew, Davao City) - They auditioned from season 1 with their poppin dance routine in the tune of Taylor Swift's "Love Story." This third season they come back with more improved dance routine but the clown costumes didn't change. 

• Knch Lhnn Cabillo (Singer, Cebu City) - She is a veteran in various local singing contests. Among the kiddie performers who performed in the past three seasons, she is one of the best because of her powerful voice, suave dynamics and clear diction with her rendition of "And I'm Telling You." She will be the next Bianca Ryan or Charice Pempengco.

• Galileo Brocoy (Intellectual gifted child, Baler, Aurora) - I encountered the youngest auditionee so far in Pilipinas Got Talent. He was able to recognize the flags of the nations plus the pictures of famous boxers which reminds me of my childhood days where my relatives asked me "What is the capital of Ilocos Norte?" and I answered "Laoag". 

• Vocal FX (Beatboxing Group, Bacolod City). They are similar to First Beat Effect from the second season but their style is different where they used sounds of things like mosquito in their routine which shows a story. 

• Synergy Dance Troupe (Aerial Acrobatics Dance Troupe, Negros Occidental) - For the first time in Pilipinas Got Talent where I saw a world class performance which is similar to Cirque de Soleil where there are pole dancers and aerial fabric dancers who can fly to the highest level. They shown a superb performance. Definitely, for grand finals!

• Willy Cordovales (Singer, Antipolo) - He had a powerful golden voice and a clear diction to deliver a ballad and he is one of the potential winners this third season. His style is similar  to Rolando Permangil of season 1 and Martin Nievera. 

• El Gamma Penumbra (Shadow Theater Group, Batangas) - They did an amazing job in shadow theater with their concept of showing the beauty of the Philippine culture and tourist spots. It was a very good performance!

• Gino Alonzo (Magician, Davao City) - He come back from season 2 and his magic is still consistent and fantastic where he used bird tricks which ended up in appearing a cockatoo.

• Kim Tenorio (Puppetteer, Liliw, Laguna) - His talent is truly exceptional in terms of how he use his puppets in performance and entertaining the people. The dynamics were truly fun to watch and the music choice he used is Shakira's "Waka Waka".

• Marlon Custodio a.k.a. Elok Palabok (Voice Impersonator / Impressionist, Tanay, Rizal) - He is one of the rare and unique acts I've ever encountered in auditions of PGT. He had a mass appeal plus the capacity to impersonate voices of characters in Sponge Bob Square Pants and news anchors of ABS-CBN. 

• Jett Barrun (Singer, Pateros) - We remember her last season because of her powerful voice and showmanship on stage with her rendition of Dianne Reeves' "Better Days" but she didn't make it to the semi-finals. This third season, she performed with more confidence and an improved showmanship and song choice with her performance of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" where it is a very rare chance to encounter a female  singer to sing that hit. 

• Edmon Gaduang (Keyboardist, Nueva Ecija) - He had a very good piano playing skills and although he was blindfolded, he can make an upbeat tune and the musicality was there. 

• Philippine Dubstep (Beatboxing Duo, Davao and Gen. Santos City) - Harold Gesulga from season 1 and Kervy Salazar from season 2 joined their forces to reach the goal of being a winner of PGT 3. The two beatboxers from Mindanao who appeared in previous season shown their talent in beatboxing especially in producing sounds.

Jarah Valido did a very good performance of Basil Valdez's "Ngayon at Kailanman."

Sandugo Band of San Pablo City made an energetic showmanship with their song "Modelong Charing" by Blakdyak and "Laki Sa Layaw" by Mike Hanopol.

Miss D Dance Scholars of Lucena shown a flawless and polished ballroom steps.

The Upbeat Dance Company Kids of Bukidnon made a cute and graceful ballet dance routine in the tune of Abba's "Mamma Mia."

The reggae band Bahaghari of Iloilo shown an energetic performance singing Rey Valera's "Naaalala  Ka."

Jeziel Dimagna-ong is a true blue rocker from Siquijor.

Sendhara Trillanes performed with her piano and angelic voice with her version of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You."

Gino Alonzo of Davao made a comeback with his bird and card magic tricks plus a cockatoo in the end of his routine.

Trio Aerialist of Bacolod made a breathtaking aerial fabric dance routine.

Three year-old Galileo Brocoy of Baler, Aurora show his talent on recalling the names of flags of different countries.

• Sandugo Band (Band, San Pablo City) - Definitely the counterpart of Bahaghari Band with their reggae style in performing plus they have the showmanship and they know how to have a rapport in the audience with their performance of Mike Hanopol's "Laki Sa Layaw" and "Modelong Charing" by Blakdyak. If there will be a late night show in ABS-CBN, hire this band immediately because they can give life to the show.

• Jarah Valido (Singer, San Pablo City) - The singer from Laguna did a very good vocal dynamics and diction in singing Basil Valdez's "Ngayon at Kailanman." 

• Miss D. Dance Scholars (Ballroom Dancing Troupe, Lucena) - They have a world class costumes and flawless and polished ballroom steps. 

• Khalil Joseph Ramos (Singer, Paranaque) - He's got the boy next door looks and a very good voice which deserves to be on the mainstream of music industry. He can be the next teen rocker of PGT.

• Christian Samson (Quick Change Artist / Street Magician, Taguig) - He made a fusion of street magic and quick change in his routine. He can change his clothes quickly without any props to use. He did a very good job which makes him the David Blaine of PGT 3.

• Kiriko (Rappers, Sta. Cruz, Laguna) - They have the meaningful lyrics, fast enunciation of words but clear delivery in performing their rap. They have the memorable lyrics "Pula, asul, dilaw at puti" which means that they made an impact and they can follow the footsteps of rappers like Andrew E., Francis Magalona, Salbakuta and Gloc 9.

• Upbeat Dance Company Kids (Ballet Dancing Troupe, Bukidnon) - They have the graceful movements in doing a ballet and they are cute which matches their young age and talent.

• Jeziel Dimagna-ong (Singer, Siquijor) - His voice is similar to Jovit Baldivino and Arnel Pineda with his performance of Journey's "After All These Years". He is a true blue rocker at his age of 38 and he deserves to have a break in music industry which proves that Siquijor has got talent.

• Larry Tamala (Magician and Comedian, Davao) - His magical tricks were truly funny because his magic was very clumsy and full of lapses in his execution. However, he did a very remarkable and entertaining auditions. He is trying to follow the footsteps of Rico the Magician in terms of doing the dance and animal tricks.

• Renagine Pepito (Singer, Cagayan de Oro) - If Knch Lhnn Cabillo represents the best child singer in Visayas, Regina will be her match in Mindanao. She had a very powerful voice and she made an impact in the crowd with her performance of "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. She needs to improve her timing in singing her piece.

• Pauline Agupitan (Singer, Batangas) - A child singer in the Manila auditions who left her class in order to audition in this show. She sang Fantasia's "I Believe."She had a very clear diction and powerful voice but she needs to improve her mastery of the song especially in selecting the highlight of her performance. 

• Elmer Jun Hilario (Acoustic Singer, Negros Occidental) and Sulpicio Garcia (Acoustic Singer, Manila) - The two acoustic singers did a good job in performing their audition pieces as well with their looks and packaging. Elmer did a version of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and he wowed the crowd in Cebu auditions. On the other hand, Sulpicio was compared to Side A's frontman Joey Generoso with his performance of "Forevermore."

• Kenzo Ortiz (Singer, Laguna) and Miguel Hernandez (Singer, Manila) - Kenzo Ortiz is the son of the former actress Olivia Ortiz. He stand out in the auditions with his looks and voice in his performance "Narito" by Gary V. On the other hand, Miguel Hernandez sang "This is the Moment" where the two hosts thought that he looked like the X-men Character Wolverine. Both of them have good looks and a very good voice which made them the next heartthrobs of PGT.

• Sendhara Trillanes (Singer and Musician, Batangas) - She had an angelic voice and a musical talent with her audition piece of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You." Although she shown for almost one minute only, I always remember her with her talent which proves that she can compete in other singing contests on TV. Her act reminds me of Hollywood week in American Idol.

• Jeremiah Velasco (Singer and Musician, Cavite) - He did his best performance so far. He rejected in the auditions of season 1, he passed but he failed to make it on the semi-finals on season 2. Will Jeremiah made it to the semi-finals of the third season? He had the musicality but he doesn't have the good voice to sing.  

Hopefully these contenders will make it to the semi-finals plus they have the unique and amazing talent in their field. This season the acts are more talented and the show leveled up to another peak of their success. 


Photos Source: Pilipinas Got Talent Youtube Channel 

Fun Moments with the Hilarious Ventriloquist and His Puppet

Ruther Urquia and his puppet Titoy.

Ruther Urquia is a ventriloquist from Las Pinas City and one of the grand finalists in the first season of Pilipinas Got Talent. He always perform with his puppets and two of these are famous to the viewers namely Titoy, who is the funny puppet who regularly performs with Ruther in some of his shows and Lolo Teddy, the grandfather of Titoy. I can say that they are entertaining and fun to be with. Ruther is the best friend of Alakim, a grand finalist and a butterfly magician. He is one of my favorite finalists in PGT because of the entertainment value in his performances.

What can I say about Ruther? Aside from watching him on TV, I met him in Facebook as one of my friends in my personal account and I can describe him as sincere, warm-hearted, humble, jolly, friendly, supportive and godly. I cannot believe that he add me as one of his friends after he read my review about the first semi-finals performance in the Pilipinas Got Talent fan page in Facebook. I commented about his entertaining, funny, impressive and a child-friendly performance during the show. That is why I gave him a perfect 10 along with Jovit Baldovino’s rocking performance.

Suddenly, aside from adding me as one of his friends, I received a personal message from him by giving appreciation about my review on his performance. Since then, I always support him on some of his activities like his grand finals performance and his judging stint on Showtime. I gave him an advice that don’t be too nervous and enjoy performing and he did it! =)

I was never expected the next encounter with him, when he read one of my essays in Facebook about Filipino food during summer which he gave comments on my work. He said that I deserve to have a portion in a broad sheet and I have a talent in writing. I really appreciate it the most, because a famous ventriloquist in a talent search gave a comment in my essay. (It’s really a humbling experience and I encourage pursuing my writing career next to teaching)

I am thankful to Kuya Ruther because he is one of the best persons I met in Facebook. There are things that I learned from him like being friendly to the supporters, being humble and thankful to all the blessings that God gave to us. Hopefully, we will still continue our online communication and I met him in person along with his puppets. (In addition, I will hope that I will give this essay to him!)

THANKS KUYA RUTHER AND TITOY!

This blog entry is a repost from my first blog "Iskrats Porpolyo" and I would like to congratulate Mr. Ruther Urquia for his continuous success like having stints in ABS-CBN, mall shows, and being featured in Philippine Daily Inquirer June 18, 2011 issue. Thanks for greeting me in my birthday last July 13, 2011 in my Facebook account.