TV Classics Review: Showtime Season 2 Grand Finals

The grand finalists from Showtime Season 2: Lal-lo's Blacklight Performers, Mama's Boys, Xtreme 24/7 and Laoag City Gymnastics Group.

The grand finals for the second season of Showtime held last December 18, 2010 where 10 contenders compete for the one million pesos prize. They have different assets that is why they made it to the finale from colorful costumes, fantastic dance routines, and great concepts which show their talent and entertainment value. 

• Big Trio (Nueva Ecija) - They have the very good Asian concept which reflects in their Shaolin costumes and props. They have the good way to start the show because of their precise choreography and stunts. Score: 9
• Kidz@Trix (Davao City) - They have the passion in dancing but it was very unorganized dance routine because of the song choice they have which is somewhat not good to the ears of listeners (especially with the gun sound effect).Score: 8
• 89.9 Hoodz (Zamboanga del Sur) - They have the very good talent and passionate dance routine. They got the attitude but the song choice is not good. However, they got the attention of the audience when someone injured in their routine but it was a joke. Score: 9
• Mama's Boys (Manila) - They have the entertainment factor plus the fact that they were all comedians. They have a very good concept, costume and funny song selection. Score: 9
• Lal-lo's Blacklight Performers (Cagayan Valley) - I really love this group because of their heartfelt performance, touching song choice and concepts which can be integrated in their blacklight theater. They have the best concept because they tell their story of their journey in Showtime from showing their winning pieces and in the end, they remembered the Christmas season. Score: 10
• Speed Movers Crew (Misamis Occidental) - They have the breathtaking stunts however it was a very common dance routine from season 1. Score: 7
• Xtreme 24/7 (Zamboanga del Norte) - They have the light and groovy song choice and they are total performers from their colorful animated printed tshirts, blacklight dance, very good dance steps and meaningful rap. Score: 10
• Laoag City Gymnastics Group (Ilocos Norte) - They are truly stunning performers which shown a world-class gymnastics performance. They are sophisticated, spectacular and superb. They deserve to compete in Olympics in gymnastics category. They truly deserved a standing ovation. Score: 10
• Zero Gravity (Leyte) - They have the precise movements and good character portrayal but their monthly finals performance is much better. Score: 8
• Ground Zero (North Cotabato) - They have a touching interpretative dance and a song choice. The boys have a brave attempt to do interpretative dance but it was predictable. Score: 8 

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Grand Finals

The shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra and aerial acrobatics troupe Synergy both received a standing ovation from the judges and overwhelming support from the crown during the semi-finals because of outstanding and world-class talent.

After the nationwide auditions from almost 70 cities, provinces and towns in the Philippines, witnessed the judges deliberation in the selection of top 36 in the Judges Cull and the live semi-finals performance, twelve acts from different parts of the country made it to the grand finals of the third season of Pilipinas Got Talent. 

El Gamma Penumbra of Batangas

The competition began with the shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra did an amazing way to start the show. They have a very lively song choice about promoting Philippine tourism, fantastic concept of Filipino culture especially the part where Muslim and Christians hold their hands and they did a world-class shadow play.

Maasinhon Trio of Southern Leyte

The singing trio Maasinhon Trio did a very good rendition of "Nais Ko" by Basil Valdez. They have a very good blending of voices and they sing in harmony. They got the perfect song choice and considered as one of the most consistent performers in the third season because of their versions of OPM classics. 

Loverkada Kids of Butuan City

Loverkada Kids of Butuan City did a good gymnastics routine although one member of the group was injured but they still continue to perform in order for them to win. They did a good job in forming horizontal wave formation and the human jump rope. However, the routine they did in the semi finals was their best performance.

Renagine Pepito of Cagayan de Oro

Renagine Pepito of Cagayan de Oro sang Charice's "Note To God." The song matches her vocal prowess and quality but only few people can appreciate the song because of its popularity. Therefore, she deserves to be in the grand finals as the first female child singer to make it to the finale and maybe she will follow the footsteps of Charice and Lea Salonga because of her powerful voice.

Kiriko of Santa Cruz, Laguna

Kiriko of Laguna performed an original composition about Pilipinas Got Talent and achieving the dreams. They have the originality, clarity in delivering their rap, meaningful lyrics and they are consistent performers, that is why they are the only rap group who made it to the finals of PGT since season one. They deserve to have a recording contract which proves that Pinoy rap still lives on. 

Bringas Brothers of Davao del Sur

The acoustic duo of Jefferson and Kurt known as Bringas Brothers performed Eric Clapton's "Change The World." They got the perfect song choice, good accompaniment and the cool vocals plus the song truly matches their life story. They inspire a lot of people because of their story where Kurt received an artificial leg as a help.

Twin Divas of Nueva Ecija

The singing and dancing duo of Mahal and Honey or the Twin Divas took their performance to the other level where they sang Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey's "When You Believe" where they belt out like divas. After that, they showed their versatility in the tune of Jennifer Lopez's "Let's Get Loud" where they sing and dance plus they took it to the ultimate performance level.

Muriel Lomadilla of Cebu

Muriel Lomadilla of Cebu did a soulful and groovy performance of "Killing Me Softly with his Song" where she performed using her foreign beauty and world-class voice. She had already an identity as a next recording star in our country with her soulful voice, unique singing style and total packaging as a music star.

Lucky Twins of Leyte

The contemporary dancing duo Lucky Twins did a heartfelt interpretative dance. They have the precise and passionate choreography and they are truly good contemporary jazz dancers. They have the posture and grace in dancing which looks masculine.

Sandugo Band of San Pablo City, Laguna

Sandugo performed "Yugyugan Na" by P.O.T. which their performance is somewhat away from their comfort zone which is reggae. They shown versatility where they performed funk and reggae. Still, they still have a strong showmanship and energy from the vocalist to the musicians.

Khalil Joseph Ramos of Paranaque

Khalil Joseph Ramos got the support and audience impact because of his boy next door looks and rockin voice in his rendition of Aerosmith's "Dream On." He performed with powerful vocals and he can be the next rock heartthrob. Although it was a hard song to sing, he rendered it properly which makes the girls supported him.

Synergy of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

The aerial acrobatics troupe Synergy did a storytelling through their breathtaking and death-defying aerial acrobatic stunts plus their concept and their colorful costumes. They got the standing ovation from the judges because of their world-class performance which can be compared to Las Vegas circus performance or even in Cirque de Soleil. 

In the end, Khalil, Bringas Brothers and Maasinhon Trio make it to the top 3. Maasinhon Trio got the highest number of votes which made them the winner of the third season of Pilipinas Got Talent. 

Maasinhon Trio, the grand champion of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3.

Blogger's Note: Maasinhon Trio is one of the talented contestants in PGT because although their act is common (due to the dominance of singing trios last season especially the Madrigal Siblings, DJP Trio and Joy's Diva) they are the all-male version plus their age bracket of 38-45 makes me impressed because they can sing with blending and the song choices they had which is more on OPM. All of the 12 contestants are truly talented and this batch is the most diverse in terms of different talents they have. El Gamma Penumbra made a fantastic shadow play about Philippine culture and tourism, Synergy did a very exceptional aerial acrobatics routine which can be competed in international circus shows like Cirque de Soleil, Renagine consistently amazed the crowd with her powerful vocals and Khalil made the girls cry because of his good looks and rockin voice. All of the 12 performers did a great job especially this season the talent has take to another level!

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Sixth Semi Finals

Last fifth semi-finals round, Maasinhon Trio got the highest number of public votes and Renagine Pepito won the judges vote which made them as the ninth and tenth grand finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3. Now, only six acts remain to compete for the last two slots for grand finals.

Will Khalil Joseph Ramos become the next singing heartthrob of Pilipinas Got Talent after he received an overwhelming impact from the female audience? Can the youngest contender Jane Ann Arnado will be the young version of Angel Calalas of season 2 in terms of the expertise of hula hoop tricks? Can Flip Duo entertained the crowd with their funny and unique comedic dance routine? Will the only rap group who made it in PGT Kiriko sang their way towards victory with their clear delivery and meaningful rap? Can Technojazz entertain the crowd with their death-defying cheerleading steps which is similar to Dance Selection of season 2? Will  comebacking contestant Jet Barrun sang her way to the finals with her powerful vocals and strong showmanship on stage?

The sixth batch of semi-finalists in PGT: Jane Ann Arnado (hula hoop tricker), Flip Duo (comedic dancing duo), Khalil Joseph Ramos (singer), Technojazz (cheerleading group), Kiriko (rappers), and Jet Barrun (singer).

The death-defying cheerdance and acrobatics stunts of Technojazz  started the show. They have a very funny dance routine plus they have the precise spins extreme and dangerous cheerdancing steps. Their routine reminds me of the steps of Dance Selection of season 2 and other gay dance groups who did that kind of dance routine.

Jane Ann Arnado shown her very good hula hoop tricks at her young age of 7. She did a fantastic job at her age and she will learn a lot of tricks in playing the hula hoop when she grow up.

The rap group Kiriko did an original composition of a song about being a Filipino which inculcates a sense of nationalism. They have a clear delivery of the words, very meaningful lyrics and lines which can be remembered by people when they hear it on the radio or saw it on MTV. Their audition piece is all about the Filipino flag which they have the line "Pula, asul, dilaw at puti" and their semi finals piece line which is "Ito ang lahi ko, Pilipino akong tunay! Ito ang kulay ko, kayumanggi nang habangbuhay!" They truly deserve to have a record deal in OPM plus they can follow the footsteps of Francis M., Andrew E., Salbakuta and Gloc 9 plus they have the meaningful lyrics and music.

The next singing heartthrob and teen rockstar Khalil Joseph Ramos sang "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith which makes a strong impact among female audience. Definitely he had the star factor because of his good looks, rockin voice and a good musical arrangement that matches in his style.

Flip Duo did a comedic dance from "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars. They have a precise interpretation and funny dance moves but their audition performance of "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Calliat is much better than this.

Jet Barrun performed "Lady Marmalade" from the musical Moulin Rouge. It was a perfect song choice because of her powerful, clear and classy vocals. She takes her performance to the other level which she performed a song and dance number which is hard to synchronized. She reminds me of Haley Reinhart of American Idol 10 in terms of vocal style and showmanship. She deserves to be in the finale but she lost the judges vote (anyway she can join in singing contests like X Factor where she can stand out).

In the end, Khalil Joseph Ramos won the public vote which makes him the 11th grand finalist and the judges made a split decision where Kiriko won the vote which makes them the 12th grand finalist over Jet Barrun.

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Fifth Semi Finals

Last week, two acts made it once again from the fourth semi-finals of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3. The kiddie gymnastics group Loverkada Kids got the highest public vote and Twin Divas won the judges vote by unanimous decision. This week, six acts will compete for the fifth semi-finals of Pilipinas Got Talent. Can Wushu Discovery will be the first martial arts act to made it to the grand finals of PGT? Will Negros Dance Superstars followed the footsteps of NielBeth of season 2 in terms of their technically polished ballroom steps? Will Maasinhon Trio work in perfect blending and harmony in order for them to make it to the finale? Can the two returning beatboxers Harold Gesulga from season 1 and Kervy Salazar from season 2 impressed the crowd as Philippine Dubstep? Can Jeziel Dimagna-ong will be the first contender and rocker from Siquijor who will make it to the grand finals of PGT? Will Renagine Pepito will receive once again an overwhelming impact because of her powerful vocals in her singing?

The fifth set of semi finalists in Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Renagine Pepito (singer), Maasinhon Trio (singing trio), Philippine Dubstep (beatboxing duo), Wushu Discovery (martial arts troupe), Jeziel Dimagna-ong (singer) and Negros Dance Superstars (ballroom dancing troupe).

The competition started with the first ever semi-finalists who shown a martial arts routine in Pilipinas Got Talent which is the Wushu Discovery. They have the synchronized choreography of their wushu routine and they made two highlights in their act: the fight scenes and the sword exhibition. The act was truly refreshing and it was a rare moment to saw a martial arts routine in a talent search.

Jeziel Dimagna-ong of Siquijor sang Survivor's "The Search is Over" where the song choice is  perfect because of his vocal quality and style. However, it was just an okay performance (his auditions is much better) and due to his health conditions during that time he didn't reach the high notes.

The only dancesport group in the third season's semi-finals Negros Dance Superstars made a fusion of tribal and ballroom dancing. They have the very good entrance which they used shadows as well with their good costumes. Overall, it was an okay performance.

The all-male singing trio Maasinhon Trio sang a classic from Sharon Cuneta entitled "Bituing Walang Ningning." They have the perfect blending and excellent harmony of voices and they truly owned the song. Definitely, they can do acapella, acoustic or even classical because of their vocal quality and talent at their age.

The tandem of comebacking beatboxers Harold Gesulga of season 1 and Kervy Salazar of season 2 or the Philippine Dubstep was truly deserving because they leveled-up the beatbox performance in PGT. It is the most entertaining beatbox act so far because they have the props which they used two Transformers robots, they have the choreography and the production of sounds is entertaining and groovy. It was a very good performance.

Renagine Pepito shown her powerful voice and singing talent with her rendition of Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone." She sings like a pro and she had a very good musical accompaniment along with the choir plus she sings from the heart. Once again, she received an overwhelming response from the audience and one of the most consistent contenders since auditions where she make an excellent performance of "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. Definitely, a star is born with Renagine.

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Fourth Semi-Finals

The fourth set of semi-finalists in Pilipinas Got Talent: the gymnastics group Loverkada Kids, singer Rowell Quizon, popping dance crew Triple Sensez, rock band Inner Core, singing and belly dancing duo Twin Divas and puppeteer Kim Tenorio.

Last week, the third batch of semi-finalists compete in a live performance of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3 where the acoustic duo of Davao del Sur, Bringas Brothers won the public vote and the aerial acrobatics troupe Synergy won the judges vote. This week is the fourth semi-finals night of Pilipinas Got Talent. Will Kim Tenorio entertained the judges and the viewers with his puppet show? Will Rowell Quizon follows the footsteps of his father Dolphy as well with his brothers Eric, Epi and Boy 2 as a singer and the grand winner of PGT? Will the Twin Divas made their luck with their belly dancing and singing talent to get the P2,000,000? Can Triple Sensez will dance their way to victory with their poppin and lockin moves? Will the Inner Core will be the next band to make it to the finals of season 3 after Sandugo? Will the Loverkada Kids will be the first gymnastics group and contortionists who will make it to the grand finals?

The Twin Divas started the show with their energetic and fierce performance of "Run The World" by Beyonce. They are versatile singers and dancers because they leveled-up from doing belly dancing to hiphop as well with their tempo of song. Definitely they have the total packaging and versatility as total performers.

Kim Tenorio entertained the judges and the crowd with his puppet show including three characters: three baby dolls and one dwarf. He had a very good coordination and movement of puppets, the music choice was groovy and definitely, it gives the best entertainment value for different age levels of audience from kids to oldies. Besides, the story of the puppet show is clearer with additional characters.

From the talented showbiz clan where the King of Comedy Dolphy and actors Epi, Boy2, and Eric Quizon came, singer Rowell Quizon sang Air Supply's "The One That You Love." He had the packaging and the strong audience support but he didn't reach the high notes or there are times that he felt sharp or flat in some of his notes. Therefore, he owned the song.

The poppin dance crew from Cebu Triple Sensez have the precise coordination and movements plus their clean looks and choreography. They remind me of the second season grand finalist  B4 with their dance routine.

Inner Core performed "Fall For you" which they are true blue rockers with their musicality and the voice plus the good diction of the vocalist.

Loverkada Kids performed with their fantastic gymnastic moves and stunts at their young age. They have the precise cartwheels and spins which matches their flexible movements, death defying stunts and amazing contortionist moves. It was a superb performance for their age and they deserve to compete in other countries with their world-class gymnastics routine.

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Third Semi-Finals

There are four contenders who made it to the grand finals of the third season of Pilipinas Got Talent. The shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra from week 1 and Sandugo from week 2 are the top winners of text and online votes. On the other hand, the contemporary dancing duo Lucky Twins and singer Muriel Lomadilla won the judges' votes to make it to the finale.

Who among the third batch of semi-finalists will make it to the grand finals? Will it be the powerful vocals of Lyn del Rosario make her way towards the finale? Can Synergy's world-class pole dancing and aerial acrobatics made them as the next grand finalists? Will the flexible and death-defying moves of Gensan Contortionists impress the judges? Will the Jive Dancers make it as the first all-female dance crew to make it on the grand finals? Will Rhonsben Jonota made a superb performance this round after he received a standing ovation from the judges? Will Jefferson and Kurt Bringas will make a touching impact because of their cool talent and touching life story in order for them to win the contest?

The third batch of semi-finalists: singer Lyn del Rosario, all-female dance crew Jive Dancers, aerial acrobatics troupe Synergy, acoustic duo Jefferson & Kurt Bringas, child singer Rhonsben Jonota and contortionist duo Gensan Contortionist.

The first act of the night was the 11-year old singer Rhonsben Jonota with his rendition of Angeline Quinto's "Patuloy ang Pangarap." He had a clear delivery of lyrics, he can sing with emotions and he owned a wide range of voice. Overall, it was a very good performance.

Gensan Contortionists shown an amazing and difficult acrobatics and contortionist moves. They have very flexible moves with various movements in their routine. However, it was very fast and predictable.

The Bringas Brothers (Jefferson and Kurt) performed the 90's classic "More Than Words" by Extreme. They have cool vocals, accompaniment and musicality for acoustic type of music. They  truly own the song and they are simply fantastic. Besides, they inspire other people because of their sob story and their down-to-earth personality.

The Jive Dancers shown a sexy and groovy multi-track dance routine and proved that female dance crew can dominate in a prestigious talent search (most of the dance crews joined in talent search in Philippine TV are composed of male members). They have the street dancing and hiphop moves with energy and truly feminine.

Lyn del Rosario sang Heart's "What About Love" which on that night is her birthday. It was a rockin performance and the song choice suits her vocal range but she didn't reach the higher notes.

The aerial acrobatics troupe Synergy shown a truly world class performance which reminds me of Cirque de Soleil and Amazing Show. The body paints and costumes are truly effective in stage set-up, the pole dancers shown a death-defying moves plus the aerialists did a breathtaking and intense performance (especially the one with a bicycle) which is fantastic and superb. 

Gala Dyournal: The 32nd Manila International Book Fair at SMX Convention Center

The 32nd Manila International Book Fair entrance.

Last September 17, 2011, the 32nd Manila International Book Fair was held at SMX Convention Center at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The book fair was participated by different publishing companies and bookstores in the Philippines, supported by SM Mall of Asia as the main venue for this event. I visited various booths in the said book fair from educational books which offers encyclopedias and discuss lessons in different school subjects for student to religious and inspirational books which help to improve our spiritual life.

PSICOM Booth

In the said book fair, right after I visited the religious and educational sections, I visited the PSICOM booth where they publish cookbooks, anime magazines, horror stories, and humor books. In the said booth, I saw the comedian Tado Jimenez with his signing of his book entitled "Ikatlo sa Huling Libro." While waiting, I bought the three Chopsticks series and Suplado Tips book for only P50.00 each with the total of P200.00. Then right after thirty minutes of waiting and visiting different booths, the Fil-Chinese cartoonist, stand up comedian, host and the author of comics strip Chopsticks and the bestselling book Suplado Tips, Stanley Chi arrived in the booth. In the book fair, I completed the three Chopsticks series and the Suplado Tips book which he signed all the four books he wrote. Although he is a suplado, he is a very nice and accommodating person. 

The Chopsticks comic book collection from series 1 to 3.

Congratulations Stanley Chi for the continuous success in your writing career and you made a part in a book fair plus more power to your new show in GMANews TV called Hecklines and I hope that you win in Komikon Awards. (You got my vote!) I would like to thank Mr. Chi for signing my book and giving the gift certificate and at last I see you in person and to the two kuyas who assist and accommodate me (especially the one who take picture of Stanley and I) thanks a lot for the time and bonding.

His latest book, Suplado Tips.

The first Chopsticks series.

Stanley Chi signing the book.

The author and cartoonist Stanley Chi  and his book Suplado Tips. please buy at your nearest bookstores.

Therefore, this book fair is successful because of the people who attended this event ranging from students to teachers, from young professionals to executives, from book lovers to bloggers and most of all to the authors, educators, and management and staff of different publishing companies who participated in the said event as well with the SM Mall of Asia management,  kudos for the successful event.