Pinoys shine in int'l singing tilt

Just recently, Filipinos awed the world with exemplary talent. In the 10th annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), Team Philippines wowed the other participating countries by their phenomenal success. Held in the entertainment capital of the globe, in Hollywood, California, the WCOPA is a pres-tigious international competition dubbed as the Olympics of the performing arts. And out of 4000 delegates, the country's national team has brought home more than 50 awards, definitely solidifying our ground as excellent world-class performers.

Leading the Philippine delegation is Ida R. Henares, appointed National Director for WCOPA Philippines and Assistant Vice President/Head of the GMA Artist Center. From last year's two contestants, this year, the Philippines fielded 23 contestants to compete in the vocal, instrumentalist, dance, and acting events. The national delegation for this year's competition is spearheaded by GMA Artist Center's (GMAAC) talents Jonalyn Viray and Brenan Espartinez, both products of the "Pinoy Pop Superstar." Competing in the Vocal Senior Division, both Jonalyn and Brenan outdid themselves, bringing pride and honor to the Philippines with their outstanding performances.

This goes to say that the Kapuso Network has produced world-class talents. The industry's best, and now, the World's best was discovered, produced, and developed by GMA. Jonalyn and Brenan are only two of the artists who started with GMA through "Pinoy Pop Superstar," and whose rare talents will be honed and harnessed through the different development programs of the GMA Artist Center to continue braving new heights for the country's entertainment industry.

First "Pinoy Pop Superstar" Grand Champion Jonalyn Viray garnered five Gold medals for the following competition events: Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B/Jazz, and Variety. Her winning piece for the Original competition event was "Close To Where You Are", the carrier single from her debut album "On My Own" under GMA Records. The young diva also brought home the Female Vocal Solo Industry Award. Aside from these, the 16-year-old belter received the Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo Awards for the Broadway, Original, and Pop categories.

"Pinoy Pop Superstar" 1st runner up, 20 year old Brenan Espartinez received the following accolades for his performance in the WCOPA: Overall Champion Male Vocal Solo for Gospel, Original, Pop and Variety; and 5 Gold medals for Gospel, Original, Pop, R&B/Jazz, and Variety. Brenan also received the Male Vocal Solo Industry Award. For the Vocal Duet/Trio, the awe-inspiring pair of Jonalyn and Brenan was given 2 Gold medals for Pop and R&B/Jazz, the Vocal Duet/Trio Industry Award, and Overall Champion Vocal Duet/Trio for the Pop, Gospel, and Broadway categories.

Joining the team are Network talent Jon Joven, QTV's Fam Jam Champion, The Siblings, and the Cercado Sisters (runner-up). Completing the team are some veteran and up and coming artists Rachel Alejandro, Jeremie Antiporda, Faith Cuneta, Jennifer Bautista, Angelo Ortiz, Kim Flores, Bim Mangubat, Glenn Cadampog, Juaquin Garcia, and Rommel Luna. The Philippine contingent was a multi-awarded team with the Cercado Sisters winning the Grand Champion Vocal Group Award, and Jon Joven bringing home the Overall Champion Male Vocal for Broadway Award among many other awards brought home by Team Philippines.

Over 100 representatives from the entertainment industry were invited to judge, conduct educational seminars, and screen new faces and talent. Entertainment value and marketability are two of the major factors considered in judging the contestants. And sure enough, the country's exceptional delegates have confirmed that Filipino artists have what it takes to make it internationally. The global meet has provided homegrown talents the opportunity to shine and dominate abroad.

They were once the network's best. Until they became the nation's best bets. Now, we can proudly say that they are truly, and unquestionably among the world's best music artists.

To celebrate the victory of our delegates, the country's real concert TV SOP will be staging a heroes welcome for the the grand homecoming of Jonalyn Viray and Brenan Espartinez this Sunday, August 20, at 12 noon, airing live on GMA!