Team Phl dominates world championships of performing arts

CEBU, Philippines - Child star Cha-Cha Cañete from the hit kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit” took home two medals at the recently concluded 17th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) that took place in Hollywood, California. The competition ran from July 12 to July 21.

Earning much praise and recognition, Cha-Cha’s talent wowed the crowd and judges as she performed in five different categories during the prestigious competition. Just at the young age of eight, she was awarded silver medals for her performances of “The Climb” and “Climb Every Mountain” in the Pop and Gospel categories, respectively.

Aside from Cha-Cha’s success at WCOPA, Team Philippines proved to be a fierce competitor, besting representatives from over fifty countries.

Team Philippines’ Beverly Caimen won the highest recognition of “Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World”, while Aldeza Ianna de la Torre was also proclaimed “Junior Grand Champion of the World”—earning the Philippines a grand slam, winning the highest titles in both divisions. Beverly and Ianna also won as “Grand Champion Vocalists of the World” in their divisions.

Success for the country doesn’t stop there, as the title of “Grand Champion Vocal Group of the World” went to the Gollayan Sisters, and Reynaldo Gorospe, Jr. won as “Grand Champion Male Model of the World”—taking home the gold as the Philippines’ first ever representative to compete in the Modeling Category.

Even more—singing sensation Jed Madela, who was the first Filipino to win a grand slam as “Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World” and “Senior Grand Champion Vocalist of the World” in 2005 was inducted this year into WCOPA’s legendary Performing Arts Hall of Fame. Pinoy Dream Academy scholars Chivas Malunda and Laarni Lozada are included in those who brought home medals.

With all the country’s wins from its top talents, Team Philippines’ National Director, Gerry Mercado, took home a much-deserved award as “3rd Best National Director”. 

A total of 29 members of Team Philippines took home awards in various categories, with 43 Gold, 38 Silver, and 26 Bronze awards. The team also received four Industry Awards.

The Philippine Team for WCOPA is led by WCOPA International Director Annie Mercado, WCOPA-Philippines National Director Gerry Mercado and the official talent scouts Charie Vega and Lito Napolitano from the Philippines, Royce Pellerin from Japan, and Dr. Molina from Saudi Arabia. (FREEMAN)