Will the Golden Voice of Cebu triumph in ‘The Clash’?

CEBU, Philippines — After months of weekly sing-offs, six out of 62 Clashers were named grand finalists in the GMA-7 reality-singing competition “The Clash.” Among the final six is 16-year-old Golden Cañedo, otherwise known as the “Golden Voice Ng Cebu.

From six Cebuano Clashers, only Golden remained to compete in the finals tonight. Alongside Golden are “Matinik na Heartthrob ng Valenzuela” Anthony Rosaldo, “Tower of Power ng Olongapo” Garret Bolden, “Trending R&B Star ng North Cotabato” Jong Madaliday, “Cute Crooner ng Cagayan de Oro” Josh Adornado and “Fierce Diva ng Pampanga” Mirriam Manalo.

One of the show’s youngest contenders, Golden spoke in a press conference in Manila for the final six Clashers about how different life has been since joining “The Clash.”

The Grade 10 student, who moved to Manila with her mom and younger sibling since workshops began, said that there really is a difference between the local and national stage.

 “Nagbago po yung takbo ng buhay ko. Noon po sa Cebu lang po ako nagsi-singing contest, doon lang po ako sa Cebu nakilala. Ngayon po kahit bata pa ako, nandito ako nakasama po ako sa Top 6,” Golden said in a Pep.ph report.

Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable also confirmed in the same press conference that Golde, along with her fellow Top 6 Clashers will join “Studio 7,” the Kapuso network’s upcoming musical variety show that will be top-billed by Julie Anne San Jose, Kyline Alcantara, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Migo Adecer, Gabbi Garcia, Rayver Cruz, Kate Valdez, Mikee Quintos, Donita Nose, Tekla and Mavy Legaspi. “Studio 7” will premiere on October 14 after “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.”

Since joining “The Clash,” the Minglanilla native also got to work on her character and personality.

 “Nung nandoon po ako sa Cebu, wala po akong paki sa personalidad ko, sa pagkatao ko. Pero nagpunta po ako sa ‘The Clash’ at tinuruan po nila ako kung paano i-guide yung sarili ko at kung paano makisalamuha sa ibang tao,” she said in the same report.

Golden started competing when she was 12 years old and didn’t have any formal training prior to “The Clash. She learned from imitating performances online.

 “Never po akong nag-voice lesson. Never pong may nag-coach sa akin. Yun pong parang pinapanood ko lang po sa YouTube yung mga kanta, tapos sinusunod ko lang po, kinakanta ko sa mga contest. Nanalo naman po ako. Pero nong kindergarten po ako, doon ko simulang nakita yung talent ko. Saka nag-stop po ako, kain dito kain doon. Masarap po talaga yung mga ice cream,” said Golde, who returned to the competition scene when she started singing in school and barangay contests.

In a previous interview with The Freeman, Golden shared that she persuaded her parents to allow her to join “The Clash.” Her parents had been nothing short of supportive.

 “I want to show my talent. Not only in Cebu but all over the Philippines and even in other countries,” Golden had said.

The teen plans to juggle her singing career with senior high school. For college, she plans to take up a Tourism degree to become a flight attendant or maybe work and sing in a cruise ship.

Golden was initially intimidated by all the talents she came across, but was comforted by the fact that she was one of the few chosen to compete despite her age and experience.

 “Of course I was scared. What can I offer when I don’t have a lot of experience? So I practiced all the time. I leave everything to God,” the Sarah Geronimo fan said. “I learned a lot, not only in singing. Before, I couldn’t dance and I was so shy.”

Throughout the competition, Golden got to see her strengths and weaknesses. She’s also thankful for the lessons from her fellow competitors and the workshops they were provided.

Danielle Ozaraga and Esterlina Olmedo – the Cebuanas who made it to the Top 12 with Golden – left the teenager messages of encouragement. Danielle, who calls Golden “baby girl,” and Mommy Esterlina told her to represent Cebu well.

For tonight’s finals, Golden is understandably concerned, but promises to do her best and win the championship for herself and Cebu.

 “I’m always praying and practicing,” Golden told The Freeman. “I hope I get to give my all and that I do my piece perfectly. I’m super blessed but also nervous because there are a lot of belters and I’m the only one left out of six Cebuanos.”

Hosted by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and judged by Christian Bautista, Lani Misalucha and Ai-Ai Delas Alas, “The Clash” will provide its grand champion an exclusive management contract from GMA Network, a brand new car, one million pesos and house and lot from Bria Homes.