WATCH: ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 2’ winners’ final performances

MANILA, Philippines — After a year of scouring the whole archipelago and the world, “Tawag ng Tanghalan” places its 12 best singers with different styles and strengths on their final journey to become the newest grand champion in the competition’s highly anticipated grand finals on “It’s Showtime.”

The grand finalists – one of them from Metro Manila, two from Luzon, three from Visayas, four from Mindanao, and two global contenders – were trimmed down to six and then into three slots in Saturday’s (June 2) final showdown live at the Aliw Theater.

Out of the 12 finalists, Janine Berdin of Cebu emerged as this year’s grand champion, followed by Ato Arman of Bukidnon in second place and Steven Paysu of California in third place.

Berdin’s jazzy and rocker take on Bamboo’s hits earned her a standing ovation and prizes such as a vacation package, musical gadgets package, livelihood package, premium television sets, management contracts, a brand new house and lot, P2 million, and a trophy created by renowned Filipino visual artist Toym Imao.

Other finalists in the showdown were Alfred Relatado of Davao Occidental, Remy Luntayao of Negros Occidental, Sofronio Vasquez of Misamis Occidental, Makoto Inoue of Japan, Reggie Tortugo of Ormoc, Leyte; Arabelle Dela Cruz of Calamba, Laguna; Jovany Satera of North Cotabato; Anton Antenorcruz of Parañaque; and Tuko Delos Reyes of Aurora.

“Tawag ng Tanghalan” claims to be the biggest singing competition in the Philippines, with global eliminations, enlisting contenders from Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, North America, and Europe.

Launched in 1953, the legendary singing contest was loved by Filipinos across different generations and produced some of the most respected icons in the music industry. It returned to television in 2016, opening its stage to the most talented Filipino singers and has since become a daily TV viewing habit watched by millions on TV and online.

“Tawag ng Tanghalan” airs on ABS-CBN’s noontime show “It’s Showtime.”  — Video by Erwin Cagadas