Hawaii governor declares ‘Jasmine Trias Day’

An idol in her own right, sweet-faced Filipino-American Jasmine Trias received a hero’s welcome in her homestate of Hawaii where it was declared "Jasmine Trias Day" Friday.

The 17-year-old "American Idol" finalist, who traces her roots to the Philippines, was back in her hometown in Oahu for a short visit while the show’s producers take video footage of the final three contestants in their respective hometowns, according to the Honolulu Star Bulletin.

Trias, who thought she was going to pack her bags Wednesday, was ecstatic and thrilled when swarms of her fans greeted her arrival at the Honolulu capitol.

Acting Gov. James "Duke" Aiona welcomed her with a "Jasmine Trias Day" proclamation that was signed by Gov. Linda Lingle, who was then out of town, the Star Bulletin said.

"We obviously know who the star is here," Aiona was quoted by the Star Bulletin as saying at a news conference. "We’re looking at character, faith and a lot of live (plus) humility and respect," Aiona said of Trias.

Trias was back in her smiling form after getting a beating from judges on Tuesday’s show, as she signed autographs and thanked her followers who have voted for her to stay in the race.

In her native country, no less than President Arroyo joined Trias’ legions of fans in praying for her successful bid to beat her two American rivals in the title showdown.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye admitted the President is in the know of the latest developments in Fox Channels’ smash hit television contest.

Mrs. Arroyo herself might have even catched an airing of "American Idol" on local cable tv, Bunye surmised.

"The President normally surfs (the tv) and I’m sure she knows of this positive development where on of the few finalists is of Filipino origin," he said.

Trias admitted she was "ready to go" after her performance on Tuesday got a stern critique from British judge Simon Cowell while other judges were lukewarm in their response.

"I thought I was going to go but I guess America gave me another chance," Trias said in a report on NBC Hawaii’s "News 8." "I’m grateful that I’m here and it’s another week."

The latest contestant who got the boot was La Toya London, who was voted off by the audience Wednesday.

Trias is joined by Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo in the top three.

Fellow Fil-Am Camille Velasco was booted out of the race last April.

Trias’ father, Rudy, expressed pride in his daughter’s achievement.

"I’m so proud of her and all the support she has gotten," he told the Star Bulletin.

Among Trias’ supporters is a Hawaii judge, who admitted she takes time out to text in her vote for Jasmine.

According to the Star Bulletin, Oahu Circuit Judge Sabrina McKenna is a "huge" fan of Trias and Velasco.

Audience call or text in their votes as each contestant is assigned with his or her own toll-free number and text message short number.

Judges play an advisory role after helping winnow the field of 70,000 applicants to 32 semifinalists and then, with viewers, to 12 finalists. The audience takes charge from there until the winner is picked.

Bunye himself was aware of this.

And since the text votes from Asia are not taken in the contest, Bunye said Filipinos here could prod their families in the US to text in their votes for Trias.

"Maybe we can just talk to our relatives (in the US) to support Jasmine," he said, adding it would "definitely" be an honor for the Philippines if Trias wins the American Idol title. – Marichu Villanueva