Third time’s the charm

CEBU, Philippines - He auditioned twice for Sinulog Idol, but failed to make the cut in both instances. Finally, on his third attempt at screening last year, 20-year-old Claudio Deiparine from Mohon, Talisay City entered the circle of 12 finalists of the singing tilt’s fifth edition. His luck did not end there though  after a series of nightly eliminations, Claudio was declared Sinulog Idol 2014 champion during the grand finals held Jan.16 at the Fuente Osmeña Circle.

“When I got to the top 12, I was happy enough since I was able to gain a lot of friends and new insights in the performing arts. In the process of the competition, I made it as a personal challenge to make it to the top three. In my mind, if I win the competition that would be a bonus,” said Claudio, who soared high indeed with his winning performance of “I Believe I Can Fly.”

While daily rehearsals and nightly eliminations can be quite grueling, Claudio said all of the contestants felt like family during the course of the competition and made sure to support each other. “When we work overtime, we just had to be patient since we knew that it was for the betterment and the good of everyone involved.”

Sinulog Idol made him learn much about humility, as this was often drilled into their consciousness by their mentors.

He dedicates his achievement to the Creator, his family, friends and mentors. “They are always supportive of all my creative endeavors. They have also kept me grounded, and taught me patience and perseverance.”

Claudio is a member of 10 G Troupers, the resident performing company of the Lakwatsa Resto Lounge, where he performs with Sinulog Idol 2013 winner Alden Asehan.

Singing was his hobby as a child. He honed his talent in high school when he joined the school choir, and that gave him the exposure on the performance art. He listens to almost all genres from RnB, Pop, Pinoy Rock to love songs. Usher, Erik Santos, Bamboo, and Guy Sebastian are just some of his favorite singers.

Apart from music, he is inclined to creative technical work such as computer-aided graphic design and musical recording.

His best and memorable experience apart from his recent victory was joining the Cebu Popular Music Festival in 2012, wherein he had to interpret an original Cebuano composition, working double time to give justice to the song.

It was Claudio’s first time to record a song as part of the compilation which was commercially released by the Cebu Pop Foundation. Being part of an album was such an honor for this Psychology major from the University of Cebu, knowing that more people will be able to hear his voice.

He also trains children in the music performance arts and felt fulfilled seeing his trainees win in singing contests. “I will still continue training children in the field of music and share to them the training that I gained from the Center for Pop and Sinulog Idol workshops.  Of course, I will have to do my Sinulog Idol obligations and help them in the promotions of their projects,” he said.

Sinulog Idol 2014 first runner-up Sheila Mae Bucog, a second year Mass Communication student from University of San Jose-Recoletos, likewise enthralled the judges when she sang “This is My Now.” 

Second runner-up is Railyn Alicaya, a Psychology student from Cebu Normal University and a member of CNU Chorale, who belted out Fantasia Barino’s “I Believe” during the final round.

To continue to inspire others is what the Sinulog Idol top three contestants hope to inculcate to other aspiring singers. “Never give up, be grounded, love music and it will in turn love you!  Sing as if it’s your manner of communicating and sharing, but sing only of things that will inspire you and make you a better person!  Never be selfish — when you sing, do it as if you are giving all of yourself,” said Claudio.

A joint project of the Cebu City Government, Sinulog Foundation Inc., Soundtraxx Production Studio and Center for Pop Music Philippines, Sinulog Idol provides contestants with trainings and workshops in the proper way of singing and proper stage performance.

Mentor-judges were Center for Pop-Cebu Branch Manager and Vocal Coach Jay Unchuan, former Pinoy Dream Academy scholar Apple Abarquez and Banat News entertainment editor and DyRC program anchor Ryan Mark Borinaga. (FREEMAN)