CEBU, Philippines — Sinulog Idol Managing Director Gloria Villarojo noted in her opening remarks that the annual singing competition is not complete without inclement weather. As such, the tilt managed to push through with its opening salvo at Fuente Osmeña Circle, Friday, January 10, despite the moderate downpour.
“There has been no Sinulog Idol season where there isn’t rain,” Villarojo remarked. “There might have been rain on the first night, but I am manifesting until the finals, there is no rain.”
Indeed, some of the melancholic song choices from the 12 finalists in the Idol’s Choice round, as observed by Coach Apple Abarquez, suited the rainy weather.
The standout performer of the night was Kimberly Ann Dianon from Talisay City, who delivered a powerful rendition of Angeline Quinto’s “Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin,” earning her the season’s first Star of the Night title.
Dianon, a hospitality management graduate from Talisay City College, explained her song choice: “I really like the message, so I wanted to express and deliver it clearly.”
While critiquing the performances, Coach Fritz Ian Palomares praised Dianon, saying, “You are one of the best performers of the night. You have good vocal control, and your dynamics is something I loved listening to. You started soft but still romantic.”
Dianon emerged as one of the top three contestants of the night, alongside Crizalena Cabanas from Santander and Bernard Larido from Danao City. Their memorable performances included “Hindi Na Nga” by This Band and “I Feel Good” by James Brown, respectively.
In contrast, the judges placed Marco Zamesa from Talisay City, Yesica Yen Manco from Carmen, and Sidgen Bagacay from Mandaue City at the bottom three. Their respective performances of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down,” UDD’s “Tadhana,” and Olivia Newton-John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You” failed to impress the judges.
Coach Ryan Mark Borinaga explained that the bottom three lacked emotional connection to the songs they chose to perform.
Manco, an education graduate majoring in elementary education, told The FREEMAN that she is taking the judges’ feedback to heart, hoping it will help her break into the top three in future rounds.
Also competing for the title of 16th Sinulog Idol champion are Tom Jefferson Abalos from Cebu City, Lian Grace Sinculan from Lapu-Lapu City, Karla Sheanne Villondo from Minglanilla, and Toledo City’s Christian Villaflor and John Vince Deiparine.
Sinulog Idol 16 will run until January 16, with each night featuring a different category.
Borinaga remarked that this year’s edition features one of the strongest batches, noting that some candidates had auditioned for Sinulog Idol in previous years.
When asked what they are looking for in this year’s winner, the judges emphasized the importance of being a strong storyteller through song.
“They should connect their emotions to their songs and repertoire, and to the audience,” Borinaga explained. “It’s one thing to go through vocal lessons, but being a good storyteller should come with great vocals.”
Abraquez added, “They have to make the words transcend from notes into a beautiful story that the audience can relate to. It’s like hearing your favorite sad song even if you are not sad. It’s about allowing the audience to feel what he or she feels at that very moment.”
Miss Cebu 2025 Candidate #10 -- Shannara Eve Alob, 22
Second time’s a charm for Shannara Eve Alob, who made it as a Miss Cebu 2025 candidate after screening again on her own.
“I joined Miss Cebu because its organization (Cebu City Tourism Council) aligns with what I believe in. It’s not just about beauty, body, or physique, it’s about the brain. It’s about showcasing that women are more than just beautiful on the outside,” she explained.
Alob pursued a nursing degree to support her family, especially her younger siblings, by sending them to prestigious universities whenever possible. During her studies, she realized her ability to help extended beyond family.
“Being hands-on and helping people from different walks of life through nursing is something I am passionate about. If I can take care of my siblings, I know I can take care of others too,” she said.
“There’s so much satisfaction in doing that. There’s love, kindness, and the opportunity to not only help but also learn from others, which helps me grow as a person,” she added. — (FREEMAN)