When Filipino American Jasmine Trias made
it as a Top 3 finalist in the 2004 season of “American Idol,” it simply
confirmed what we knew all along. Filipinos are among the best singers in the
world. Many of them are right here in our area - dazzling audiences at Karaoke
bars and concert halls. Anyone of these talents can become just as famous as
Jasmine - if given a chance.
And that’s what the Philippine Festival
Committee has set out to do. On April 29, it launched a search for “The Fil-Am
Centennial Idol," or “Pinoy Idol.” A brainchild of PFC co-chair Bambi
Lorica, this version of the popular TV hit show aims to showcase Filipino
talent and possibly serve as a launching pad for lasting and significant
singing careers. “We have the right stuff to make it big in Hollywood and
become overnight sensations," she says, referring to FilAm pop divas like
Tia Carrera and Cheryl Burke who recently gained fame in “Dancing with the
Stars," another TV hit show. “By coming out of their shells, these budding
artists will gain self confidence and valuable experience."
The first audition round, held at Manila
Cafe, drew five participants: Ederlyn Tanangco of Arlington, Va., Stephanie
Pimental Raza of Falls Church, Rizza Calunia, Rogelio Rio of Alexandria and Luz
Montian of Springfield. They were judged according to vocal quality,
originality, showmanship and star quality. Tanangco and Raza impressed the
judges enough to advance to the championship, which will be held during the
Philippine Festival Fair on June 4. Ten finalists and two wild card winners
will vie for the top prize, donated by Amiable Travel & Tours: a round trip
ticket to Rome, Italy.
The second round of auditions was held at
Pampanguena Cafe in Rockville, Md. on May 6. This time there were 10
contestants: Rizza Franco of Baltimore, April Paulines of Rockville, Jaime
Tabusao of Takoma Park, Janice Hernandez of Gaithersburg, Jhune Lecaros of
Silver Spring, Richard Vicente of Gaithersburg, Andrew Lorica of Potomac and
Kimberly Ratunil of Washington, D.C. Two ten-year-olds -Crissy Lorica of
Potomac and Ariel Hobro of Silver Spring -also joined the competition, wowing
the audience with lively renditions. For their strong performance, Franco and
Paulines were the judges’ top choices.
House of Chang in Ft. Washington, Md.
will host the May 13 audition. And the final round will take place May 20 at
Karaoke Idol in Falls Church, Va. The Saturday evening auditions start at
8:00PM, with registration commencing at 6:00PM.
Contestants who didn’t qualify will have
a shot at the championship as “Wild Card” winners. The two top-sellers of
tickets designed for the event will advance to the finals.
For more information, e-mail
FilAm_Idol@yahoo.com or call 202.415.4699.
By Jon Melegrito
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