Team Philippines moves on to ‘Hollywood Olympics’ grand finals

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. July 15, 2009. ABS CBN “Little Big Star” alumni Mayumi Morales and Rhap Salazar, The Young Voices of Negros, GMA 7 “SOP Rules” and “Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman” singer/host Martha Joy, and singing nurse CJ Concepcion will move on to the grand finals of the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure on July 17, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Morales and Salazar will compete against junior solo vocalists Cale Moon of the U.S.A., Sofiya Dolganova of Russia, and Sarah Malloy of Ireland.

The Young Voices of Negros will be pitted against junior vocal group Celtic Fusion of Ireland.

On the other hand, Martha Joy and Concepcion will compete against Anna Zavtseva of Russia, Pearl Jarl of Sweden, Kimverle Molina of Saudi Arabia, and Siti Sarah Raissudin of Malaysia.

Team Philippines’ Maila Mitra, Evette Pabalan, Oreo Vamenta, Divo Bayer, and Guy Lockwood made it to the semi-finals.

The WCOPA grand finals night spotlights a competition unrivaled in the history of performing arts to celebrate… “The Champions of the World”! Agents, producers, directors and others from the entertainment industry are invited to judge, and screen new faces and talent. Special emphasis is placed on entertainment value during judging. However, this in no way takes away from the technical aspect of the performances. Judges are looking for that special charisma and marketability that major entertainers have.

The top prizes at the WCOPA are the coveted “Grand Champion Performer of the World” titles. However, besides awarding gold, silver and bronze medals in the elimination rounds, Olympic-style awards are presented to overall and grand champion winners in various categories of competition, along with $50,000 in scholarships to the famed School For Film and Television in New York.

Since the Philippines joined the WCOPA in 2005, five Filipino performing artists have won the global competition’s top prizes: Jed Madela (2005 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), The Cercado Sisters (2006 Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World), Reymond Sajor (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World), Aria Clemente (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), and Catherine Loria (2008 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through the President’s Social Fund, STAGES, photographer Jason Tablante, Moomba Bar and Café, Trumpets Musicademy, and Le Froge support 2009 WCOPA Team Philippines.

Photo shows Philippine National Director Carlo Orosa, incoming Philippine National Director Kitchie Benedicto, Rhap Salazar, Mayumi Morales, CJ Concepcion, Martha Joy and The Young Voices of Negros vocal quartet.

Filipino singers open 2009 ‘Hollywood Olympics’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. A solid seven-pack of Filipino singers composed of past World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) grand winners The Cercado Sisters, Catherine Loria and Jed Madela opened the 2009 “Hollywood Olympics” at the Westin Bonaventure on July 12, 2009.

Griff O’ Neil, WCOPA founder and president, and a select group of performers from Malaysia, Haiti, Jamaica and Ireland joined the Filipino singers on stage.

“The Philippines is a great source of talent. These young performing artists are so talented, we ended up casting them in three production numbers at this year’s opening ceremonies,” said O’ Neil.

Amateur and professional performing artists from nearly 40 countries, which include the US and the Philippines, compete for the “Grand Champion of the World” titles in dance, vocal, modeling, acting, comedy, instrumental and variety at WCOPA.

Grand finals will be held on Friday night, July 17, at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure.

Filipino singers vying for the “Grand Champion Vocalist of the World” titles are Martha Joy (Viva recording artist and “Canadian Idol” finalist); Evette Pabalan, (“Sexbomb” dancer and television actress); Mayumi Morales (sister of young singer actor Makisig, and a protégé of Isay Alvarez and Tricia Jimenez’s Spotlight Artists Centre); Rhap Salazar, (ABS CBN “Little Big Star” Brightest Star); Divo Bayer, (a recording artist based in Los Angeles, California); Keane Andeza and Oreo Vamenta, new recording artists and Maila Mitra, Nicole Espolong, Melchi Bicua and CJ Concepcion, up-and-coming young performers.

Solo vocalists Guy Lockwood and Izarzuri Vidal, and group vocalists Young Voices of the Philippines Quartet are also part of Team Philippines.

Bryann Foronda, 2009 Department of Education (DepEd) Mr. Philippines Youth, is the country’s sole entry at WCOPA’s modeling competitions. He is competing in the photo and spokesmodeling events.

This year’s Team Philippines will also be featured in a Swedish television special about WCOPA.

Charice visits Hollywood Olympics

Ricky Lo, The Philippine STAR

Here’s another entry in Funfare’s continuing coverage of the ongoing Hollywood Olympics in L.A., courtesy of this corner’s Hollywood “eye”:

International singing sensation Charice has paid a visit to the Westin Bonaventure to show support to Little Big Star batchmate Rhap Salazar who is currently competing in the junior singing division at the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Charice, whom Rhap considers his best friend, together with a slew of Philippine showbiz figures (Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, Luis Manzano, Sam Milby, Erik Santos, Billy Crawford, Johnny Manahan, Piolo Pascual, Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo, Sheryn Regis, Sharon Cuneta and Korina Sanchez), provided financial aid for the young male singer to compete in the said annual event.

He also received a subsidy from Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Young performing artists from nearly 40 countries including the US and the Philippines compete for the “Grand Champion of the World” titles in dance, vocal, modeling, acting, comedy, instrumental and variety at WCOPA.

Grand finals will be held on Friday night, July 17, at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure.

Feedback from the Hollywood Olympics

Ricky Lo, The Philippine STAR


From Funfare’s L.A. DPA, this report: Teen heartthrob Sam Concepcion took a break from the Star Magic tour in the US by visiting Junior Grand Champion Performer Aria Clemente at the Westin Bonaventure, the official venue for this year’s World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), also known as the annual Hollywood Olympics.

Sam and Aria, both from STAGES’ talent roster, have started making their entry in mainstream Hollywood.

Aria recently signed with US talent agent Susan Osser. The young singing champion has been attending callbacks for product commercials.

Sam, on the other hand, just met with Sovereign Talent Group agent Frank Gonzalez.

“Sam is highly sellable and easy to cast as a young television actor,” said Gonzalez.

2008 WCOPA grand winner Catherine Loria, together with 2005 WCOPA grand winner Jed Madela, opened this year’s competitions at the Westin Bonaventure last Sunday. Participating in the Olympics are 40 countries including Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Haiti, Ireland, Jamaica, Moldova, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, USA, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova and the Philippines.

This year’s Team Philippines will be fielding 28 delegates competing in various vocal and modeling competitions.

TRUMPETS to stage N.O.A.H.

Trumpets, the theater company behind the critically acclaimed productions of “Joseph The Dreamer,” “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Little Mermaid” is back at what it does best! -producing musicals that inspire, teach and entertain the whole family all at the same time.

In N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat), Trumpets retells the classic story of the Biblical patriarch and his famous ark with wit and humor, heart and compassion, hope and joy, and of course, fun!

“Yes, we’re back,” declares returning Trumpets president Audie Gemora. “We’ve always work towards producing shows that are of the highest level of quality possible, are geared towards the family, and most importantly, with stories that convey God’s message of love. And if ever there’s a time we need hope, it’s now and, if ever there were a story that best promises that hope, it’s Noah.”

“We’ve always tried to put a modern take on what would otherwise be an ‘old’ story,” explains writer and director Jaime Del Mundo. “Aside from Noah’s always relevant theme of hope and second chances, we address three of man’s most vital relationships – man with God, man with his fellowmen and man with his environment. Concern for conservation and ecology – these are real concerns here and now.”

Originally produced and staged with puppets, this tale of a single man’s faith and obedience against seemingly insurmountable odds will now feature a cast of seasoned theater performers. Veteran actor, singer, producer and artist manager Carlo Orosa heads the list as the jovial and staunchly devoted Noah. Acclaimed star of West End’s “South Pacific” Sheila Francisco is the culinary-challenged Mrs. Noah. An ensemble of the Philippines' finest theater performers plus some new exciting talents will join them.

And as always, Trumpets will not disappoint. Del Mundo teams up again with “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Little Mermaid” production designer Mio Infante. Together they breathe new life into N.O.A.H. via imaginative staging, a fabulous set and colorful, whimsical costume designs never before seen on Philippine stage. Musical director Rony Fortich’s original music is lively, spirited, appealing and at the same time moving and inspiring. Such combination will not fail to make N.O.A.H. a live theater experience incomparable to any other form of entertainment.

N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) opens at Meralco Theater on September 4 and will run till September 27 with shows every weekend in between. For more information and show buying inquiries, call TRUMPETS at phone numbers (632) 6354478, 0917-8842105, 0932-2705639 or email trumpetsinc@gmail.com.

Team Philippines all set for 2009 ‘Hollywood Olympics’

MANILA, PHILPPINES. 28 Filipino performing artists hailing from all over the Philippines, U.S. and Canada comprise Team Philippines at the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) to be held at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, California on July 11 to 18, 2009. This year’s delegation is led by Philippine National Director Carlo Orosa, Philippine Associate Director Oliver Oliveros, and KB Entertainment’s Kitchie Benedicto.

Singers vying for the “Grand Champion Vocalist of the World” titles this year are: Martha Joy (Viva recording artist and “Canadian Idol” finalist); Evette Pabalan, (“Sexbomb” dancer and television actress); Mayumi Morales (sister of young singer actor Makisig, and a protégé of Isay Alvarez and Tricia Jimenez’s Spotlight Artists Centre); Rhap Salazar, (ABS CBN “Little Big Star” Brightest Star); Divo Bayer, (a recording artist based in Los Angeles, California); Keane Andeza and Oreo Vamenta, new recording artists; and Maila Mitra, Nicole Espolong, Melchi Bicua, CJ Concepcion and Mia Sinaguinan, up-and-coming young performers.

Solo vocalists Guy Lockwood and Izarzuri Vidal, and group vocalists Kulay Pikata and Young Voices of the Philippines Quartet are also part of the Philippine team.

Bryann Foronda, 2009 Department of Education (DepEd) Mr. Philippines Youth, is the country’s sole entry at WCOPA’s modeling competitions this year. He will be competing in the photo and spokesmodeling events.

The WCOPA is the only official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performing artists. It was designed to create a system of competitions that will provide invaluable experience and exposure for achieving artists around the world.

Contestants must be qualified and invited by Scouts and licensed National Directors in order to participate in the World system of competitions. The “Juniors” are ages 15 and under, and “Seniors” are ages 16 and over. Contestants from 50 countries including the U.S. compete for the top prizes in dance, vocal, modeling, acting, comedy, bands, instrumental and variety (various ages, females and males, individuals and groups).

The Final Night spotlights a competition unrivaled in the history of performing arts to celebrate… “The Champions of the World”! Agents, producers, directors and others from the entertainment industry are invited to judge, and screen new faces and talent. Special emphasis is placed on entertainment value during judging. However, this in no way takes away from the technical aspect of the performances. Judges are looking for that special charisma and marketability that major entertainers have. Well-wishers include former Vice President Al Gore, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Debbie Allen, Pauly Shore, and many others.

Griff O’Neil, WCOPA President, states, “Sports has its Olympics, and now the Performing Arts has its World Championships! This is the only official international competition program for seasoned and up-and-coming performers and entertainers annually held in “Hollywood,” entertainment capital of the world. Countries are represented by delegations similar to the Olympics. It is a rare opportunity for a privileged few.”

The top prizes at the WCOPA are the coveted “Grand Champion Performer of the World” titles. However, besides awarding gold, silver and bronze medals in the elimination rounds, Olympic-style awards are presented to overall and grand champion winners in various categories of competition, along with $50,000 in scholarships to the famed School For Film and Television in New York.

Since the Philippines joined the WCOPA in 2005, five Filipino performing artists have won the global competition’s top prizes: Jed Madela (2005 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), Cercado Sisters (2006 Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World), Reymond Sajor (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World), Aria Clemente (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), and Catherine Loria (2008 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through the President’s Social Fund, STAGES, photographer Jason Tablante, Moomba Bar and Café, Trumpets Musicademy, and Le Froge support 2009 WCOPA Team Philippines.

Christian Bautista rebounds from past National Anthem blunder

Bong Godinez, Pep.Ph

Singer Christian Bautista waited two years to redeem himself.

Last Saturday, June 27, at the opening ceremony of the 85th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, the 27-year-old balladeer finally achieved redemption as he delivered the Philippine National Anthem flawlessly in front of a sellout crowd composed of students, varsity players, prominent personalities and representatives coming from various colleges and universities.

It will be recalled that Christian drew flak from critics after he accidentally skipped a few lines of the "Lupang Hinirang" in an exhibition boxing duel between Gerry Peñalosa and Concepcion Bernabe held on September 16, 2007 in Alabang.

"I apologize to the Filipino people for the lapse of memory that occurred yesterday during my rendition of the National Anthem. I was recovering from a cold and the adrenalin and excitement of the moment got me through it. Unfortunately, it was at the cost of a momentarily lapse on my part. I promise that my next rendition of our National Anthem will be faultless," said Christian in a statement released immediately after the event.

SECOND CHANCE. The blunder undoubtedly hounded Christian for a few months as the incident became a national issue with some politicians jumping on it to gain considerable media mileage.

"Right now I want to encourage other people na kahit nagkaroon ka ng big mistake, you must not stay there, rise up and still be a good example. In the case of our National Anthem, if they ask me to sing, I will sing it with all of my heart. I won't be terrified," Christian boldly told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a file interview dated September 25, 2007 conducted at the Hard Rock Café in Makati City.

That second chance came last week and Christian made good on his promise, fastidiously preparing and practicing for days before the NCAA curtain-raising event.

Christian proudly announced his feat onstage last night, July 4, in the middle of the Western Union-sponsored concert billed as Gintong Galing ng Pinoy at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. The concert featured Pinoy Dream Academy winner Yeng Constantino along with Christian as special guests to headliner, actor-singer Jericho Rosales.

STAGES, the managing company behind Christian's career, sent a text message yesterday evening to PEP through public relations point man, Oliver Oliveros, and it reads:

"When ask what his [Christian] thoughts were while singing last Saturday, he had this to say: 'I was nervous and hesitant at first but I thought it's about time to face this challenge again. I practiced singing the anthem everyday even until the last moment.

"'I told God, this is it, I've done my part now I leave the rest to You. I sang it proudly and succeeded. I hope this part of my life will serve as an encouragement to others not to be afraid to face past failures. To be brave to try again until they succeed.'"

Christian serenades OFWs in London and Barcelona

Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista recently sang Pinoy’s most favorite love songs to homesick Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at the Morden Park in London, and at the Estacio del Nord in Barcelona on Philippine Independence Day. With the concert sponsored by The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Globe, a crowd of thousands was also treated to quick fun games and prizes, and zany stand-up comedy with Pooh in London, and Pretty Tricia in Barcelona.

“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to spend Independence Day with my fellow countrymen in Europe. It was my second time in London for a show. And I was happy to see familiar faces. It was, however, my first time in Barcelona. We celebrated Independence Day from Spain in Spain,” shared Christian.

“We even sang the chorus of ‘Ako Ay Pilipino.’ It was such a inspiring moment,” added the balladeer.

Christian’s stay in London served as his time off from working nonstop in Manila. He spent his free time there watching West End’s long-running musicals such as “Avenue Q,” where his former stage partner Joanna Ampil has been playing the role of Christmas Eve, “The Phantom of the Opera,” and “Jersey Boys.”

He visited London’s historic landmarks like the Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Piccadilly. He also attended a dinner party hosted by The Philippine community core with ambassadors and consuls in a Japanese restaurant partly owned by London-based Filipina actress Monique Wilson.

In Barcelona, on the other hand, Christian spent his free days touring the national museums where classic works of arts by Picasso and Van Dungen were on display. He also took time to visit the famous Sagrada Familia designed by renowned artist and architect Gaudi.

At one point, he bumped into veteran singer Ray Ann Fuentes performing in a Filipino community church in Barcelona.

Reymond Sajor: a champion of the Filipino youth

Reymond Sajor, Grand Champion Senior Vocalist at the 2007 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, has always had a soft spot for street kids. More than pity, Reymond understands what these kids are missing – the world in the classroom. While many of these children have conquered the busy and overtly dangerous streets of Manila, they have yet to learn their ABCs and 123s.

One fine day, a friend introduced Reymond to World Vision. Since then, he knew that he had found a life-long commitment.

“My heart goes out to these kids. I want to do my part in sending them to school and eventually releasing them from the cycle of poverty,” declares Reymond as he speaks of his commitment to World Vision’s goals.

Reymond admits not encountering any major hardships as a student. He even shyly reveals that he was well provided for by his parents. But as a singer, even before becoming a world champion, he had experienced losing in competitions. This makes him vulnerable to the plight of those who lack the opportunity to even try. “I am a believer of education. It serves as a leveling tool for all of us. I know that not everyone can be rich, but at least, I want these kids to be given a chance to study and make life better for themselves.”

Reymond and a number like him (including Christian Bautista, Sam Concepcion and Lea Salonga) are joining World Vision’s advocacy to send impoverished children to school. Under World Vision’s child sponsorship program, the amount given by donors are pooled with other resources so more children, families and communities may benefit from access to education; good health and nutrition; values formation; child rights protection; children’s development and leadership training; and community development projects. “And it will only take 20 pesos a day to help them,” he emphasizes. As a sharp contrast to giving these kids money on the streets, Reymond sees World Vision’s programs as effective mechanism to ensure that the funds collected really go to the children’s education and other needs.

Aside from child sponsorships, there are also other ways of helping World Vision’s efforts. These could be through volunteering and pledging financial support. Reymond, being the head of the artists’ pool of the advocacy group, aims to entice fellow artists and concertgoers to support some 7,000 prospective scholars. And this he will try hard to do through a benefit concert for World Vision titled “I’ll Be There…A World Vision Concert” at the Music Museum on June 27, Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Joining him onstage are Gerard Salonga and The Company. Reymond will be singing songs of faith, hope, love, and most especially, dreams. The concert will also feature the second single, “I’ll Be There,” from his debut album.

After singing his way to Hollywood, hurdling numerous competitions including “Philippine Idol,” Reymond will now sing, not for his or this country’s honor, but for the thousands of kids who silently need his voice to speak for them.

For tickets to “I’ll Be There…A World Vision Concert,” contact (632) 5579283, (63) 9088815694, 9174739227 or Ticket World (632) 8919999, Music Museum (632) 7216726, 7210635. Ticket Prices: Balcony: P500, Orchestra: P1,000.00.