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By: Fernando A. Chuidian

People who went to the the Century Casino  last Sept.29 to witness  the grand finals of   Singing Star Search 2013 were treated to a night of musical extravaganza as  ten of Calgary’s   aspiring  singing talents battle for the most coveted title and the grand prize. The ten finalist, all of them monthly winners   were divided into two groups all competing against  each other for the pride and prestige of being that night’s singing champion.  Richard Gomez, Rachelle Rapisura, Teresa Puri, Dhon Del Rosario, Amy Morales composed the first group of performers. Fernando Oyog,   Nicole Gapero, Kristine Rigor, Vicmar Velasco and Tina Miranda completed the line up of contestants for the night.

The program started with   Laurice Bermillo   singing  of the  Philippines and Canada’s national anthem   then after  emcees for the night Tata De los Reyes and Neilan Guba wasted no time in getting the competition started. Each of the contestants belted their best song performance to the live   accompaniment of Robert Tamayo and the crew band.

Previous contest  finalist  Jasmin Remoquillo, Kenneth Murillo, Roelyn Sultan, Roy Barquilla, Lordana  Jovellanos and Abbie Lachica all performed in a special production number showcasing the vast pool of talents this contest has produced over the years. A duet number by former champions Neilan Guba and Laurie Callao was equally applauded by the highly appreciative crowd.

Emotions were running  high inside the  theater as the top 3 grand finalist  was  announced. Khristine Rigor, Dhon Del Rosario and Teresa Puri emerged as the top three picks that would move to the second phase of competition.   All   three  were made to sing Tamyra Gray’s  hit song  “Raindrops Will Fall”.  The judges scored them for this   round  based on the contestant’s rendition of the  chosen song.

Audience, fans and supporters had their chance to participate in the judging through text voting  and soon after all the scores were tabulated Teresa Puri was announced  as  Singing Star Grand Champion for 2013.

But  for everybody  in the theater the party is not yet over  as the  highlight of the  event is a  mini concert by celebrity guest, US based singer actress Carol Banawa, best remembered for her hit songs  Iingatan Ka and Tanging Yaman where she played a role in a movie of the same title. Carol gamely played and sung for the audience after the very intense competition.  She even did a  grand finale  number together with all the contestants for that night.

Singing Star Search  2013 is presented by UMAC Express Cargo in partnership with Country Hills Toyota Scion, Barrio Restaurant and Greatway Financial. Executive Producer is Mr. Larry Baguisa (UMAC Pres. &CEO) and Project Director   Alan Isidoro.