CATBALOGAN SINGING IDOL
Having been discovered at the Talentadong Catbaloganon Competition last year, Aira Mae Contemplo cemented her status as the city’s singing star after she once again won the Catbalogan Singing Idol during the fourth day of the Manaragat Festival Month-long Fiesta Celebration. Contemplo bested ten (10) other contestants which included those coming from outside of Catbalogan City.
The organizers also acknowledged two other contestants who were placed at the top three. They were Joan Abarquez of Hinabangan, Samar who sang “Stand Up for Love” and Jay Garcia of Tolosa, Leyte who sang “Ngayon, Nandito”.
But it was Contemplo who won over the judges with her rendition of “I Surrender” and was given a cash prize of PhP 3,000.
All of the contestants were judged according to the specified criteria namely Musicality – 40%, Voice Quality 30%, Stage Presence – 15% and Over-all Impact – 15%. The Board of Judges were composed of Prof. Dennis Cosmod, Cultural Affairs Coordinator of the College of Arts and Sciences of Samar State University; Mr. Ronil Bachao, Dean of the College of Nursing of Christ the King College and Ms. Rhea Maga, Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) teacher of Samar National School.
(Article by Ms. Lai Minh Mabulay, Office of the City Mayor; Photos courtesy of Mr. Michael Balan)