KRISSEL VALDEZ, Akiko Solon, Monica Sacay, K-La Rivera and Angeline Quinto

MANILA, Philippines — We met recently the “Star Power” Final 5 (Krissel Valdez, Akiko Solon, Monica Sacay, K-La Rivera, and Angeline Quinto) who’re now battling each other to become “Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar.”

They were all so impressive with their vocal prowess.

Let’s get to know them.

Krissel Valdez is dubbed the “Soulful Diva of Davao.” Krissel said she never thought that she’ll ever make it to a nationwide talent search like “Star Power.” Back in Davao, she was a member of a local band. The pressure for her is knowing that “Star Power” isn’t just a talent reality competition, it is Sharon’s “Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar.”

However, she keeps praying that she will overcome the anxieties and fears on the last leg of the competition. “Pray na lang ako nang pray. Yun po talaga ang weapon ko.’’

Akiko Solon, the “Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu,” said win or lose, she won’t regret anything she did just to make it to the “Star Power” finals. Having joined several competitions in the past, including Cebu’s “Little Big Star,” Akiko is now brave in accepting her fate.

In case, she won’t make it, Akiko plans to continue the singing career she has begun. She is confident though that she can do well in the finals.

Monica Sacay, the “Charming Biritera of Leyte,” still can’t believe she made it to the concluding part of “Star Power.”

She’s been an orphan for many years now, but sometimes Monica still feels sad about it. When her father died, her mom became sick and soon became very weak. To finance her medicines, Monica sang in weddings, birthday parties and even wakes.

K-La Rivera, the “R&B Sweetheart” from Canada, could be a movie star too, what with her beauty. There’s no doubt that the Canada-born K-La is now ready to face the glamorous world of show business.

K-La confessed that back in Canada, she tried to penetrate the international music scene, but it was hard, she said.

Angeline Quinto, the “Pop Belter” of Manila, is a health buff. If there’s one thing that she really takes care of, it’s her health for she knows that sickness can ruin her powerful belting and her chance to become “Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar.”

To vote for your favorite contestant, just text SPOWER <space> name of contestant, and send to 2331 for Globe, TM, and Sun Cellular subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk N’Text subscribers.

“Star Power” is shown every Sunday after “Rated K” on ABS-CBN.

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Crissa names best all-girl dance groups
The best all-girl dance groups from the metro’s top high schools and colleges heated up the stage for the final battle of the Crissa Dance Synergy held recently at the SM Mall of Asia.

The star-studded grand finale, hosted by Rica Peralejo, Archie Alemania, Toni Tony and Rizza Diaz, gathered 22 all-female dance teams to showcase the best in contemporary dance.

Competing in the high school division were Colegio de San Agustin; Colegio de Sta. Rosa; Saint Pedro Poveda College; Systems Plus Computer College; Jose Rizal University; Manila Cathedral School; Lagro High School; Juliever Academy; Ismael Mathay Sr. High School; St. Paul School of Makati; Miriam College-High School; General Pio del Pilar High School; and St. Paul College-Pasig.

Crowned grand champions for Year 6 of the Crissa Dance Synergy were St. Paul College-Pasig for the high school division and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde for the college division, each winning P100,000 in cash.

First runner-up spot went to Gen. Pio del Pilar High School and De La Salle University, who each won P75,000 cash; 2nd runner-up spot in the high school division was Saint Pedro Poveda College which went home with P50,000 cash.

Judges at the final dance showdown were Jason Zamora of Maneuvers, Lema Diaz of Philippine All-Stars, Kel Pariña of G-Force, Chester Lopez of Powerdance, choreographer Ickay Eusebio, and Dr. Noemi Bellosillo of the Department of Education.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 23, go to Justice Manuel Lazaro, “Umagang Kay Ganda” and “Showtime” segment host Kim Atienza, Pinky Marquez, Dondon Monteverde, Shirley Matias-Pizarro, US-based Venny Yalong, Weena Y. Sy, Emerenciana Arcellana, Elisa Manebo of Sitio Lucia Resort, Dr. Toto Salgado, Prof. Wilhelmina Antonio, Rosalina Ellsworth, Vicente Singian, Marilyn Altajeros, Nini Jorse, Ligaya S. Fernandez, Besilda M. Mandapat, Janet Relos, Neil Gaylor, Armando Bernabe, Belen Aliazas of Tagum, Davao, Herbert Magtoto of New Jersey, USA, and Purita P. Dagang of California… Happy wedding anniversary to Joey and Liny Sy… Sharon Cuneta’s birthday concert will be shown tonight on ABS-CBN.

Directed by Johnny Manahan, “Mega 2011” is the megastar’s gift to her fans that have been with her for more than three decades. It’s also a reunion with people she has worked with in the Sharon Cuneta show. She will have production numbers Jericho Rosales and Karylle, Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga. To watch out for are the Mega’s production number with Sarah Geronimo and Lani Misalucha plus KC’s special dance number with one of the most popular leading men of ABS-CBN, choreographed by Georcelle Dapat…