MANILA, Philippines -- The Top 10 Protégés must be in jitters by now and understandably so because tonight is the very first live elimination night of “Protégé.” The first casualty will be announced at the Centerstage of SM Mall of Asia where the GMA Network’s newest talent show will be staged. After tonight, nine mentor-protégé tandems will be left.

The Top 10 mentor-protégé tandems are: Mentor Jaya-Protégé Lovely Embuscado from Davao; Mentor Aiza Seguerra-Protégé Krizza Neri from Cagayan De Oro; Mentor Imelda Papin-Protégé Rosalyn Navarro from Bicol; Mentor Joey G.-Protégé Samantha Felizco from Dagupan; Mentor Rey Valera-Protégé So Wat singing group from Pampanga; Mentor Claire dela Fuente-Protégé Jensen Teñoso from Batangas; Mentor Gloc 9-Protégé Denise Barbacena from Mega Manila; Mentor Rachelle Ann Go-Protégé Nomer Limatog from Cebu; and Mentor Janno Gibbs-Protégé Lirah Bermudez from Iloilo.

Voting will begin at the start of elimination while the results will also be revealed tonight.

“Protégé’s” judges are renowned composer/musical director/writer Louie Ocampo, director Bert de Leon and entertainer Joey de Leon. Dingdong Dantes serves as the Gala Presentor while Jennylyn Mercado is segment host.

“Protégé: The Battle for the Big Break” will be aired after “Kap’s Amazing Stories on GMA.”

Imelda Papin excited for protégé

Rosalyn Navarro, a 16-year-old graduating high school student from Naga City and who represents Bicol region, is overwhelmed by the full support of her mentor, Imelda Papin. Rosalyn comes from a poor family and helps her parents in supporting her eight brothers and sisters from her cash winnings in singing contests.

The Jukebox Queen has been diligently attending to Rosalyn’s needs despite the former’s hectic schedule. Just recently, Imelda went back to the US (where she now resides) to be at the side of daughter Maffi, who miraculously survived a road mishap. When she returned, she attended to Rosalyn at once, and even accompanied her when she visited the North Fairview High School in Quezon City

Rosalyn is thankful for getting musical tips and personality pointers from her mentor.

By the way, “Protégé” winners will also be determined by text votes.

Dutdutan 11, grandest tattoo exposition

Held recently at the World Trade Center was “Dutdutan 11,” the biggest tattoo exposition in the country. About 15,000 people – ink enthusiasts, tattoo virgins, curious onlookers, inked celebrities and the best local and international tattoo artists gathered at the WRC for the event.

Presented by Tribal Gear Phil., “Dutdutan 11” featured works from acclaimed local and international inkers who vied for the 15 various categories, including “Tattoo of the Day” main contest.

Guest artists from abroad flew in, among them Tribal Crew headed by the “infamous” inker Big Tiny of Unauthorized Ink, multi-media artist Willie T, hardcore rapper Ceekay Jones, and inker Morgan Eyes.

“Dutsutan 11” was presented by Tribal Gear, co-presented by Colt 45, Skinworkz and Philtag, and sponsored by Kenny Rogers, JB Music, Cobra, AirPhil Express, Pepsi, Liver Fit, Bliss Pleasure Enhancing Lubricants, Avatar Tattoo and Victoria Court.

Tanduay Rhum Rockfest on SNBO

The “Tanduay Rhum Rockfest Year 5” will air tonight on GMA-7’s SNBO.

The bands featured are Chicosci, Kamikazee, Parokya ni Edgar, Wolfgang and Sandwich. Also an exciting part of the show is the participation of some of the biggest rock Filipino icons like Sampaguita, Rico Blanco, Bamboo, Hungry Young Poets, and Introvoyz’ drummer and vocalist Paco Arespacochaga.

Today’s rock scene was represented by Hilera, Franco, Urbandub, Typecast, Moonstar88, and Protégé mentor Gloc9.

Tanduay sealed the celebration with a toast together with OPM ambassadors Ogie Alcasid, Noel Cabangon, Dingdong Avanzado, alongside Tanduay officials.

“Ngayon” by Rico Blanco is the event’s theme song that captures the message of the celebration – Rock On, Pilipinas!

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Sunday, Oct. 23, go to Ms. Verni Varga, singers Maria Belinda and Malou Matias, Carol Jao, Lheng Estanislao, Babes Tirona, Marlyn Bermudez, Joel David Flores Wenceslao, Baby Detoito, Fely Igmat, Teody Buenaflor, Mrs. Juanita V. Palma of California, Deth Paras, Mrs. Maria Rosario Fernandez, Boy Romero, Lirio Covey, Jel Cortez of FDCP, realtor Dondon Moral, Andre Garcia of Star Magic and MB Online’s Jojo Panaligan... San Miguel Great Food Club and Great Food Solutions, together with Purefoods Fiesta Ham, San Mig Coffee and Hungry Juan join together in supporting the most exciting call center event of the year, HRCC ICONS 2011. This event, organized by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P) and the Human Resource Contact Centers (HRCC) Forum gathers talents from our country’s top contact centers and BPO companies for a competition of songs and dances today, Oct. 23...