Bong Quintana

MANILA, Philippines — In a recent presscon at Sir Boy’s Food Republique in Quezon City, Bong Quintana, Pagcor Asst. VP for Entertainment, announced that application to the “OPM@Pagcor 2,” A Nationwide Search for the Total OPM Performer,” has been extended, to give chance to more applicants to join. The search, now on its second year, is a joint project between the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM).

The first edition of the contest had been a great success, drawing thousands of aspiring singers from all over the country and Bong expects more to audition this year, considering the popularity now being enjoyed by the winners of “OPM@Pagcor 1.”

Bong stressed that the competition gives opportunities to aspiring music talents. “They will have the chance to undergo proper music training to gain valuable singing techniques from the country’s finest OPM icons. Pagcor has committed to support Filipino talents because we really believe in what they can do, and that they can be of world-class caliber.” Training them before and after the competition is one integral component of the competition, Bong added. And in his own little way, he will also be sharing with them, especially the winners, whatever he has learned from his experiences in the entertainment industry.

The successful nationwide singing search has discovered brilliant singers like Marie Joyce Tañaña, Charles Kevin Tan, Renz Ruther Robosa, Steve Fernandez and Hadasa Von Camporaso who are members of Pagcor 5. Apart from the cash prizes they won last year, they were also given the chance to perform in several Casino Filipino branches nationwide.

“We gave them venues to showcase their talents. Joyce, Charles, Renz, Steve and Hadasa formed the Pagcor 5. They have toured the country to perform in various Casino Filipino branches and they have more shows scheduled in the coming months,” Quintana said.

Besides performing in Casino Filipino branches, Pagcor 5 members have also been given the opportunity to perform with some of the country’s famous singers like bossa nova queen Sitti Navarro, Ariel Rivera and Asia’s Queen of Songs Ms. Pilita Corrales.

The “OPM@Pagcor 2” is open to all amateur singers, Filipino or with dual citizenship, between 18 to 30 years old as of today, May 1, 2012. They should not have won any major prize in any national singing contest.

Prizes at stake are P300,000 and a performance contract for the Grand Winner, P200,000 for 2nd place and P100,000 for 3rd place. The rest of the grand finalists will each receive P20,000 as consolation prize.

Deadline of submission of application is on May 7 at Casino Filipino Cebu; May 9, Casino Filipino Bacolod; May 11, Casino Filipino Davao; May 15, Casino Filipino Tagaytay; May 19, Casino Filipino Angeles; and May 22-25, Airport Casino Filipino.

Walk-in audition is also welcome. Just bring all the necessary requirements.

The Grand Finals will be held at the Pagcor Grand Theatre on June 16, 2012.

For more details on the “OPM@Pagcor 2,” visit www.pagcor.ph or www.opm.org.ph.

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Manila Music

Festival Set Today

The first ever Manila Music Festival is slated today, Labor Day, at the Alphaland Bay City at Aseana Ave., Parañaque City, near Mall of Asia.

Volume Unit Entertainment, the same company that presented the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival at Puerto Galera on March 2-4, is presenting MMF.

Featured performers are Shinichi Osawa (Japan), Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest (New York City), Amen Ra of the Universal Hip Hop Culture, Afrika Bambaataa (Zulu Nation; NYC). Some local artists will also perform.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 1, go to Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach, Mary Ann Vargas, Dr. Pie Calayan, Gavino Abaya Jr., Helen Massab, Myrna Castillo, Sonia Ramos, Joe Pecson, Jhoanna Jao, Maylene B. del Rosario, Emmie Padilla, Meny Relova dela Rosa, Raphael “Santi” Millado, Khelvyn Ramos, Giani Gonzalez and child star Miles Ocampo… Happy wedding anniversary to Albert and Liezl Martinez; and Ted Espino and Nerissa Cabral…