Lyda Shyla Roxas and Joel Cruz topped their respective categories in the KWC Philippines National Trials held at SM Marikina last July 23. They earned the right to represent the Philippines in the Karaoke World Championships to be held on September 8-10 in Killarney, Ireland.

Each of them won a KWC trophy, an all-expense paid trip to Killarney, Ireland for the KWC World Championships, Php 100,000 pocket money, a WOW Videoke Concerto edition microphone worth Php 19,500, a Sennheiser Freeport Wireless microphone worth Php 19,800, a one-year endorsement contract with WOW Videoke worth Php 100,00 and the right to become a Talk ‘N Text talent for one year.

Runners-up in the female category are: Hazelyn Luz S. Cascano from San Mateo, Rizal (1st runner up), Jessa P. Luntayao from Negros Occidental (2nd runner up), Abigail G. Mendoza from San Pedro, Laguna (3rd runner up), and Anna Marie M. Ricafrente from Bulacan (4th runner up).

For the male category, runners-up are: Noli B. Llamosa from Angeles City, Pampanga (1st runner up), Mark Ryan T. Tabag from Tarlac City (2nd runner up), Alvin M. Ortega from Malabon City (3rd runner up), and Randy Jude Aguja from Mandaluyong City (4th runner up).

Each of the eight runners-up received a trophy and cash prize worth Php 12,500 from ROPALI Marketing.

Sixteen male and fifteen female finalists from the June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3 and July 10 Weekly Trials competed in the championships.

The 2011 KWC Philippines National Trials consisted of a semi-final round and a final round. During the semi-final round, each of the 31 contestants sang one song. Based on their score for that one song, the top five male and top five female contestants advanced to the grand finals. In the final round, each of them sang two songs. The scores for these two songs were added to the score for the first song and the finalists with the highest cumulative scores for each category became the 2011 KWC Philippines champions.

Other finalists:
MALE CATEGORY
Friedel G. Navarro (Cainta, Rizal)
Marlo S. Falcon (Pasay City)
Ernest Karl A. Delos Reyes (Marikina City)
Joselito A. Ordona (Caloocan City)
Rodrigo G. Empuerto (San Juan City)
John Vincent C. Decena (Caloocan City)
Michael U. Lopez (Caloocan City)
Ashley A. Abistado (Cainta, Rizal)
James Marc C. Joven (Quezon City)
Mar N. Manguera (Bamban, Tarlac)
Al Fritz P. Blanche (Dasmarinas City)

FEMALE CATEGORY
Jeneal Jean B. Mariano (San Fernando, Pampanga)
Arianne Blessylle J. Atondo (Bulacan)
Hershey Luz I. Adrales (Manila)
Haydee M. Lucas (Taguig City)
Lilibeth T. Garcia (Marikina City)
Marry Shenn B. Panghulan (Taytay, Rizal)
Ma. Michelle Ann A. Adajar (Quezon City)
Queen Arc Angel F. Doroteo (Quezon City)
Michelle Anne Q. Ninal (Davao City)
Marife J. Villacorta (Calumpit, Bulacan)

Before the start of the contest, each of the finalists received a KWC certificate of appreciation, a cash prize of Php 5,000 from WOW Videoke and a Sennheisser Charice Limited Edition (CLE) wired microphone.

The judges in the July 23 KWC National Trials were Gino Padilla (renowned music artist), Janet Aracama (Master of Music, Conducting and Choral Ensemble, UP College of Music), Ahwel Paz (DZMM anchor/broadcaster), Tito Cayamanda (owner of TeeCee Music Ltd), and Emlyn Santos (theater actress and singer) for the semi-final round. Judging the final round were Sampaguita (legendary Queen of Pinoy Rock), Janet Aracama, Jimmy Bondoc (acoustic singer, composer, and all-around performer), Vehnee Saturno (songwriter/record producer/musical director), and Emlyn Santos.

The critera were voice and sound quality (15%), rhythm and tempo (15%), vocal expression (15%), stage presence and charisma (30%), and entertainment value (25%).

Special awards from Talk ‘N Text and Master Siomai were also handed out.

Mr. Jojit Uy awarded the Talk ‘N Text Audience Choice Awards to Alvin M. Ortega and Jessa P. Luntayao. They both received a free Nokia cellphone with free load from TNT. Two lucky audience members, namely Randy Luntayao and Jenny Gargada, also received the same prizes.

Mr. Ernielito chan awarded the Master Siomai’s Special Choice Awards to Alvin M. Ortega and Abigail G. Mendoza. Each received a cash prize of Php 10,000, a chance to sing the Master Siomai jingle and to guest in official Master Siomai events.

“Every second, I really enjoyed this competition. Good luck to everyone at salamat sa mga artista na sumuporta sa competition na ito. Thank you, KWC. You will always be in our hearts. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino!” said Gino Padilla.

“Ako ay tuwang-tuwa and proud to be a Filipino! So much talent, ang galing ng Pilipino. Kahit amateur sila, they sound like professional singers, napakagaling nila,” commented Janet Aracama.

The 2011 KWC Philippine Trials is organized by KWC Philippines, Inc and is co-presented by WOW Videoke and Talk ‘N Text. Other sponsors include Sennheiser, LD Systems, L-ACOUSTICS, Mt. Carmel Rural Bank, People’s Credit and Finance Corporation, Ropali Motorcycles, Samsung Porjectors, Hanwha, Breville, Matstone, Goodsphere, Yoyo Bidet, RE Audio, Phoenix Gold, Cadence Stinger, US Amps, and iSimple. SM Supermalls is the official venue partner for the KWC Philippines weekly and national trials. My Talent is the official voice and total performance training partner.

For more information, please visit www.kwcphilippines.com or contact KWC Philippines at 362-1566 or 361-9450 locals 823 and 835.