Hundreds of people have witnessed on how Mel Panganiban, a manager of a five star hotel awarded as the new grand champion of Himig Ng Kalayaan 2011, the most prestigious singing competition in Jeddah held recently at the grand ballroom of Golden Tulip Hotel.


 
The remarkable event with its theme “Pista Sa Nayon” exclusively produced and staged by Pinoy Expatriates for Social Organization and Sports (PESOS) was a resounding success and also in line with the commemoration of the 113^th declaration of Philippine Independence Day.


 


 
Panganiban’s powerful voice and good version of song “Dakilang Lahi” by Anthony Castelo at the elimination round made him on the magic 5 and his first-rate interpretation of song “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” by Ogie Alcasid at the final round set him on top to grab hold of the grand prize.


 
I can’t believe this, joining in this most celebrated singing competition is wonderful enough experience and to be the champion is an added rewards and blessings for me and my family, this is incredible, thank you so much, Panganiban said when interviewed.
 
Panganiban received a cash prize of SAR2,000.00 from the Western Union, a round trip ticket (Jed/Sin/Mnl/Sin/Jed) from Singapore Airlines, a unit of water purifier from Argo Navis Corporation, a packed of goods from Himalaya Herbals and Giordano, gift certificates from Inihaw Kamayan Restaurant and Sky Freight Forwarders and a certificate of appreciation and a trophy.


 
Other winners were Wilson Mendoza, 1^st Runner-Up, Charlie Matillano, the 2^nd Runner-Up, Ryian Almelor, 3^rd Runner-Up and Aiza Marie Ermitano as the 4^th Runner-Up.  All of them also received cash prizes, various gifts from generous sponsors, certificate and a trophy.








 
Recipients of special awards for Best in Filipiniana were Aiza Marie Ermitano for female category and Huntlee Ragudo for male category and both received another trophy and “Mukha Ng Gabi” male and female category were also awarded from the audience who attended with their finest traditional and Filipiniana attire. Jeddah’s top fashion designers Rey Loyola and Amir Alcoriza were also awarded a plaque of appreciation in recognition for their untiring support to the PESOS group.


 
The event was also graced by no less than the Consul of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, OIC Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr. with his wife being the guest of honor, the Cultural Officer, Mr. Amir Hussein Alonto, Consular Officer, Kim Guro and other PCG officials.


 
Other performers, special guests and VIPs who attended the event were the KSA Knight Movers, Ms. Jeanette Cerbito, Himig Ng Kalayaan Finalist 2010 – Ronnel Pacanan, Patricia Sirajam, Jovanni Ibanez and Neri Ostonal and the HK 2010 Grand Champion, Mr. Andrei Lacsamana.  The prominent head of various community groups were also present led by the current KASAPI Congress Chairman, Boy Cornejo and Ex- Chairman Jauhari V. Usman and its chairman emeritus, Mr. Rudy Dianalan.




 
Well known personalities and expert in the field of music filled our respected panel of judges, like of the glamorous Eva Fernandez, Jeddah’s finest diva, Ms. Jeannette Cerbito, singing enchantress, Ms. Millet Paguio, Judge par excellence, Mr. Ahjid Sayas and the ever fabulous music enthusiast, Ms. Sylvia Delos Santos as the Chairman together with our Tabulation Head, Mr. Glenn Sibag, CPA, Mr. Mc Coy de Guzman, MBA and Mr. Mandy Dugenia and the head of Screening Committee, Mr. Paul Antiporda. The show was entirely hosted by Mr. Erwin Reyes and Ms. Leslie Agcaoili Fernando






 
Pinoy Expatriates for Social Organization and Sports (PESOS) who organized this significant event chaired by Edgar Mendoza would like to extend their appreciation to Marketing & Product Manager of Lactacyd, Dr. Waleed Gobish, Fruit in Ice Cream (FIC), general manager, Mr. Jammam Al-Zahrani, Sharbatly Fruit of Mr. Hashim Mohammed Sharbatly, the general manager-middle east of Singapore Airlines Mr. C.T. Ong and Mr. Hilary Fernandes, Western Union of Mr. Lowell Plameras, Sky Freight of Mr. Danny Abenes & Rene Quiambao, Argo Navis of Engr. Rey Bautista, Ysmael Diaz, Pepsi and Aquafina through Mr. Raffy Abisamis, Himalaya Herbals of Mr. Rehan Khan andVincent Montecastro, Bison Energy drink of Mr. Abdulaziz Alvarez, Giordano by Mr. Edward Pineda, Royal Business Club of Mr. Bong Retuya, Edner Robles as official phographer, La Parilla Restaurant and the board of Al-Bozouq International School and John Cabanding and members of www.GitnangSilangan.com who covered the event live via internet.




 
As announced on stage during the event, PESOS projects lined-up for 2011 to early year of 2012 are Kiddie Star Quest, Jeddah Manhunt, Let’s Duet and Rampa. These are another exciting community event that people must see in this part of the world.  We will make sure to produce a more quality shows and discover more talented Filipinos that are world class and we could be proud of, Mendoza  added.


 
Officers and members of PESOS who led various committees in the production were Don Cuaresma, John Lagrimas, Alvin Sevilla, Mandy Dugenia, Macky de Guzman, Alson Sacandal, Goody Viajedor, Kaye Salas Cruz, Rose Buensalida, Roy Reyes, Zaldy Padilla, Sonny Camcaman, Ricky Lopez, Jonell Cruz, Joseph Paragas, George Feliciano, Jason Manacsa, Mohammed Faisal, Nur Muammar, Sunshine Feliciano, Annalou Lising, Karen Marasigan, Carl Ian Amarillo, Erhard Macaraeg and Edgar Mendoza as the overall director and production in-charge.


 
For more info visit our fb account or email us at pesos.jeddah@gmail.com or call 0554590912 / 0502346231.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine