A little boy with big dreams gives it everything he's got. (Tricia Aquino/InterAksyon.com)
Even as the current season of TV5’s “Talentadong Pinoy” focuses on kiddie talents, auditions continue for what is dubbed as “the number one talent show in the Philippines”.
Last Sunday, 20 hopefuls braved the rains and gave it everything they got in a morning audition for the show that kicked off “Salamat Kapatid! The All-Star TV5 Fans Day” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Those who stood out from the rest of the pack included a twentysomething guy who could give Mr. Pure Energy a run for his money. Performing Gary V’s “Shout for Joy,” he had rapport with the audience as well as commendable dancing skills. See for yourself below.
Another male contestant was worth taking note of. Hailing from Masbate, the crooner who performed after his brother did had some technical trouble at the beginning of his performance. The musical track couldn’t seem to be found. He performed “Ikaw” by Brenan Espartinez a capella instead. Did he do the song justice? Check out the video to find out.
Young girls with frilly pink outfits made their mark on the Smart Araneta stage, but two little boys arguably had more of an impact on the audience. One sang “Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka” by Regine Velasquez…with a Mickey Mouse cap on his head. Armed with lots of confidence and animated hand gestures, he earned the viewers’ applause.
Also making an impact was a boy whom host Ferdinand Clemente, also known as Makata Tawanan, dubbed “Jose Rizal” for his old-fashioned yet dapper outfit of a white suit. The child’s hair was slicked back, as though he were preparing himself for a portrait with his fellow Propagandistas.
The precocious boy performed Tony Bennett’s “Till,” a song that became popular probably even before his parents were born. Have a look at the little boy with the big voice below.
A panel composed of the director, the writer, and the executive producer of “Talentadong Pinoy” screens the auditionees. Those who make the cut get a call from the show.
“Talentadong Pinoy” winners and finalists also gave a show during the auditions. Makata, the show’s 7th Hall of Famer, put the 20 auditionees at ease with his humor and wit.
He also interacted with the audience by putting his own spin on the standard Bring Me game, giving away gift certificates to the lucky participants (including those who handed him, among others, five handkerchiefs, socks with holes in them, and dentures).
Hall of Famer Juancho Lunaria, better known as the ventriloquist Wanlu, had a chat with his monkey puppet Enchong Go. Fellow Hall of Famer Raenny Yvan Santiago, more popularly known as Beatbox Gor, showed off his knack for beatboxing.
Joshua Davis, famous for being the Yoyo Tricker and the first Ultimate Talentado, wowed the audience with his yoyo stunts.
“Ako po ‘yung kumanta ng theme song ng ‘Face to Face’. Tapos before kinakanta ko ‘yung mga jingle ng shows ng TV5,” said Hall of Famer Leah Patricio, who performed Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” during the event. She went on to say how being on the contest has affected her life.
“Maraming raket na pumapasok and opportunities dito sa TV5. And sa buong Pilipinas maraming mga raket. I heard na may plano po ang Talentadong Pinoy Center sa mga Hall of Famers for this year, so I’m looking forward to that.”
When asked if she gets recognized everytime she goes out, she replied with a grin, “Oo, actually minsan. Minsan nakakalimutan ko, palakad-lakad ako tapos mayrong nakakakilala sa ‘kin, pero hindi ko naman ‘yun masyadong iniintindi kasi wala namang nabago eh.”
Although she admits this has a bit of a kilig factor, she added, “Kaya lang minsan nahihiya [ako] lalo na ako singer ‘di ba? Maraming magagaling na singers sa Pilipinas so ang expectations ng tao sa akin masyadong mataas. So minsan nape-pressure pero sa ngayon ine-enjoy ko lang ‘yung ginagawa ko.”
Wildcard contender Rhyzza Nicol Kafilas, who sang Alicia Keys’ “No One” at the show, said being a “Talentadong Pinoy” finalist has made her happier.
“After po ng ‘Talentado’, siyempre mas masaya, mas confident ka na kasi mas madami ‘yung mga kaibigan [mo]. Tapos nakatulong na rin ako sa family ko, in terms of finance[es] kasi ‘yung mga kailangan sa bahay, nakaka-provide kahit papaano.”
Asked if she ever gets recognized when she goes out, the second-year Mass Communication student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina had a huge smile on her face.
“Opo, minsan. Kaso minsan hindi daw, sa buhok ko nga. Kasi, usual po na nakasabog ‘yung buhok ko. Masaya po kasi parang nakikilala ka, natatandaan ka. So parang, oh my God, nakaka-overwhelm.”
Who will be the next batch of talents who will make it to the growing number of “Talentadong Pinoy” Hall of Famers? Find out as the show hosted by Ryan Agonicillo, “Talentadong Pinoy” airs on TV5 every Saturday, after “R U Kidding Me?” and Sundays, after “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.”
