TARLAC CITY -- Bus inspector Charlie Manalo was hailed champion at this year’s recently concluded search for “Talendadong Manggagawang Tarlaqueño” held at the Events Center of SM City Tarlac.
The workers’ singing competition has been a Labor Day event mainstay of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Tarlac Field Office for the last seven years.
Manalo, who was a last-minute entry during the elimination rounds, expressed his gratitude to the Dole for the opportunity to share his talent in the contest.
“I just took my chance in this singing competition and I never realized I would make it to the grand finals and win considering my age,” Manalo said.
“I thank Dole for this singing competition for workers like me. I hope DOLE will continue this competition that showcases and uplifts the talents of workers,” he added.
A bus inspector for San Trans Bus Corporation and former OFW, Manalo said that winning the P15,000 grand prize was very timely for the needs of his children.
“My win came exactly with the expenses I have to pay for my children’s education like one who will take his radio technology board exam and the other graduting from his engineering course,” Manalo said.
Aside from Manalo, Sugar Planter Mar Manguerra (first runner up) and Finance Section head Arwin Cruz (second runner up), bagged P10,000 and P8,000 cash prizes, respectively.
The three top winners were among 10 grand finalists that are workers from different firms operating within Tarlac province or locators operating within the Luisita Industrial Park.
Dole Tarlac Field Office head Aurita Laxamana said that all grand finalists prior to the event have gone through the usual elimination round.
Past winners of the Talentadong Manggagawang Tarlaqueño were also present to perform and showcase their talents during the event’s intermission period.
Dole Central Luzon Regional Director Zenaida Angara-Campita, who was one of the judges of the competition, lauded and urged all finalists to continue improving their craft.
“I would like to congratulate not only the winners but all of the grand finalists. The mere fact you were all here is a testimony of how talented all of you are outside of your daily duties at work. I urge all of you to continue honing your skills and talents because there are many opportunities waiting for you all and who knows that it may be a good career-changing path to consider in the future,” Campita said.
The event is one of the highlights of this year’s month-long Labor Day Celebration anchoring the theme, “Pagpupugay sa Manggagawang Pilipino: Dangal ng lahi, kabalikat sa progresibong pagbabago!” (PR)