'Kanta Pilipinas' premiers this Saturday

REALITY singing search "Kanta Pilipinas" is set to premier this Saturday, February 9, on TV5.

Hosted by musical icon Rico Blanco, the competition will feature 24 hopefuls who are ready to share their talent on national television and work their way through the entertainment industry.

Those who made it to the final cut are boy group 5az1, Adrian Tabaldo, Allan Gonzales, Allison Gonzales, Chadleen Lacdo-O, singing duo Daniel Grospe and JB Landrito, Dea Formilleza, Esther Martinez, Ferns Tosco, Gian Carlo Baldonido, Gregory Llamoso, Haizel Fernando, Isaiah Antonio, Jacob Gayanelo, Janeth Gomez, Jeniffer Maravilla, siblings Nicole and Carlo David, Pia Diamante, Raz Mendoza, Ricky Deloviar, Rochelle Merced, Thara Jordana, Timothy Pavino and Zari Bilon.

The 24 finalists auditioned through the nationwide search facilitated by some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as, Vehnee Saturno, Jamie Rivera, Jimmy Antiporda, Erickson Raymundo of Cornerstone, Maristel Fernandez, Bituin Escalante and Arnee Hidalgo.

During the competition, the contestants will be judged by award-winning musician, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha.

Perci Intalan, TV5 head of Creatives and Entertainment Production, said the station will offer something new to the viewing public and "Kanta Pilipinas" will live up to its tagline "Kanta Mo, Kwento Mo, Kapatid".

"Iba yung flavor niya kasi yung number one challenge namin while doing 'Kanta Pilipinas' was hot to create a singing competition na hindi pa nagagawa before. It's a totally different type of singing competition," he said.

Line-produced by actor Marvin Agustin and under the musical direction of Jimmy Antiporda, "Kanta Pilipinas" will air Saturday at 9 p.m. (Sunnex)