Thursday, March 01, 2007 Oi!’s pop sensation showdown grand finale
THE hot month of March will become more intense as Oi!, Cebu’s local morning variety show, brings the Grand Pop Sensation Showdown! this Sunday on GMA.
It’s one gathering that everyone should not fail to witness as the most promising talents in the Queen City of South take their rightful place in the spotlight to determine who will emerge as the ultimate pop sensation!
The road towards the grand showdown is not wanting of interesting stories and challenges. Hordes of hopefuls endured the competitive auditions and hurdled past the tough and daunting weekly elimination rounds before earning the ultimate privilege to be a legitimate contender.
And now, the moment has come for Oi!’s Pop Sensation Showdown Five Grand Challengers to step forward and get intimate with the public.
Five survivors, five young visionaries, five young ultimate hopefuls who have chosen to pursue their love for singing will soon realize their dreams of being sensations someday. They will weave their own brand of magic, each vying for the honor of being the first pop sensation in Cebu.
Get to know them better.
MELECIA CARCILLER, “Miles”, The Passionate Performer
Miles is the first grand finalist and has reigned for seven consecutive weeks.
The pride of Barangay Cabancalan in Mandaue City, Miles made her presence felt via soulful renditions of some of today’s notable international hit makers such as Kelly Clarkson, Anastacia, and Jennifer Holiday.
Her voice has a crystal-like clarity that touches one’s soul, making her a must-watch talent and a passionate performer.
“I’m optimistic and I willingly accept any criticism. I’m always enthusiastic to share my talents with others,” Miles expressed.
Asked what made her decide to join the Pop Sensation Showdown?
“My family has always been an inspiration to me and they are the main reasons why I decided to join Pop Sensation Showdown. I have eight siblings. My father is a fisherman while my mother is a fish vendor. I believe that by joining this prestigious contest, my dreams will come true and I can help my family as well. Many areas in my life will be changed,” intimated Mandaue’s proud daughter.
For Miles, a true Pop Sensation is someone who exudes confidence and passion in every undertaking.
LADY MICHELLE ARIZABAL, “Lady”, The Angelic Nightingale
She may be the youngest in Oi!’s 2007 batch of PSS’ Five Grand Contenders at 16, but Lady Michelle Arizabal proves that age is just a number and there’s more to expect from her beside her youth.
Lady reigned for eight straight weeks and has repeatedly stamped her class with every performance. Her voice is sometimes likened to that of a bird because of its serenading sound and wide range tonality.
Asked how she wants people to describe her, Lady intimated:
“I want them to see me as a total performer and as the angelic power belter because I believe that my voice is a gift from God that’s why I always sing for His greater glory.”
Lady revealed that her life took a dramatic turn because of Oi! Pop Sensation Showdown.
The sweet sixteen grand contender admitted that she sacrificed several things “for the love of the show”, and learned how to adjust and manage her time well. Confidence is another trait she learned to develop because of the show.
“I have become more confident and I believe that I am able to entertain the crowd to the maximum level of my ability. Because of this show, I have become more responsible.”
ARCELLI BULLO, “Arcelli”, The Songbird Princess
A princess is always seen as regal, self-assured, and beautiful. She knows what she wants and how to get it. And this towering bet from Barangay Punta Princesa believes that she is, in a way, a princess.
Arcelli staunchly believes that she has a calling for music and that truly is the meaning of a songbird.
She has made a mark in the contest for interpreting the hits of her idol Regine Velasquez. When asked what song best describes her, she smilingly answers Shine by her favorite sensation. Beyond doubt, the song reflects what she has become because of Oi! Pop Sensation Showdown.
She qualified for the grand finals after reigning for eight weeks.
JAYMENIFE YCONG, “Jem”, The Gem Diva
A gemstone is valued for its great beauty and its other attributes make it more desirable – something that best describes Jaymenife Ycong.
Jem felt blessed to be called back to compete again.
So she showed her best and proved that she can do a truly diverse blend of musical influences ranging from rock to pop, as well as other rhythms and dance music.
She can sing with ease Mariah Carey’s hits as well as songs of the Colombian pop singer Shakira.
Jem qualified for the grand finals after reigning for four weeks.
JOHN RENNON TAN, “John”, The Sailing Divo
John Rennon Tan marked his fourth week win as the last grand contender for Oi! Pop Sensation Showdown.
En route to the final five status, this nautical student landed a spot with his Corner of the Sky rendition, a popular song from the Broadway musicale Pippin.
With his unique musical style, electrifying performances, and natural talent, there’s no doubt that this ‘sailing divo’ will truly sail to greater heights.
