Wednesday, May 17, 2006
A dream fulfilled for Tagum's pride
By Nelson C. Bagaforo
IT'S a dream fulfilled for Davao's singing sensation, 20-year-old Denver Regencia, who hails from Tagum City.
With an 18-month management contract with GMA Artist Center in the bag, Denver's childhood dream to become a solo recording artist is now a reality.
"I'm not quite sure ano ang plano ng GMA sa amin. But one thing sure, we will sign a one-and-a-half-year contract with the network," he said in an interview with Davao City-based writers flown in by GMA-7 for the grand showdown of the country's most prestigious singing search -- the Pinoy Pop Superstar Year 2, where Denver was one of the seven grand contenders.
This is not Denver's first taste of the entertainment world called showbiz. When he was nine-years-old, his uncle brought him to Manila, where he joined an audition that was looking for young singers who will interpret the theme song of the movie "Ranger Kids" in 1994. "Nakuha ako nun, but after a year, pinabalik ako ng parents ko sa Tagum," he said.
Although he did not win the most-coveted Pinoy Pop Superstar title, Denver was at his best during the competition -- a performance that makes every Dabawenyo proud. He just sang his songs note per note, showing confidence without a hint of being nervous. "It was my greatest performance. Ginawa ko na ang lahat," he said.
After the first round, where he performed his own rendition of How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, Denver was obviously surprised when his name was last called to join the Top 4, composed of the three Santoses -- Gerald, Aicelle and Harry, who were the early favorites.
"I did not expect na name ko ang tatawagin after the three Santoses were called. Akala ko kase si Rosemarie (Tan) ang papasok," Denver humbly said.
Not satisfied with the judging, Rosemarie, who represented the Filipino community in California, USA, was pulled out by her relatives immediately after the first round. She was not on stage when the grand contenders did their final number, performing the song Magsimula Ka.
Denver moved the audience with his soulful and R&B's rendition of the Go West original "What you won't do, do for love," as he performed on stage like a pro in a bid to get a slot in the final face-off. After his number, the applause was louder, this time.
Entertainment writers covering the event were just impressed most of them were hoping Denver could make to the final face-off.
But Denver was not lucky enough. He did not make it to the face-off. But he was never bitter.
"I know, ginawa ko ang lahat. Ginawa ko ang tama, pero talagang magaling si Gerald," said Denver, whose parents Leonilo and Elizabeth and an only brother flew in to Manila to support him.
For winning the title, Gerald was an instant millionaire. He won P1 million in cash, a Futura Classic house developed by Filinvest in Dasmariñas, Cavite, a brand new Chevrolet Optra, a management contract with GMA Network under the supervision of GMA Artist Center and an exclusive recording contract with GMA Records.
Also part of the prize-package is services worth P300,000 from Dr. Vicki Belo, a one-year free beauty services and P50,000 cash from Ricky Reyes and P100,000 worth of clothes from Pepsi Herrera and Edwin Tan.
Though he did not win these fabulous prizes, Denver still considered himself lucky, saying the competition has transformed him to be matured and has honed his singing talent.
"Being in the finals was already a victory for me. Talagang stiff ang competition, from the weekly eliminations to the finals," he said.
For now, Denver is looking forward to performing before his kababayans in Tagum City and Davao City.
"Sana may mag-sponsor. It's one way also to thank my kababayans who supported me all the way -- dun sa nag vote sa akin through text," he said.
Denver finished high school at Tagum National High School and was in his junior year taking up Bachelor of Sicence in Commerce at Holy Cross of Davao College when he was picked during the Pinoy Pop Superstar audition at SM City Davao.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 17, 2006 issue)
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