Leyte Idol finalists named

LEYTE'S top talent search, dubbed as Icot's Dream for the Young Talents of Leyte (Leyte Idol), has again named its eight finalists for this year's singing search.

Now on its 6th season, the year-long search named the eight finalists as Lejeb Tuan, 15, of Palompon; Glaze Marie Lora, 17, of Hilongos; April Ian Serg Jamin, 20, of Tacloban City; Maruja Robel, 22, of Tacloban City; Anna May Lundy, 18, of Palo; Christian Ray Baltazar, 18, of Palo; Krystel Charisse Daya, 20, of Dulag; and Arlita Garces, 17, of Ormoc City.

After months of searching, the eight grand finalists would vie for the grand prize worth P200,000, plus other prizes and the chance to be Leyte's singing sensation.

Second prize winner will be awarded P100,000 worth of prizes, while the third prize winner will get P50,000 worth of prizes. The non-winning finals contenders would still be awarded a consolation prize of P20,000.

Aside from being judged for their performance during the finals night, the grand finalists would also be judged for their popularity via phone vote, where their supporters can call in their votes through a Bayantel Span number.

Grand Finals night is set on April 10 at the Leyte National High School Gymnasium. Members of the panel of judges will be popular TV host and Leyte Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez and Apo Hiking Society singers Danny Javier and Boboy Garovillo, among others.

The Idol secretariat is enjoining all supporters, friends and family of the eight grand finalists to watch the weekly performance at the RTR Plaza in Tacloban City, or watch their performance live on IBC-Channel 6 every Sunday until the finals night.

The Provincial Government of Leyte, through Leyte Governor Jericho "Icot" Petilla, vows to continue to discover singing talents and help them develop and explore their potential for personal development. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)