by Fe F Maestre
Compostela Valley Province--- This year’s Garbo Comvalenyo proves to be another hit “as it progresses to another new interactive format to intensify the suspense and drama.” Adding to the suspense, the most anticipated event in the week-long 10thBulawan festival and 19th Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley also has its new twists that are also introduced in the selection of the final round.
"Producing a world-class show like Garbo Comvalenyo is a privilege to be immersed in the most challenging situations. It requires a lot of patience, dedication and passion for us to be able to 'deliver' the ambitious output," said Tourism Officer Christine Dompor who spearheads the event. She is joined by the power team, Artistic Director Dennis Bautista, soundman Ryan Rellon, Pureplay band, and the soundsystem provider Techno Core.
Monkayo’s pride, Jlou Claide S. Florentino, is this year’s Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 besting all other hopeful singers on the night of March 7. He brings home P30,000 cash prize, a plaque and a CVSP Scholarship.
The 21-year old Florentino gets the judges’ nod as he proves his vocal power and strength of a singing superstar as he belts out all the challenge rounds with gusto. He also won the Best in Jukebox Music, one of the challenge rounds, featuring the favorite OPMs with the likes of Imelda Papin, Rico Puno, Eva Eugenio, among others, and automatically won the corporate award as Beautederm Ambassador.
Danica Ella L. Hipos of Compostela came in next winning P25,000 cash prize while 2nd runner-up is Romeo M. Loquinte Jr. of Mawab with P20,000. Each also receives a plaque and entitles them of CVSP Scholarship.
"From the five contestants who made it to the final round, it is only Jlou who offered diversity in terms of song choice while others are so focused to belt out some high notes. We heard that a lot in the preliminaries. Jlou tackled the song with ease and soothing voice not overly decorated with riffs and voice histrionics. His rendition of that tagalog song was like a growing emotion; the more you listen the more it pierces your heart," explained artist Edson Cachuela, one of the 5-member panel of judges.
Another challenge round is a medley of current popular songs showcasing their star quality, vocal range and interpretation with Ethel Mae Cagape of Maragusan winning the Best Performance of a Current hit. Finally, it’s a test of stamina as they sing and dance to the current dance hits of K-Pop with Compostela's bet winning the Best in K-Pop Dance.
The other equally talented singers who also showed off their best are: from Montevista’s Faith Precious Andre C. Inguillo who won both the Globe Texters Choice Award and Beautederm Star Appeal; Maco’s Rachelle Mae Ann Bomediano; Mabini’s Angelica Vince Bermoy; Nabunturan’s Jovie Lasaca; New Bataan’s Melanie Lagrama; Pantukan’s Janrose De Gracia; and Laak’s Hazel Grace Garbo. They get to bring home consolation cash prize of P10,000 each.
It was in 2010 when Monkayo also won the Garbo Comvalenyo Season 3 champion in the person of Jonna Mae Asio. Since then, the event has levelled up each year, offering something new in terms of production and concept. (fe f. maestre/ids comval)
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
(show)
This year’s Garbo Comvalenyo proves to be another hit as it progresses to another new interactive format to intensify the suspense and drama on March 5. The event is part of the weeklong 10th Bulawan festival and 19th Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley. (Maryel Lasaca/ids comval)
(winners)
The winners for the Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 held on March 7 in time for the Bulawan festival of Comval. Grand Champion is Monkayo’s pride, Jlou Claide S. Florentino followed by Danica Ella L. Hipos of Compostela, 1st runner-up and Romeo M. Loquinte Jr. of Mawab as 2nd runner-up. (Maryel Lasaca/ids comval)
(crowd)
Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 is again another crowd-drawer. This event is part of the week-long 10th Bulawan festival and 19thFounding Anniversary of Compostela Valley. (Maryel Lasaca/ids comval)
(billy crawford)
Fil-Am singer, dancer, songwriter Billy Crawford is the guest artist for the Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 on March 7. This event is part of the week-long 10th Bulawan festival and 19th Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley. (Maryel Lasaca/ids comva
