FILIPINO shadow play performer group El Gamma Penumbra was named the first-ever winner of the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent,” the pan-Asian talent search based in Singapore. The group closely beat their rivals, Mongolian ethnic band Khugsugtun.
Herminio Coloma, a spokesman for President Benigno Aquino III, congratulated El Gamma Penumbra as a glowing symbol of “the innate talent and skill of the Filipino which, on many occasions, have been proven in various fields.”
The all-Filipino troupe from Batangas City were also finalists on “Pilipinas Got Talent” in 2013.
The group’s final number on the show’s finale Thursday night, May 14, paid a touching tribute to Mother Nature, with the song “Colors of the Wind,” which moved one of the judges to tears. They won a grand prize of $100,000 and a contract to perform at the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore.
“Thank you to our dear creator for giving us this wonderful talent that we can share to all of you,” said Marvin Marfa of the performing troupe, who has said they will share the money with their family and chosen charity. “Thank you to Asia’s Got Talent for giving us this wonderful journey, to our respected judges who can inspire more people, we want to be like you someday.”
The celebrity judges on the first-ever season of “Asia’s Got Talent” included Grammy award-winning musician David Foster, former Spice Girl Melanie C, Indonesian rockstar Anggun, and Taiwanese pop idol Van Ness Wu. The results were announced by Filipino hosting duo Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez.
#MabuhayElGamma was a trending topic on social media following the big announcement.
Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos also congratulated El Gamma Penumbra: “They are the pride of Batangas…they always perform at the capitol at our Voices, Songs and Rhythms event…we are proud of them!”
At the talent show’s finale, Filipino classical singer Gerphil Flores was the first to be eliminated from the top three finalists. Flores was hugged on stage by judge David Foster, who earlier in the contest praised her talent, promising “the world is gonna know you.” Other Filipino contestants during the season included dance crew Junior New System and 10-year-old singer Gwyneth Dorado.
The Filipino contenders were all hailed as “golden acts” by the judges, and given standing ovations during their final performances. The talented groups were instant show favorites by both the judges and the audience.
“To all Filipinos in all parts of the world, laban na ito, para sa inyo ‘to!” exclaimed Marfa, when the announcement was made. “Maraming, maraming salamat sa pagmamahal niyo sa grupo. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”
(With reports from Associated Press, Inquirer, ABS-CBN News, GMA Network)
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend May 16-19, 2015 Sec. A pg.1)
