Thirteen (13) talented Pinoys representing different Philippine provinces competed at the TCC’s Pinoy Night Videoke Challenge held last 28 September in Kilburn, London where each contestant echoed their unique vocal styles that has ultimately amazed the audiences.
Jun Degamon with his winning piece “Ngayon at Kailan Man”, a singer and a composer, from Davao and North Finchley, London bagged the championship. Rhyan Zambrano, with his piece “My Love Will See you Through”, a Baguio-Manila grown currently working as an Emergency Nurse and residing in Ipswich, UK grabbed the 1st Runner Up post. Completing the three (3) winners is the 2nd Runner Up, Grace Quinto, with her rendition of “Power of Love” representing Pangasinan and residing in London. Josephine Taag, from Benguet and residing in London, also a Nurse, won the People’s Choice Award, in the Text Voting Competition sponsored by Smart Pinoy-UK. Other contestants who have joined the competition are Wynchu Importante from Bicol, Manel Roxas from Quezon Province, Maria Salome Clements of Iloilo, Marwene Ramales of Isabela, Paul Bacquian Damoking of Mt. Province, Jane Bugtong of Benguet, Renmares Love Siega of Mindanao, Leo Gallardo Tolosa of Bicol, and Bernadette Alalag of Baguio City and Mt Province.
The success of the Pinoy Night Videoke Challenge was highlighted by the artistic and super talented performance of candidates battling in a fierce but sportsmanship-filled competition. The candidates, taking pride of their singing talent, joined the affair to support the charitable objectives presented. Other fantastic features of the event that has made every part of the program really awesome, with top quality, and brought the audiences to great delight were the unequalled guest performances of judges Czar Gerolaga, Aldrin Daqui, Ryan Mayor, and Gelo Bernal, the energy-filled and Disco Gig Style of the Riversion Band headed by Laurence, the Baguio Country Music Style of Mountain Music Band composed of Barrie Ayochok, Godfrey Astudillo, Dexter Dagupen, Deltour Palbusa, Ibot Pontiano, and Carolyn Mitas, the unity-themed Cordilleran Cultural community dance led by Linda Kensay and Vicky Malinias, the Line Dance of the Oval Filipino Community led by Froilan Aquino, the savory recipes from DJ’s Catering and the volunteers who contributed for the food and drinks, and the great teamwork of the event’s hosts Ka Julz and Alex. The audiences have also been inspired by the speech of TCC’s Legal Adviser, Valeria Thompson, a British-Italian Solicitor.
The Pinoy Night Videoke Challenge was organized by The Cordillera Connection (TCC), a registered Charity Organisation in the UK bearing Charity Commission Number 1152344, with the objectives: the relief of poverty, preservation and protection of good health, the advancement of education, and the advancement of arts, culture and heritage. The event was organized with the help of Filipino LSC/ University of Gloucestershire Graduates of Master and Business Administration (MBA) Batch 2012: Raquel Ringor Eustaquio, Ramil Cortez, Rolinda Anglo, Marben Orfiano, Jennifer Eroda, Aurea Cruz, Victoria Pecson, and Jheni Santos, TCC Trustees Judith Angog, Cynthia Marcos, Lillia Baguingey, Nova Atuban, Rose Asuncion and with volunteers: Betsy Fadlen, Conchita Marquez, Nedelma Beliano, Regina Valdez, Evelyn, Ban-eg, Graham Maysano, and others who are aiming to fundraise for TCC’s charitable projects. Sponsors like Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Smart Pinoy UK, Century Properties, Bees and Butterflies, Hell0 Philippines, Philippine National Bank-Europe, Lucky Money Remittance- London, TCJ Travel & Tours, DJ’s Catering, HB International, Royale, EGD Lights & Sounds, Island Radio/ Radio Marinduque, NMD, AIM Global, Mountain Music Band, Mountain Province Support Group, and LSC/ SBL MBA Batch 2012 have also helped in making the event possible. Successful charitable projects launched by TCC in the Philippines includes participation with Medical-Dental Missions, funding of events like Concert-for-a-cause where proceeds went to medically ill-patients, and other activities to promote and create awareness to the public about its charitable objectives. It is also aiming to open up a scholarship program when funds will be available.
In the Philippines, TCC will be having its 2nd Battle of the Bands in La Trinidad, Benguet on November 9, 2013 at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym which will be opened to Elementary, Secondary, and Tertiary Schools, out-of-school youth. This event will take over the Binnadangan Cultural Festival which is placed on hold due to lack of preparation. Entrance tickets will be sold by beneficiaries and will be awarded to them for their medical service needs.
THE CORDILLERA CONNECTION 