Basnillo bags Max’s Videoke Challenge grand prize

‘There’s so much talent here’

SLeft to right: DJ Spark, DJ Raymund and DJ Red.

By Michelle Fe Santiago

inging her heart out to the tune of “Oh Darling” by the Beatles, Felda Basnillo, diminutive yet armed with a powerful mellifluous voice, bagged the grand prize and bested 47 other equally talented finalists in the Max’s Videoke Challenge held on Friday at Max’s Restaurant in Salmiya.

Around 200 have auditioned and only 50 made it to the grand finals, the biggest videoke singing competition in Kuwait to date that was organised by Max’s and hosted by DJ Raymund, DJ Red, DJ Darling Dude and DJ Spark of Pinoy Arabia FM.

Basnillo earned the nod of the judges and garnered 93 percent. Trailing behind her was another bombastic performer, Erwin Monge who crooned Tom Jones’ “Sex Bomb” as he gyrated on the centre stage bringing down Max’s Restaurant to cheers and thunderous applause from the audience. Landing on the first runner-up spot was Mary Grace Teogaya who gave Sia a run for her money with her version of “Titanium” complete with all the moves.

The panel of judges composed of Tim Waddell, Dennis Appleby, Jennifer Uy, Carly Stark Gillard, Suganda Menon, Frederick Acampado and Le Mogene Tucker rated the finalists based on their vocal quality (40%), performance (30%), Timing (20%) and Audience Impact (10).

“There’s just so much talent in here. It’s a pleasure to sit on your judging panel. I really enjoyed it,” stated Waddell.

The other finalists who gave all out their best were Emelyn Menesis, Red Dela Cruz, Josebeth Visande, Erick Crizaldo, Jona Magallanes, Carlo Delfinado, Gener Laserna, Jerlin Ledesma, Ruth Aguilo, Valerie Manahan, Ariel Estrada, Brenda Londres, Robin Hughes, Junahbelle Fayloga, Charina Sheila Cervantes, Arnold Evaristo, Jefferson Alcantara, Mark Tilan, Roxanne Nassar, William Bautista, Bridgette Everett, Gerald Dioquino, Charvin Molaco, Juvilyn Intig, Ice Mijares, Ariane Linda, Marchie Roxas, Enria Fatima Revelo, Michael Olfindo, Shanice Whitney, Razon, Carla Manonero, Roy Laguda, Monawara Zacaria, Mark Lopez, Arthur Ganiron, Rodel Orgalino, Jeffrey Facunla, Maroel Guarin, Ryan King, Barbie May Mendoza, Sheena Marie Suarez, Arnaldo Marzo, Jerome Hantoc, John Lozano, Jeffrey Cambel and Jose Dixon Tapao. Philippine Vice Consul Charleson Hermosura along with Max’s Operations Manager Mohammed Ismail, Max’s Store Manager Gibert Enano, Ms Coco of Mediacom and Pinoy Arabia FM Manager Randy Mendoza led in the awarding of winners with handcrafted trophies, Mediacom System, gift vouchers from Max’s Restaurant and Scholarship grants from the Filipino International Academy and a chance to perform at Max’s during the Videoke Nights.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in this event. Thank you for all your support and for making this competition a huge success,” stated Ismail.