Manila Bulletin

50-year-old contestant the biggest threat among Clashers?

- STEPHANIE MARIE BERNARDINO

From 12 to 10 finalists over the weekend, it seems that among the most applauded performanc­e is by Esterlina Olmedo. At a recent press conference, many of her co-finalists admitted they see the 50year-old singer as the “biggest threat” on the show. In an interview, Esterlina promised in Visayan that she will not hold back especially that most of her competitor­s are millennial­s. She has been winning audiences over with her ability to hit very high notes. “But I will just stay humble,” said she who washes clothes for a living. “This is already a huge achievemen­t for me. I have been joining contests as far back as I remember but this is my first national competitio­n.” She recalled that the time she got the final call back to the show, she did not even have airfare for Manila.

“Thankfully I was able to borrow money from our neighbor,” she said, laughing.

Esterlina has been living in Manila for four months now. If she wins, she plans to fly over her family so they could live together in the capital city.

Contestant Anthony Rosaldo said he respects Esterlina as singer.

“Her charisma is something. I can’t imagine how such a voice comes from her. Every time she performs, I'm left dumbfounde­d,” he said.

The other contestant­s left to battle it out on the show are Danielle Ozaraga, Mirriam Manalo, Garrett Bolden, Kyryll Ugdiman, Golden Cañedo, Lyra Micolob, and Jong Madaliday. Eliminated last week are Melbelline Caluag and Mika Gorospe.

“The Clash” grand winner will have an exclusive management contract with GMA Network and will take home one million pesos cash, a brand-new car, and a house and lot.

The panel of judges is composed of Lani Misalucha, Christian Bautista, and Ai Ai delas Alas.

“The Clash” airs Saturdays and Sundays.

 ??  ?? ESTERLINA OLMEDO
ESTERLINA OLMEDO
 ??  ?? THE CLASHERS finalist
THE CLASHERS finalist

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