10 seconds to midnight
The final performance of each Filipino contestant on ‘AGT 3’ shows they are in it to win it.
The final performance of each Filipino contestant on ‘AGT 3’ shows they are in it to win it.
SINGAPORE – Power Duo, Junior Good Vibes, and Shadow Ace proved yet again on “Asia’s Got Talent” Season 3 grand finals last week that more than being excellent in what they do, Filipino contestants are storytellers of the highest order even beyond words.
Power Duo delivered a smashing acrobatic dance to the tune of “Come What May” from “Moulin Rouge!” Although they’ve always wowed throughout the season with their skills often using harness, they leveled up when Ajha Portales let go mid-air in the final seconds of the song without a net, to land in the arms of Jervin Minor. The stunt drew gasps, followed by a standing ovation; one of only two that night and both for Filipinos.
Junior Good Vibes wrecked the stage with a performance inspired by baseball. As usual, they were point-on with choreography that was paced to go from one highlight to another, then climax. The dance was peppered with humor, including a nod to the LGBT community. In all, though, it was masculine, sporty and, above all, fun and energetic number that had the audience and judges Anggun, David Foster and Jay Park on their feet. As if those weren’t enough to make people remember them, Junior Good Vibes finished by exposing shirts that spelled out their name.
It was clear even before Shadow Ace could, well, lift a finger to start his performance that he was to give an empowering message. His theme was “Dreams begin in the dark” with story following the journey of a man who overcame pain to come to terms with his identity. To music widely known as gay anthems including “I Will Survive,” “Like A Virgin,” and “And I’m Telling You,” Shadow told the story of a guy drummer (wearing a cap in the beginning) who metamorphosed into a diva — shaved legs, cobra hairstyle and all! It drew guffaws from the audience and applause between costume changes but, at the same time, drove home the important message of acceptance and inclusivity.
In a short interview with Bulletin Entertainment right after their performance, Power Duo revealed they wanted to underscore that love and trust go together, a consistent theme in all their performances.
“When you’re in love, you are confident that your partner won’t allow you to fall,” Ajha said.
Junior Good Vibes chose baseball because they believe in team work. If they win, the group will open a dance studio to serve as home to others like them that still rehearse on the streets because they have nowhere to go.
Shadow Ace said he was bullied as a child and so he channeled that dark experience for his final number on the show. During his audition, Shadow Ace shared that growing up, his family did not have enough money for electricity supply in their home. This led him to discover the art of shadow play using his hands, flashlight, and candlelight.
The artist is happy that his parents support everything he does, even lending him a hand in his performances. A source told Bulletin Entertainment that Shadow Ace fell ill a few days before grand finals, having been exhausted by preparations for his final number.
The three Philippine contestants will return to “AGT” at Marina Bay Sands one last time on April 11 for the announcement of winners.
Voting is open until April 11 at 11:59 p.m. Fans can vote via Google Search and Facebook Messenger. For more information on voting, visit the AXN Asia website.