September 13, 2017, AUSTRIA — From an iconic singing competition that became the staple of every Philippine household’s afternoon radio listening and eventually TV viewing for almost decades since 1953, “Tawag ng Tanghalan (Call of the Stage)” continues its symphony as the Philippines’ all-time favorite amateur singing contest, to date. As the latest revival at top-rating variety show “It’s Showtime” continues the tradition of providing the platform for singers with nary a professional exposure but with a gamut of talent, ABS-CBN, and The Filipino Channel (TFC) takes it even further as it brings the tour de force that is Tawag ng Tangalan globally.
After a good turnout of Filipino amateur singers who could very well be professional performers themselves, at the launches in June in North America, Asia and Europe, anticipation is high this quarter as the region finals begin, starting in Europe this September 17 at the Halle E + G MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria.
In mid-September, ABS-CBN, TFC and DZMM’s Global Pinoy Singing Idol, will pit the best of the best from the continent — performers who garnered the highest judges’ scores and online votes:
- Bernardite Steiger is a Filipina married to an Austrian in Wien who once dreamt of becoming a famous singer but first parked her dream to help her family and then to raise her own, next. Now, she is taking chances to fulfill her dream once again
- Louise Denciv Auman was born and raised in Wien, Austria. Before joining Global Tawag ng Tanghalan, she had been in fact, ayoutuber who had her own channel of uploads. She has then become inactive because of work. Now with Global Tawag ng Tanghalan it seems that she is up for a revival.
- Austrian born and raised Annabel Hernandez had also been part of the Austrian music industry even before joining but had to postpone for her studies. Now she returns to try to make her mark once again.
- Fellow Austrian-born Rinnalyn Silang’s entry into Tawag ng Tanghalan is accidental. Originally just a companion of friend who vied for a slot, she went on to shine on her own. Now, she is continuing the battle to win for her friend.
- Geraldine Marsak-Lopez of Vienna, Austria has a unique story to tell. Her left thyroid had been removed and there continues a chance for her to lose her voice. So, before she possibly loses it, she sent her video to Global Tawag ng Tanghalan and the rest, they say is history.
- Paris, France-based Marnelli Oliva was originally from Bulacan. Her voice is as sweet as the delights for which her province is known and her smile as disarming. However, she is set to prove she is a talent to reckon, proud to represent her province and to dedicate her performance to her mother.
- Alexandra Yatco of Varby Gard, Sweden is perhaps the youngest in the group but she can prove that age is not a deterrent to one’s pursuit of talent. In fact, she was also beset with health problems that forced her to stop schooling. However, she is proud to have turned her time off from school into an opportunity to learn the guitar.
- Marlita Schon of Stockhom, Sweden has a unique motivation for joining — to be able to help poor children in her community. If she wins the Region Finals, she hopes to use the prizes for her MSJ Foundation.
- Joy Bautista of Madrid, Spain was a teacher before she first set foot in Europe as an au pair (defined by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas as a young, unmarried Filipino without children who is placed under a cultural exchange arrangement with a European host family for a certain period of time). Driven by her sister, she pursued a life in Spain. Wherever life takes her, she brings her music everywhere she goes, even at church.
- Arnold Soria of Madrid, Spain is adopted and was raised by his aunt and uncle like he was their own. Soria draws emotion from this and his experience as an overseas Filipino in his songs which he offers for people he considers his family in the Philippines.
Known for the Filipino wealth in talent this line-up, both judges and voters will face the toughest challenge yet — identify who will be the first Global Tawag ng Tanghalan representatives from Europe.
These contestants face the challenge of becoming the first global representative and the second grand champion following the footsteps of Tawag ng Tanghalan greats that include Superstar Nora Aunor, Perry Como of the Philippines Diomedes Maturan and director Bobot Mortiz.
Judges include ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Vice President Ging Reyes; Toolstation Chief Finance Officer Alfonso Pinto and ABS-CBN OIC for Europe Luis Bariuan.
Two winners will be declared winners and will flown in to represent Europe and compete with other regional finalists in the global showdown happening at the “It’s Showtime” studios in Manila on December 2017.
Meantime, paying tribute to the Filipino talents are two iconic artists: Rockoustic Princess and Tawag ng Tanghalan sa It’s Showtime hurado (judge) Yeng Constantino and multi-faceted actor, athlete and singer Matteo Guidicelli, in song.
Filipinos who wish to show their support for their kababayans can get the tickets from the following: FORTEPINO At Your Service from Aries Fortuna at telephone no. 06763573492; Andrea Dano Gomes with tel. no. +436764667844; Pinoyloading from Schellhammergasse 22; Adel Calanog at tel. no. 0676 56 11162; Sunshine Hair Salon at Heine Strasse 42 1020 Vienna in Austria and with tel. no. +43 5322653; and Marizel Rojas via + 43 699 14596190.
VIP ticket holders can get a chance to have a photo opportunity with the celebrity guests and join the pre-event cocktails with surprise guests. Tickets are at € 50 while General Admission is at and € 25. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the show starts at 3 p.m.
Watch out for the other region finals in other continents: October 14 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas; November 3 via the One Music Experience (1MX) at the Dubai Ampitheater in the Middle East and this 4th quarter in Asia Pacific.
For more information on Global Tawag ng Tanghalan regional finals in Europe, visit emea.kapamilya.com or facebook.com/TFCEurope. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow KapamilyaTFC and KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.
