Do you believe in magic?
Donny Pangilinan just might—after witnessing a powerhouse performance so charged, it had him slamming the Golden Buzzer on the May 17 episode of ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ Season 7.
Nineteen-year-old Esay Belanio stepped onstage armed with a guitar and a voice soaked in grit and emotion, delivering a fierce rendition of ‘Nagloko Ka Rin Naman.’ Her performance wasn’t just heard—it was felt. Raw, rebellious, and unapologetically honest, it struck a chord that resonated deep with both the audience and the judges.
But it was her backstory that brought added depth to the moment. Esay shared that her parents left their jobs so she could pursue music full-time. That level of commitment and sacrifice—paired with Esay’s undeniable talent—was more than enough to move Donny Pangilinan, who’s long said he’s been waiting to witness that kind of passion onstage.
“I’ve always looked for fire in the eyes,” Donny said. “And you brought that tonight.”
Seconds later, he hit the Golden Buzzer.
With that, Esay bypasses the Judges’ Cut and heads straight to the live semi-finals, joining a short list of acts with direct tickets to the next round. Donny’s move also officially fills all the coveted Golden Buzzer slots for the season.
As the audition phase comes to a close, several other talents also impressed the judges and earned their spot in the next round:
- Ody Sto. Domingo, a fan favorite from PGT Season 5, returned with a mind-bending magic act that linked nostalgia with the present.
- The Bennys, a father-and-son harp duo, amazed with handcrafted instruments and harmonies.
- The Villanueva Twins rocked out with synchronized guitar riffs and unique musical chemistry.
- Robie Doll stunned with eerie, life-like doll movements that had the crowd doing double takes.
With auditions wrapped and the next stage looming, the competition is about to get tougher—and even more thrilling.
‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ Season 7 airs weeknights at 7:15 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z. Catch the weekend episodes on TV5 every Saturday at 7:15 PM and Sundays at 7:45 PM.
