61. 7 KAPAMPANGAN WINNERS OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SINGING CONTESTS

The Kapampangan’s natural affinity and talent for music becomes apparent the moment you turn on the TV, where, chances are, you’ll find a Kapampangan singer-contestant belting his heart out in those popular star searches. Here is a list of Kapampangans who sang their way into the hearts of audiences in national and international song competitions through the years.

1.      CENON LAGMAN, Grand Champion, Tawag ng Tanghalan 1959

“Tawag ng Tanghalan” was the first true national talent search conducted in 1954 by manufacturing giant, Philippine Marketing Company, producer of such staple 1950s-60s products like Luto, Perla Soap, Dari Crème, Star Margarine and its banner brand, Purico. The show, which was used by PMC as a promotional platform, spawned nationally famous singers like Pepe Pimentel, Diomedes Maturan, and in later years, Nora Aunor. In 1959,  Cenon Punla Lagman, a high schooler and a  fisherman’s son from Masantol copped the grand title with the kundiman, “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin Ko”.  Part of his prize included appearances at the Manila Grand Opera House. Lagman also starred in the movie “Maturan and Lagman” along with his successor, Diomedes Maturan. Known as the “Prinsipe ng Kundiman”, he recorded hits like “Pandora”, “Bakas ng Lumipas”, ”Bakit Di Kita Malimot” and “Salamat sa Ala-ala”. He settled in Las Piñas with his family and died on 25 May 2013.

2.      JUN PEÑA, Grand Champion, Tawag ng Tanghalan, Grand Champion 1965

Rosendo “Jun” Peña, the 1965 Grand Champion, is listed in the “Tawag”record books as having represented Northern Luzon at the national finals. Actually, Peña comes from Barangay Batang 2nd, in Sasmuan, Pampanga. It so happened that while he was paying a visit to his girlfriend Helen in Dagupan, the “Tawag” auditions were also being held there. He signed up, won the Dagupan regionals and was whisked off to Manila for the finals. A Bachelor of Arts student at Letran, Peña was also a champion orator and choir soloist.  He sang “Autumn Leaves” during the Gran Finals, and romped off with the top prize, earning a singing engagement at Clover Theater in the process. His soothing voice earned him the monicker, “Johnny Mathis of the Philippines”. Peña still resides in Pangasinan today.

3.      SARAH GERONIMO, Grand Champion, Star for a Night 2002-2003

“Star for a Night”, first staged in 2002, was a local adaptation of the British show of the same title and produced by Viva Television. The popular TV show aired on IBC 13, was hosted by Regine Velasquez. One of the contestants was a 14 year-old singer from Balutu, Concepcion, Tarlac—Sarah Asher Tua Geronimo. During the grand finals, Geronimo—who performed last—sang Celine Dion’s “To Love You More”, and won the judges’ vote, winning over future famous singers as Mark Bautista, Angelique Quinto and Mau Marcelo. She won the ₱1 million cash prize and a managerial contract under Viva Artists Agency. Geronimo, dubbed as Popstar Royalty, would go on to bigger acclaim as actress-singer, TV celebrity, record producer, songwriter and dancer.

4.      RAYMOND MANALO, 2^nd Place,  Search for a Star 2004

Raymond Manaloto Manalo was an artistic scholar of Holy Angel University and was a Financial Accounting junior when he decided to join the “Search for a Star” in 2004. The talent search was a project of Viva Television aired on GMA 7. The homegrown Angeles lad was practically self-taught in music, honed by years of participation in his school’s activities—as an Angelite Musical Ambassador, and as founding president of Holy Angel Music Club. It was no surprise that he became one of the 10 finalists in the nationwide star search. Manalo, who sang “Kailangan Kita”, was pipped in the finals by eventual winner, Rachelle Ann Go, but his second place finish paved the way for a recording career capped by the release of his CD, “Faithfully”. He also managed to finish his business administration degree from the Asian Institute for Distance Education in Makati.

5.      RONNIE LIANG, 3^rd Place, Pinoy Dream Academy 2006

Ronnie Liang grew up in Angeles City, the youngest of 7 children. While studying for an Education degree at Holy Angel University, he worked in a fast food restaurant and moonlit as a ramp model--until his manager found out he could carry a tune. Liang was encouraged to join Pinoy Pop Superstar where he became a top contender, but the controversy over his having a manager prompted him to leave the show. His next stop was at “Pinoy Dream Academy” a new talent search on Channel 2 that required contestants to live in an academy for 4 months. Liang qualified as one of the 20 “scholars”—and then made it to the Honor’s List of Six. In the finals, he sang the OPM song “Ngiti”  and placed third behind Jay-R Siaboc and champion, Yeng Constantino. Liang became Department of Education spokesperson for Brigada Eskuwela 2008-2010 that aimed encourage the youth to stay in school and finish their studies. He mae TV and movie appearances, became a mainstay of the Sunday show ASAP 08, and today, continues to perform here and abroad.

6.      THIA MEGIA, 11^th place, American Idol 2012

In the 10^th season of American Idol 2012 , a fifteener, Thia Megia (born Thialorei Lising Megia) , a Fil-Am with Kapampangan roots, barged into the group of 12 finalists.  Megia was born in Hayward, California to parents Cynthia Lising and Loreto Megia, originally from Brgy. Sta. Teresita , Angeles City. The couple had emigrated to America in 1968, where they had their ‘Mejia’ surname, change to “Megia”. Thia has been joining and winning song contests as a kid, and has appeared on TV’s “Kid Star of Tomorrow” before joining American Idol. She eventually placed 11^th, with her performance of the Elton John song, “Daniel”.

7.      SASSA DAGDAG, 4^th Place, The Voice Kids 2015

The guitar-playing Sassa Dagdag of Angeles City was just 13 when she joined the second season of “The Voice Kids”.  Coached by her father, the Holy Angel grade school student  passed the audition to thunderous acclaim when she sang Sia’s “Chandelier”. Under Bamboo Mañalac’s mentorship, Dagdag reached the final 4 of the contest with her unique vocal styling. In the finals, she sang “Ikaw” (duet with Sharon Cuneta”, “Starships”, and the power ballad “Next in Line”. When all the votes came in, Dagdag found herself in 4^th place, behind winner Elha Nympha. Dagdag later moved to Manila to pursue her studies and singing career,

SOURCES:

CENON LAGMAN:

Photo: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphCmcVHuMo7nP2aLQEC4lmRP6Q_naz4T0qgVP7s2fbHuwfTU3EcfMb8GmuTYyJmOOIyDJTS7pfqkDyP7jWZ-ejF0zVg8IJbELjIPl1raP0xrMSeKqZPoFquRgtMxXCkiWtse-qf_gPERd/s1600/Cenon+Lagman.jpg

Info: http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2016/12/08/1651302/tawag-ng-tanghalan-story

ROSENDO PEÑA:

Photo/ Info: Tawag ng Tanghalan Story, http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2016/12/08/1651302/tawag-ng-tanghalan-story

SARAH GERONIMO:

Photo: Sarah Geronimo, the Philippines’  Queen of Pop: http://sarahgeronimoknights.blogspot.com/2016/01/flashback-sarah-geronimos-winning.html

RAYMOND MANALO:

Photo: https://a3-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/e156f0ea1c9c46bcbf20b09011401f0f/300x300.jpg

Info/Search for a Star: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_for_a_Night_(Philippine_TV_series)

Info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Manalo

RONNIE LIANG:

Photo: http://www.latestcelebritynews.net/2015/09/ronnie-liangs-pa-wholesome-days-are.html

Pinoy Dream Academy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinoy_Dream_Academy_(season_1)

Info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Liang

THIA MEGIA:

Photo: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFFexDxBzl5zl323z2n1RFuG8Jr6om_yAh4vBGyj_lBJAmMCY8VLXxHy5p4JYcqBUjewzD8jPC8XNPTOmK6fzmQ82RVSnjo2BMnEj0HTjS5HOU-bFRUclSFctB-cgdwkynoYK_IhGxF3P/s400/8426c3abd2ai375.jpg.jpg

Info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thia_Megia

SASSA DAGDAG:

The Voice Kids Philippines Blind Auditions: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t3DkEmNRASY/hqdefault.jpg

33. 10 KAPAMPANGAN COMEDIANS IN PHILIPPINE SHOWBIZ

1. PATSY (Lubao) 
Pastora Mateo (b. 12 April 1916/d. 1979) was the child of Alejandro Mateo from Lubao, who worked at the Tondo market. As a youngster, Patsy was nicknamed “lapad”, in reference to her flat nose. She joined bodabil shows at an early age--when she was in Grade 2, she passed the audition to be a dancer at Savoy Theater--until her parents discovered her shenanigan. In 1939, while singing with comedienne Hanasan (Aurelia Alaldo) on stage, somebody in the audience informed her that her father had died, but like a real trouper, went on with the show. Patsy continued to entertain during the years of the Japanese Occupation. Her biggest break was when she was asked to host (with Lopito) the highly-popular singing contest, ”Tawag ng Tanghalan” that started on radio as “Purico’s Amateur Hour”. When it moved to television, it became and even bigger hit. Her film credits include : “Juan Tamad Goes To Society”, “Manananggal vs. Mangkukulam” (1960) and the hit, "Pitong Atsay" (1962), where she was part of a group of seven bungling househelps. TV kept Patsy busy in the 1970s (“Wanted: Boarder”, “Boarding House”). In all her appearances, Patsy remained true to her character—splicing Kapampangan words into her dialogues at every opportunity, speaking with that distinct “gegege” accent that became her trademark.

2. TUGAK (Guagua) 
Guagua-born Perfecto Piñon (b. 10 May 1917/d. 7 Jan. 2006) used to be a painter of movie billboards, which led him to try showbiz, naming himself as “Abe Tugak” and performing in bod-a-bil. He found a team-mate in the person of another Kapampangan comedian Pugak— and so the bald tandem of Pugak and Tugak was born. They made the rounds of theater stages with their comic antics and even did novelty records. In1954, they were topbilled in the movie “Is My Guy” with kabalens , Eddie del Mar and Rosita Noble and “Pitong Pasiklab” (1962). They were well-known for their 60s spoof movies, “Pogi Dozen” (1967), “We Only Live Wa-Is”(1968) and “Crazy 8 at Walong Dyango” (1969). When movie offers came too few, Tugak fell back on his painting skills and became a successfull painter. He put up his own Peck Piñon Art Gallery that had branches in Ali Mall in Cubao, SM North Edsa and in Makati. He moved to the U.S. with his family where he continued painting until his death.

3. PUGAK 
Pugak was born in 1924 as Conrado Piring and was the other half of the well-known comedy team “Pugak and Tugak” in the 1950s-1960s. Tugak was played by Perfecto Piñon, who had to shave his head to match the bald pate of Pugak. They built a reputation as a slapstick version of Pugo and Tugo, regaling audiences with their funny repartees and wisecracks. Theirs was an on-and-off partnership that was many times threated with split-ups, until Tugak called it quits in 1960. But when duty called, the two would gamely get together, albeit temporarily. Pugak went full-steam ahead as a solo comedian, and dabbled as a director. He appreared without Tugak in movies such as “Fist to Kill” (1972) and “Matang Lawin at ang Crazy 4” (1976). Perhaps, Pugak is best known for his commercial appearance in the Datu Puti Vinegar, whose scrunched-up “mukhasim” expression remains unforgettable to TV viewers.

4. BENTOT (San Simon) 
Born Arturo Vergara Medina (b.1928/d. 1986) in San Simon, Benton began his showbiz career by joining 'bodabil' shows. At age 19, he made his first movie under Sampaguita Pictures, "Maria Kafra" (1947) billed as Ben Cosca. Leading comedians then had names like Chichay, Menggay, Tolindoy, Lopito, Pugo and Tugo, so Ben decided he needed a single catchy name too. Thus, Bentot was born. He was immediately cast in the radio program, “Sebya, Mahal Kita”, along with Sylvia La Torre, Rosa Aguirre, Eddie San Jose and Pugo. He next signed up with LVN Studios in 1951, and was cast as a lackluster boxer in “In This Corner”(1957). In 1961, the San Miguel Beer sponsored "Tang-tarang-tang", a spin-off of "Sebya" started on DZRH. The plot revolved Don Mariano (Pugo), his son Badong (Leroy Salvador Jr.), his love interest Ibyang (Sylvia La Torre), daughter of Aling Charing (Rosa Aguirre) who were of humble means. Providing the foil was Bitoy (Bentot) , Don Mariano’s youngest, who became one of the most unforgettable characters from the series. He remained active through the 70s, passing away in 1986 due to heart failure. His son, Bentot Jr., attempted to carry on
his father’s legacy by joining the movies also as a comedian.

5. APENG DALDAL (San Luis) 
Born Serafin Gabriel (b. 12 Oct. 1928/d. 9 Feb. 1992) in San Luis, the young Apeng moved to Manila, and despite his skeletal built, found work as a Divisoria kargador. He next tried his hand in the bod-a-bil circuit with a comedy group called “Top Three”, that drew crowds at the Manila Opera House. His success paved the way for a TV career, with the 1961 noontime show “The Big Show”, supporting Cris de Vera, Sylvia La Torre and Oscar Obligacion. Apeng Daldal’s gift of non-stop gabbing and witty ad-libbing had audiences laughing for more, so producers cast him in his debut movie “Libis ng Baryo” (1964) with Susan Roces. This was followed by appearances in “Bandong Pugante”, “Babaing Kidlat” and the 1964 Sampaguita blockbuster “Magic Bilao” after Rosemarie and Dindo Fernando. Apeng Daldal—now regarded as an A-lister funnyman along with Chiquito and Dolphy, was rewarded with a lead role in “Maskulado”, “Tatlong Mabilis” and another comedy-fantasy film, “Baticobra at Flying Salakot”. The final decades of his life were spent working in films, TV and radio as scriptwriter ( “Ayos Lang, Pare Ko” , “Dobol Dribol), novelty singer ( "Pandanggo ng Aswang", "Hoy Mamang Kaminero") , comic (“Super Laff-In”, “Trio Los Bobos” and “Cafeteria Aroma”). He died of emphysema, and is survived by his wife Elma Modesto and 8 children.

6. CHIQUITO (Apalit) 
Augusto Valdez Pangan, in real life, (b.12 Marc.1932/d. 3 July 1997) was well-known for portraying comic characters and spoofs of Hollywood movies. He was also a dancer, politician, inventor, jockey and businessman. His parents were Manuel Pangan, a San Miguel executive and Remedios Valdez. The Pangans trace their family roots to Apalit, Pampanga, but moved to San Miguel, Bulacan and finally to Manila were “Tito” or “Gus” grew up., After a stint with bod-a-bil,, he made a leap to the movies. The characters he portrayed would become major movie icons. Aside from “Mr. Wong” (1977) there were: the caveman “Barok” (1976), “Asiong Aksaya” (a Larry Alcala cartoon character, 1977), “Mang Kepweng” (1979), “Gorio” (1979), “Estong Tutong”, “Kenkoy at Rosing”, “ Tacio” (based on a popular comic strip, 1980), “Pete Matipid”, “Django” and “Atorni Agaton” (1990).He served briefly as the Vice Mayor of Makati, and then in 1992, he ran for a seat in the Senate, but lost. His last movie before he got sick with liver cancer, was “Strict ang Parents Ko’, with Amanda Page. 

7. BEN DAVID 
The King of Over-Acting, Ben David, was born as Bienvenido Parungao, the 4th of 8 children of Enrique Parungao and Raymunda David, both Kapampangans. He grew up in Tondo and reached first year college at Manuel L. Quezon University. As a teen, he did odd jobs—from being a sidewalk vendor, messenger, post office messenger to serving the Naval Intelligence from 1949-1952. David had a deep, baritone voice which led to a job as a radio talent for DZBC soap dramas in 1959 , often assigned to voice villain roles. In 1967, he became an announcer for ABS-CBN. He produced and directed “Dear Kuya Cesar”, acted in “Operetang Putul-Putol”and disc-jockeyed for “Patrolman OA”. David also broke into the movies, debuting in “Ismol bat Teribol” , a 1957 comedy from Sampaguita Pictures. He was nominated for a Famas Best Supporting Actor for “Alamat ng Sandaigdig” (1961), adapted from a DZAQ radio serial. The horror shocker introduced the audience to David’s ‘over-the-top’ acting that became his trademark, along with lines like –“O, Hindeee!”, “Hangallll!” delivered with feelings that were more comedic than dramatic. In the 1970 “Edgar Loves Vilma” teen flick, David was heard talking in Kapampangan. On TV, David had recurring roles in “Rosemarie-Pepito Show” and “Oras ng Ligaya”. In the 80s, David managed a male entertainment club in Manila, until he passed away.

8. NANETTE INVENTOR (Macabebe)
The comedienne who became nationally famous as the irreverent “Doña Buding” was a Kapampangan from Macabebe (b. 23 Jun 1954) named Agnes Nanette Inventor, or simply Nanette Inventor. Inventor was first a singer, a member of the UP Concert Chorus, who sang commercial jingles and back-up vocals, and recorded covers of international hits. In 1983, her career took an unexpected turn when she was asked to do a satirical piece on Channel 7’s “Penthouse Live” as “Dona Leonila Evaporada Viuda de Ford” or “Dona Buding.” This role catapulted her to fame, and in the next few years, Inventor staged award-winning comedy acts like “Tit for Tat” (with Maya Valdez), “Rock da Vote” and “Eh Kasi Eh Ano?”. In 1984, she sang the winning song, “Salamat Musika” of Gary Granada at the 7th Metro Pop Song Festival. This led to more solo concerts , capped by her 20th anniversary show “Fat, Fifty and Fabulous” at Greenbelt. Inventor was also seen in TV’s “Por Kilo” “Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata”, and most recently in “Family Zoo” and “Yaman ni Lola”, a game show. Inventor has also conquered the theater stage as an actress in “The Wiz”, “Noli Me Tangere” and “Separasyon”. She provided her vocals for the song, “Kapampangan Ku”, which has become an anthem of sorts to celebrate the renaissance of Kapampangan culture.

9. JON SANTOS (Mabalacat) 
One of the country’s top stand-up comedians, impersonator and film/TV/ stage actor, Jon Santos (b. 18 Jan. 1966) is the son of Joselito Santos and Zenaida Samson Adriano. His maternal grandmother, Zenaida Samson y Garcia comes from Dau (daughter of Jose Castro Samson and Laureana Garcia. It was as an Economics student at the University of the Philippines that Jon started his impersonations, often supporting the already established Tessie Tomas and Willie Nepomuceno in campus shows. Since then, he has been impersonating and imitating people for over 19 years. Some of his best-loved characters are the classics: “Ate Vi”, “Basana Roces”, “Armida Sigyon-Makareyna”, “Sherap Espada”, “FVR”, Shawie”, “Bro. Mike Volare”, “Tita Kory”, “Sen. Juan Flavor”, “Sen. Meeryam”, “Pres. Gloring”, “Krissy Anino”, “Mommy Dionisia”, among others. Some of his hit shows include “For Voter or For Worse”, “Love in 3D”, ”101 Jojemons: The Pinoy Fower List” and "Im.Person.Nation”. Jon is married West Stewart of Canada since 2005.

10. RYZZA MAE DIZON (Angeles City) 
Ryzza Mae Dizon (born 12 June 2005) is a product of Eat Bulaga’s popular contest, Little Miss Philippines, a crown she won in 2012. Thus began her showbiz career that endeared the precocious Angeleña to an adoring public. She became a co-host of Eat Bulaga, and even had her own talk show—The Ryzza Mae Show. Her TV appearances include “Tweets for my Tweets”, “Vampire ang Daddy Ko”, “Calle Siete” and “Princess in the Palace”. She starred in box-office movies like “ My Little Bossing” (2013) with Bimby Aquino, “My Big Bossing” (2014), “Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako” where she played a dwarf. Ryzza Mae is a contract artist of GMA7.

PHOTO SOURCES:
Pugak: screencap from youtube "Idol Kong Si Pugak"
Ryzza Mae Dizon: gma7network.com
Nanette Inventor: balita.com (The Overlooked Side of Nanette Inventor)
Jon Santos: Jon Santos FB page
Patsy, Apeng Daldal, Bentot, Chiquito, Ben David, Tugak: Alex Castro Collection