Operatic singer wins Pinoy talent show in UK

LONDON - An operatic singer has won a Filipino talent show in the UK after battling it out with singers, bands and dancers at the finals.

Pinoy Talent Search, launched earlier this year, saw over 50 acts audition with the hopes of securing a spot at the finals in London. Nine acts were chosen by a panel of judges and were given the chance to perform in front of a diverse audience.

“Anywhere we go, Filipinos are talented, so that’s the reason we’re having all the youths and upcoming talents to show their talent in this occasion. They’re world class,” said Jojo Almojuela, organizer of the event.

He added: “If you’re a Filipino, other nationalities think you’re a nurse or a care worker. But they don’t know what talents Filipinos have. The main purpose of this event is to make people know that Filipinos have talent.”

Finalists included singers and bands performing a range of styles, from pop, rock and R&B, to opera and musical theater. Dance crews also rocked the stage with energetic performances to a medley of upbeat tracks.

Balladeer Joel Miranda won the competition with his emotional performance of Sino Ang Tunay Na Baliw

Despite tight competition, aspiring singer Joel Miranda from Nottingham emerged as the winner with his dramatic rendition of OPM classic “Sino Ang Tunay Na Baliw”.

“I’m thankful to my supporters who came, to all who liked my fanpage and voted for me, and to all the judges who believed in my talent. It’s a big accomplishment for a singer like me. It’s a big help to carry on singing and to do what you love doing,” said the 39-year-old nurse.

Daisy Esquerra, one of the judges, also added: “All of the contestants were brilliant. They’re amazing. As the saying goes, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins from a single step.' I believe this Pinoy Talent Search is their first step to go a long way towards their goals and to be successful.”

Filipinos in the UK are becoming increasingly visible in talent competitions around the country. Previous hopefuls include singers Charlie Green and Madonna Decena at "Britain’s Got Talent," girl band Tru Colourz at "X-Factor," dance crew A-Team at "Got To Dance," and street dancers Animaineax at "Move Like Michael Jackson."

Most recently, British Filipina athlete Jazmine Stansbury from Wokingham made it to the finals of "Britain’s Got Talent" with synchronised swimming act Aquabatique.

Hundreds also auditioned for TFC Europe’s TFCKAT talent search for Barrio Fiesta 2012.

Acoustic band Retune delivered a touching version of Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri