11 Pinoys in Bahrain set for popstar finals

Eleven aspiring Filipino singers in Bahrain will compete Thursday in the Pinoy Pop Superstar grand finals at the Baan Saeng Thai Auditorium, Adliya. The Gulf Daily News (GDN) identified the contestants as Miguelito Gamba, Julie Doronio, Hazel Gonzales, Sid Vasquez, Evelyn Hernandez, Blessy Montana, Jessica Bernal, Veronica Javier, Kelvin Mas, Elmer Estrella and Azelea Sercena. Pinoy Pop Superstar is one of the most popular singing contests held regularly in the Philippines' top television station GMA Channel 7 and for the first time will include Filipino competitors from around the world. Winners from Bahrain will represent all the Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates and will have a chance to compete in the grand finals to be held some time in June with the top prize of 1 million Pesos (about BD8,150), a house and lot, and two years' recording contract. The overall winner and first runner-up of the contest are to represent Bahrain in the contest to be held in Manila and broadcast on GMA7 Television. The Bahrain-based contenders are to compete against singers from 11 other countries, including the US, Canada, Malaysia, Japan and other GCC countries. Cathay Pacific will fly the winners from Bahrain to the Philippines on April 8. They will stay in Manila for training and the contest will be on April 30. Western Union and Orbit are also sponsors of the contest. The grand final will begin at 8pm. Tickets are BD1 per person and are available from Fastfood Restaurant, Chuckay Restaurant, Shaflout Restaurant and all of the contestants. For more information, contact organiser Albert Gayo on 39277920.