UAE-based Pinoy singer shines among Mideast Filipino musicians

From being a veteran singing contestant, a UAE-based Pinoy musician has turned into heading a singing competition for OFW musicians like him in the country.

Zack Allen started participating in singing competitions in Comedy Junction Dubai back in 2009.

“2nd runner-up ako noon sa isang karaoke contest that was organized by Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit at Mananayaw sa Abu Dhabi (OPMMAD). Kaya ngayon, ginagawa at ipinadadama ko sa mga contestants iyong mga hindi ko naranasan nung ako pa ang sumasali,” he said in an interview with GMA News Online  trhough via Messenger.

Photo by Zack Allen

This year, he was chosen to head the “Battle of the Best Season 4” after becoming a member of OPMMAD last year.

“The 'Battle of the Best' is organized by OPMMAD, a non-profit organization under the Bayanihan Council of Abu Dhabi. Camilo Trinidad bagged the championship award this season with his very heartfelt rendition of ‘Kailangan Kita’ and won AED3000 (P41,473) as well as a package trip to Armenia,” Allen added.

The other winners are first runner-up Mylen Villanueva who won AED2000 (P27, 649) and Rayban sunglasses for singing “I Dreamed A Dream”; and second runner-up Katherine Junsan who won AED1000 (P13,823) for singing “Stand Up for Love.”

All winners and finalists received perfumes and gift bags from OPMMAD.

“OPMMAD is founded by singers and dancers whose desire to perform has brought forth the organization in 2009. It is accredited by the Philippine Embassy and an active member of the Abu Dhabi Filipino community that has already performed for various Filipino organizations’ activities, concerts, and even for international audiences.” —LBG, GMA News