A gathering of talents in Pinoy Pop

For the very first time in Pinoy Pop Superstar history, talents from different parts of the world will be competing for a chance at the title. Eight Pinoys from the USA, Canada and the Middle East will be showing off their vocal chops in the coming weeks in the hope of being one of the grand finalists. Last Saturday we had the chance to hear them sing for the very first time on stage. They had their first taste of our judge’s bittersweet scrutiny. Let’s put them on the spotlight as they give us an insider look in the life of a world challenger. They are champions in their own right, winning the Pinoy Pop Superstar, search in their respective countries. All of them are sincerely grateful to be able to compete in Manila. stars “It feels so overwhelming," Joe Magallano (Sultanate of Oman) humbly said after their first performance. He still couldn’t believe that he made it this far. “Sobrang saya. It’s a great experience talaga," Sid Vasquez (Kingdom of Bahrain) added. The experience can be overwhelming and with their hectic schedule, they barely have time to practice. The only chance they get to do that is when they’ve chosen the song selection for their performances. Joe noted their daily routine does not allow much time for rest as they are required them to wake up early and return to the hotel to rest at round 11 p.m. or midnight. “Matutulog kami late na and then we wake up early, so talagang nakaka-stress." Such busy days are truly tiring but these guys enjoy being part of PPS. “It’s so much fun, and you get to see everybody’s characters, they’re all goofy," Anthea Neri (North Carolina) shares. Joe also confesses that he is the joker amongst the group, “I’m the one who always jokes (around) because of course we have to laugh, and we have to relax because of the pressure." They might run a fun party, but the competition is still there after all. Kervin Sawyer (Saudi Arabia) never dismisses this reality, “Tulad po nung nangyari sa akin sa Saudi, butas ng karayom pa rin". So who among the world challengers is the toughest to beat? They all voted for Anthea, so we asked Anthea, who among the finalists and the challengers are the greatest threat for her, “All of them (laughs) I don’t have one that I could just pick, they all have powerful voices." -- Text by Alula Dela Cruz, Photos by Jason Lim Who among the world challengers -- Anthea Neri, Dessirie Poblete, Imelda Gaborno, Jae Buensuceso, Joe Magallano, Kervin Sawyer, Nerissa Binoya, Sid Vasquez -- will move on to the finals? Vote for your favorite world challenger now! - iGMA.tv