Jessica Sanchez, El Gamma Penumbra open show at APEC dinner

American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez opened the series of performances at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Welcome Dinner on Wednesday, November 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Performing with the Filipino-American singer was Asia's Got Talent's winning dance group El Gamma Penumbra.

The singer serenaded the audience with “On A Clear Day” by American composer and lyricist Burton Lane.

Among other performers who showcased the Filipino brand of culture and talent to an arena full of the world's economic leaders were singer Charice Pempengco, rapper apl.de.ap, the Buganda Drumbeaters, award-winning pianist Cecile Licad, the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Bagobo and Kalinga Suite.

According to musician and events director Paolo Valenciano, “The most important thing for us was that they were the best in the country—talents we could show off to the entire world. We really wanted it to be perfect, seamless, smooth… We wanted it to be the overall Pinoy experience without it being a hard sell.” — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News