College musical: Students find their voices

All that jazz worked out well for the college students who emerged as the top three of the seven finalists in the Peninsula Manila’s Sing@Ning: Search for the Ultimate Voice.

On finals night, Joselle Feliciano, 21, an Ateneo de Manila University student, won the grand prize after impressing celebrity judges Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Jett Pangan, Audie Gemora and Girlie Rodis with her vocal mastery and effortless ease on stage.

Rafael Gutierrez from the University of the Philippines Diliman placed second and Garett Bolden Jr. from the Lyceum of Subic Bay SBMA was third.

Showing her facility with jazz music and its distinct techniques, Feliciano wowed the judges with her pitch-perfect scatting, as she gave unique renditions of Mon David’s “Let Go,” Joey Albert’s “Memories,” Irvin Berling’s “Blue Skies” and Rivermaya’s “214.”

As part of the competition, the top three also had to sing jazz interpretations of Filipino folk songs. Feliciano performed “Calesa,” Bolden, “Sitsiritsit” and Gutierrez, “Pen Pen De Sara Pen.”

Finalists were graded on musicality, vocal quality, interpretation and stage presence.

Runner-up Bolden impressed the judges with his soothing vocals, with Pangan calling him “a younger Luke Mejares.”

Gutierrez captivated the audience with his powerful use of humor, creating a heartwarming presentation that showcased not only his vocal prowess but also his undeniable skills as an entertainer that prompted Gemora to compare him to seasoned performer Ogie Alcasid.

Emerging as the Ultimate Voice, Feliciano received the top prize from The Peninsula Manila’s general manager Sonja Vodusek, which included a scholarship to Spotlight Artists Center and personality development expert John Robert Powers, P100,000 cash and a three-month contract to perform at Salon de Ning.

Samsung also presented her and the rest of the seven finalists with digital tablets.

Sing@Ning showcased once again The Peninsula Manila’s long-standing tradition of supporting young amateur Filipino vocalists by providing them the means to realize their dreams and make their unique mark in Philippine entertainment.

The Peninsula Manila was supported in the project by Spotlight Artist Centre, John Robert Powers, Upstart Productions, Cinematic Studios, I-light Photography, Pixelado Productions, Samsung, SM Department Store, Frank Provost and Avon.