The competition, which was held during Bridge Capital LLC’s Christmas party at the Magellan’s Restaurant on Saturday evening, brought out a variety of talents from kids and adults.
Allan Tudela, an award-winning student of the Do Re Mi Music School who played his violin, and the 14 members of the MHS Glee Club who did a presentation of the Broadway musical “One Short Day” bested 12 other contestants in the contest.
Choreographer Paul Dujua said that it took the group weeks to practice the song they entered in the competition.
“They all performed so well and gave their best and I am so proud of them for winning,” Dujua said.
Harold Easton, group advisor told the Variety that they will use the money for more projects within the group.
“We will buy uniform t-shirts and props and other needs, and use the money for the different courses that we are offering to promote appreciation for the arts,” Easton said.
He commended the group for doing their best and for winning the top place.
Second place winner John Ronald Darag, who awed the audience with his soulful rendition of Josh Grovan’s “You raised me up,” took home the $500 award.
Third place winner of $200 cash was Cloency Zuriel Chua for his musical number on a piano. Fourth place went to Ray Lizama and Jondie Torres who received $100 for their interpretative dance number.
All the other participants who didn’t win the top places received consolation prizes of $100 each. The other contestants were J.R. Cadua who rendered a musical number with his guitar, 3C’s Kids Legacy and Project Impact who presented modern dance numbers, Azenith Madela Avila who sang “Someone like you,” Abel Pellegrino and Jeongwan Kim who played the guitar and violin duet, Ji Hoe Yeom and Edward Minami who played the piano, and Nestor Villega a.k.a. Nestea who turned the house upside down with his comedian acts.
The contestants were judged based on stage appearance, audience response, creativity, costume, and personality. Making up the board of judges were Lt. Governor Eloy S. Inos, Hawaii performer Ronald Naaua, House Speaker Eli Cabrera, U.S. Office of Insular Affairs field representative Jess Schorr and Nola Hix from Docomo.
Marianas Variety Guam editor Jon Anderson was the master of ceremony for the event.
In addition to the entertainment, sumptuous buffet and bottomless drinks, one lucky winner went home with the grand prize which was a 32-inch flat screen television. More guests also went home with various prizes which were raffled off in between performances.
Bridge Capital LLC earlier opened the contest to everyone who was interested to join and showcase their talents.
