BACOLOD City – Female rock performer, Nicole Centeno of Barangay V, bagged the P40,000 in the search for “Bida sang Barangay” in celebration of the 9th Kalamayan and Christmas Festival in Victorias City over the weekend.
Centeno bested nine other finalists with her cover of “Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo,” a song by the 90’s punk-rock band Yano.
The competition was sponsored by Victorias Milling Company who also brought in pop princess Zephanie to entertain the crowd.
Coming in second place was Justine Selario of Barangay 1 who performed a contemporary dance number and bagged P30,000 followed by songstress Thryzia Puying of Barangay VII who took home P20,000. As an incentive, P10,000 of the winning prizes will be given to the host barangays.
The three grand winners went through the elimination round where 42 contestants showcased their talent in singing, dancing and magic in snippets. Judges in the elimination round – Charles Kevin Tan, Debbie Mahinay and Yasmin Pascual Dormido, trimmed the list down to ten.
All finalists had to perform the full version of their talent by performing the same act or changing it to impress the final judges composed of John Arceo, Rodney Ascalon and Rene Hinojales.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez and VMC President Minnie Chua along with the finals’ judges awarded all three major winners. Benitez said he hopes this year’s Kalamayan Festival will bring joy to the Victoriahanons after missing out in the celebration in the past two years because of the pandemic. Hundreds came to cheer on their barangay entries and stayed even amidst the rain.
Benitez also announced that the city will give joy to all constituents this Christmas as gifts will be delivered to all households.
Chua on the other hand thanked Benitez and the city government for their support and continued partnership with one of the oldest and biggest sugar mills on the island.
Also present during the competition were VMC’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, Linley Riterado and Corporate Communications Director, Anne Tiongco with City Administrator Atty. Lindolf De Castro.
Hip-hop group Critical Breakdown and drag queens D’Divas also entertained the crowd which ended with DJ RBX taking the stage till midnight.
