MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos as world-class talents was again showcased in a reality-based talent show, “Canada’s Got Talent,” where two Pinoy acts earned a standing ovation for their performances.
Paul Kelvin Ong, who introduced himself as “a new immigrant from the Philippines although I’m a pure Chinese” and who lived for “just over a year” in Winnipeg, performed “Somewhere” from “The West Side Story.”
“Canada’s Got Talent” judges Martin Short, Stephan Moccio and Measha Brueggergosman were impressed with his performance, as were the audience who lavished him with applause and a standing ovation.
“You have a sweet voice. Bravo, bravo, bravo” said Moccio. “I’m intrigued. I really want to see what’s next from you, Paul,” he added.
“I really like how connected you were to the song. It was a really, really great performance,” Brueggergosman commented.
“I do think you have a really lovely voice,” Short said admiringly.
All three judges gave Paul their “yes,” which helped him advance to the next round.
In his post-performance interview, Paul, who was initially speechless, said, “It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you.”
A Pinoy group that collectively calls themselves Kayumanggi Filipina Performing Arts likewise earned plaudits and standing ovation for their performance.
Before their showcase, one male member shared that, “Being here gives us an opportunity to share our culture. The Philippines in history…we have been incorporated by so many different cultures from Spaniards to Japanese to Chinese.”
He added, “This part that we’re doing in particular is from the Muslim culture. We’re very proud to be Filipinos.”
A female performer, who played the princess, shared the background of their dance, the singkil.
“The story behind it is that the princess escapes from the evil king, from the castle, and everything goes back into harmony,” she said.
After a thunderous applause, the three judges favorably said yes to Kayumanggi.
Brueggergosman, obviously impressed with the group’s performance, said, “I was really, really looking forward to representation from the Filipino community and Winnipeg is, I heard, a very large one. Thank you so much.”
Moccio felt that, “There was a genuine authenticity to your performance. Your costumes are gorgeous. Your smiles are gorgeous.”
Short compared the group’s act to “different beautiful paintings being presented to us.”
In a report posted by ABS-CBNnews.com, it said that Toronto Star had written a favorable review of Kayumanggi’s performance.
“Their performance, acting out a tale about a princess escaping from an evil king in a castle, included boys balancing on bamboo poles held aloft, girls dancing and posing between the poles as the guys brought them together and apart, and dancing with fans. It was very colourful and unlike anything we’ve seen before on the show,” the review noted.
source: mb.com.ph