Farmer is ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ champ

“It’s Showtime” Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Winner Noven Belleza. INQUIRER PHOTO / LEO M. SABANGAN II.

“He reminds me of the young Rey Valera.”

This was how Rey Valera, the award-winning singer-composer and jury head of the talent search “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” described the show’s grand champion, Noven Belleza of Negros Occidental.

Belleza, a farmer from Victorias City, beat five other equally worthy contenders to bring home the P2-million cash prize during the contest’s “Huling Tapatan” (grand finals) held on Saturday at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

When asked what he thought Belleza did that earned the judges’ nod, Valera said: “The other jurors and I can easily sense if a performer is simply trying to manipulate his audience. Noven did no such thing. His performance was very honest. That’s why he is well-loved.”

For Belleza’s winning performance, a medley of Air Supply tunes, he garnered a score of 99.96 percent from a combination of points given by the judges, and from text votes from the audience and television viewers.

Sam Mangubat, who got 49.9 percent, was a far second. He dished out songs popularized by Bruno Mars. On the third slot was Froilan Canlas, who did some original Filipino songs, with 45.78 percent.

Valera added that he was pleased that Belleza did a version of his “Malayo pa ang Umaga” during the eliminations.

“I’m pretty sure that version will be a hit,” Valera declared. “I surely hope he doesn’t change, that he doesn’t lose that spirit.”

Singer-composer Ogie Alcasid, also a member of the jury, added: “While he was on stage, I felt Noven’s sincerity. He warmed the hearts not only of the judges but also of the audience. That’s what made him win.”

Marielle Montellano, Pauline Agupitan and Carlmalone Montecido completed the Final 6 lineup.

“Tawag ng Tanghalan” is a segment on the noontime variety program “It’s Showtime.” Starting March 13, the segment will feature child contestants ages 7 to 13.