Noven Belleza —Leo M. Sabangan II
It’s his day today,” said singer-composer and “Tawag ng Tanghalan” juror Ogie Alcasid of Noven Belleza from Negros Occidental—the singing contest’s grand champion.
Ogie pointed out that the other finalists, namely Pauline Agupitan, Froilan Canlas, Marielle Montellano, Sam Mangubat and Carlmalone Montecillo, “were all exceptional singers, but Noven was genuinely liked.”
“You would sense that each finalist had his/her own supporters, but when it was Noven’s turn to perform his final number, everyone cheered for him,” Ogie told the Inquirer shortly after the awards show.
“I can’t wait to go home,” 22-year-old Noven exclaimed when asked what his plans were after the competition. “I want to celebrate my victory with my kababayan in Negros. Their support is the reason I made it this far.”
Noven garnered a score of 99.96 percent, which was a combination of points given by the judges and text votes from TV viewers and the audience present during the “Huling Tapatan” (grand finals) at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Saturday afternoon.
Sam Mangubat, who dished out songs popularized by American singer Bruno Mars, was a far second with a score of 49.9 percent. In third place was Froilan Canlas, who performed some original Filipino songs, with 45.78 percent.
Noven, who performed a medley of Air Supply songs, said the Australian pop duo had always been one of his musical influences. “I’ve been singing their songs since I was young. I know all of them by heart,” he told the Inquirer. “And I also had goose bumps when I heard Sam and Froilan perform their finale numbers.”
Froilan, on the other hand, said he was genuinely happy that Noven was eventually declared the champion.
“After his performance, I already knew it would be him. I myself wasn’t too pleased with what I did onstage. I got rattled and forgot some of the lyrics,” said the singer from Camarines Sur.
Sam said he was excited about the possibility of working with singer Yeng Constantino, who had promised to write a song for him. The contestant from Batangas said he also hoped to collaborate with his other idols, Ogie and Gary Valenciano.
Singer-composer Rey Valera, who served as head of the jurors, said he was pleased that Noven sang his hit song, “Malayo Pa ang Umaga,” during the elimination round.
“I’m sure his version will be a hit. He reminds me of the young Rey Valera,” he pointed out, adding that “Noven’s performance was very honest. That’s why he was well-loved.”
Noven also bagged a cash prize of P2 million, a house and lot, a musical instrument package and a talent management contract with ABS-CBN. His father, Reynaldo, and aunt Luz were present during the finals.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Noven’s success story was one worth emulating.
“Noven pursued his lifelong dream and did not allow his status—as a young farmer—to deter his ambition to be recognized on a bigger stage versus equally outstanding rivals,” Marañon said.
Belleza told the Inquirer that he would like to thank everyone who voted for him, especially the people of Negros Occidental and Victorias. He said it was God who put him where he was today.
Belleza is a graduate of the Doña Andrea Palanca Elementary School and Victorias National High School in Victorias.
After studying for one semester at the Central Philippines State University-Victorias, he quit school at 15 to help his father plow the field at Hacienda Salome 2 in Barangay 10, Victorias, which is owned by Joemarie Garcia.
He said he would use his prize money to help his parents and seven other younger siblings.
Belleza said he was a fan of “It’s Showtime” and watched “Tawag ng Tanghalan” on TV.
Victorias Mayor Francis Palanaca footed the bill so he could go to Manila and audition for the contest.
“Tawag ng Tanghalan” is a segment on the noontime variety program, “It’s Showtime.” —WITH A REPORT FROM CARLA P. GOMEZ