DAVAO CITY – A sexagenarian topped the adult category in the Sing Along ni Pulong Season 5 Grand Finals at the Rizal Park on San Pedro St. here on Wednesday, December 20.
LORNA Querol (sixth from left), 68, poses with judges and Rep. Paolo Duterte's sons Barangay Buhangin Proper Captain Omar Vincent Duterte (seventh from left) and Rodrigo ‘Rigo’ Duterte II (fifth from left) after winning the adult category of the Sing Along ni Pulong Season 5 at Rizal Park, San Pedro St., Davao City on Wednesday, December 20. (Ivy Tejano)
Lorna Querol, 68, from Barangay 21-C, who bested 17 other contestants from three districts here, said in an interview that her winning song “This is my Life” was her favorite karaoke tune.
She added that her grandchildren suggested singing the Shirley Bassey song in the Grand Finals. Bassey, a Welsh, is widely regarded as one of the most popular vocalists in Britain.
“Akong mga apo nag encourage sa ako nga muapil aning Sing Along ni Pulong. Wala ko nag expect makadaog kay ang akoa lingaw-lingaw nalang gane (My grandchildren encouraged me to join the competition. I didn’t expect to win because it was just for fun),” Querol said.
Querol said she joined a few amateur singing contests when she was young until she decided to stop, focus on her studies, and earn a living. She added that this is her first time joining a singing competition such as the Sing Along ni Pulong.
She bagged P30,000 for her achievement and regarded it as a shared success not only for her grandchildren and family but also for all the senior citizens here. She said that senior citizens can still shine anytime with their talents.
“Dako kaayo akong kalipay. Salamat, Congressman Pulong (Paolo Z. Duterte), sa pagmugna sa Sing Along ni Pulong. Daghan nami na hatagan oportonidad (I am very happy. Thank you, Congressman Pulong, for creating the Sing Along ni Pulong. Many of us are given opportunity),” she said.
Duterte chief of staff Wilfredo Villarica, who was among the five judges, said winners were based on voice quality (50 points), style and performance (30 points), and overall impact (20 points), and accumulated points from the judges.
First runner-up in the adult category was Gilda Joy Togonon-del Rosario and Shirlyn Hida, second runner-up.
In the young category, Tiffany Vistal won the grand prize, with Stephanie Claire Nique first runner-up and Jeric Kevin Ramirez second runner-up.
Duterte’s sons, Barangay Buhangin Proper Chairman Omar Vincent Duterte and Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, awarded the winners and congratulated them and participants of the Sing Along ni Pulong.
Duterte, in taped message, thanked contestants and supporters of the program. He wished the people of Davao a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Rigo also wished the people here a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and good health. He assured that he and his father’s office will always be at service to all the people of Davao.
Omar said that the Yuletide season is a time to give back to one’s family and be true to oneself after a year of hard work and perseverance. He also thanked those who supported the Sing Along ni Pulong and the Duterte family.
The Sing Along ni Pulong, one of the official events in this year's Pasko Fiesta sa Davao, was started by Rep. Duterte, a former vice mayor of the city, in 2012, through the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong program. The lawmaker aims to back singers on the grassroots level and help them get discovered with their talent.
The Grand Finals of Sing Along with Pulong featured 18 finalists.
Grand champion in the young and adult category received P30,000, first runner-up, P20,000; second runner-up, P10,000; and P5,000 consolation prize each.
Audience received an entry for sacks of rice and grocery items raffled during the event.