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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Kathleen Follero wins 2025 KWC Philippines national finals

Kathleen Follero wins 2025 KWC Philippines national finals

Published Aug 22, 2025 03:44 pm
Kathleen Follero
Kathleen Follero

The stage at Robinsons Galleria lit up as the Karaoke World Championships (KWC) Philippines 2025 National Finals culminated in a breathtaking showdown of talent, charisma, and vocal mastery. 

After a fierce competition, Kathleen Sarmiento Follero, a pre-med student from Luzon who has been singing professionally since she was 14, emerged as the unanimous champion, besting fellow regional winners and earning the right to represent the Philippines on the global stage in Bangkok, Thailand.

Other winners were: 1st Runner-Up: Jovie Loon (Visayas); 2nd Runner-Up:Joshua Caro (Mindanao); 3rd Runner-Up: Sultann (Greater Manila Area); and 4th Runner-Up: Samantha Cedro (Wild Card). 

The competition was judged by a panel of distinguished experts: Apple Esplana-Manansala, KWC Philippines Country Partner and President & Chief Executive Producer of The New Channel; Gladys Rondina Basinillo, Country Co-Producer of KWC Philippines and CEO of PraXis Experiential; Jayson Vicente Isaac, sought-after celebrity photographer; Kiko“Kikx” Salazar, multiple Awit Awards-winning composer and music producer; Abby Asistio, singer-songwriter and vocal advocate; music, concert, and event producer, Crunch Cervantes, and Atty. Don Carlo R. Ybanez, the “Rockstar Lawyer” and bassist of Hey Moonshine. The judges described the contest as truly challenging, with each finalist displaying exceptional talent and artistry.

KWC awarding ceremonies
KWC awarding ceremonies

The evening opened with a spectacular OPM medley, setting the stage for the three main song categories, where finalists showcased not only their vocal range but also their charisma, stage presence, and ability to entertain. KWC Philippines 2025 proved that the competition is more than just belting songs—it’s about preparing Filipino artists to set foot on the global stage, a vision that has driven the KWC since its inception in 2003.

Despite decades of competition, no Filipino has yet won the international crown—a challenge that TNC, led by Apple Esplana-Manansala, is determined to achieve.

With Kathleen now representing the nation, the journey continues as she prepares to showcase the power, versatlity, and heart of Filipino artistry on the world stage in Thailand in November.

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