'PNT Idol' debuts as 'Pinoy New Talent'

'PNT Idol' debuts as 
'Pinoy New Talent'


By Alex P. Vidal


VANCOUVER, British Columbia --  The "2012 PNT Singing Idol" will unfold on March 17 at the Java Jazz and Bistro in New Westminster for its first monthly finals.
"We are back for our Season 5 and we are now known as the Pinoy New Talent Idol," remarked overall coordinator and managing director Jerry "Papa Bear" Legaspi.
The first audition and karaoke night has been scheduled on March 3 at 5:30 pm at the Olympia Pizza and Resto in Surrey.
"Our first monthly finals will also serve as tribute to the late Hollywood singers Whitney Houston and Etta James," said Legaspi, who is also the program's main host together with his "Pork and Bean" partner Jojo Alpuerto.


HIDDEN


"We call on all Filipino-Canadian singers in the community with hidden talent to come out in the open and join us," Legaspi announced. "This is their opportunity to be discovered and be given due recognition."  
Here are the schedules for audition at the Olympia Pizza and Resto all from 8 to 10 pm: March 3, April 13 (Friday, May 5 (Saturday), June 2 (Saturday), and July 7 (Saturday). Auditions in Java Jazz and Bistro are on Mondays to Sundays (except Tuesdays) at 5:50 to 8 pm. 
Schedule of singing contest at the Java Jazz and Bistro is at 7 pm Saturday on March 17. The rest -- April 21, May 19, June 16, and July 21 -- will be held at the Olympia Pizza and Resto.
The contest categories are: Young (15 years old and below), Young Adults (16 to 26 years old), Adults (27 years old and above).


TALENTS


Emcees and PNT Idol talents are: Nhemy JJR "Wonderboy" Cepeda, Angela Bianca Gerardo, Vanessa Marie Hillman, Charisse Curata, Manigeh Mirzae, Irene Lumayag, and Angel Lumayag. Judges are Emee Escaro and Wel Medina.
The PNT Singing Idol is produced by the Reyfort Media Group headed by chairman Rey Fortaleza and managed by Legaspi, Jojo Alpuerto as overall organizer, musical director and script/program coordinator; Nemecio Cepeda as associate producer and consultant, Lhord Macalanda and Salvacion "Salve" Dayao as venue sponsors.
Production staff is composed of Rolly Fortaleza, Marjo Sevilla, Johnette Sevilla, and Luningning Leonera. Here are the contact persons: Jerry Legaspi (604-720-9882), Nemecio Cepeda Sr. (604-591-3150), Jojo Alpuerto (604-616-1953), Lhord Macalanda (604-584-1388), Cely Fortaleza (604-588-6397), Jo Ann Mirzae (604-327-3466).