Chizmosa Lounge

I was absolutely right about my inklings; the very first Pinoy Idol Winner is Gretchen Espina, the Governor’s daughter from Biliran. It was indeed a tremendous victory for all the family members and supporters of this girl born with a golden spoon as GMA 7’s reality talent search, Pinoy Idol held its final results night last Sunday, August 17, at the SMX Mall of Asia as they declared Gretchen Espina as the very first Pinoy Idol.

Family members, supporters and followers of the final three Idol hopefuls, Jayann Bautista, Gretchen Espina and Ram Chavez were all present at the finals venue to cheer and to show their undying support for their bets. Loud voices were heard within the whole vicinity chanting the names of their idol contestant. OPM Bands Pupil, Itchyworms, Rivermaya and south border collaborated and showed their participation by performing their signature songs and latest singles to the big night of Pinoy Idol.

The ‘rakista’ idol hopeful, Ram Chavez was the first one who got eliminated as Pinoy Idol Host, Richard Guttierez announced that this idol aspirant from Makati City had the least number of text votes received from the viewing public leaving the final battle reserved between the two ladies, Jay Ann Bautista and Gretchen Espina. The three Pinoy Idol judges, Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy extended their congratulatory remarks for the two remaining finalists, and again appealed to the public that who ever wins the title should be supported by the whole nation. (it’s seems that they already knew whose gonna’ win that night! haha…)

Wearing their glamorous white gowns, Jayann Bautista and Gretchen Espina hold hands together as they wait for the final announcement of the winner. When Pinoy Idol host, Raymond Guttierez finally announced that the Pinoy Idol winner is Gretchen Espina, it was so obvious that the crowd inside the SMX venue was still cheering for the pride of Pampanga, Jayann Bautista. I also observed that Jayann was so upset and dismayed for the result of the competition. Before the host made the announcement, you can see the expression of Jayann nodding her head as if she knew what name was going to be proclaimed. The Pinoy Idol judges were evidently disappointed showing Ogie and Jolinas’ face not quite proud of Gretchen’s triumph. I could say that Pinoy Idol was really so disappointing ever since the show started! (Well, I’ve already said this line before!). Let’s accept that, okay, Gretchen Espina has a also a talent in singing, but if you’ll try to compare this so-called ‘singing ability’ of this girl to the singers nowadays who were products of singing competitions before like Sarah Geronimo, Jonalyn Viray or even the 16-year old Charice Pempengco, this very first Pinoy Idol will be like an amateur contestant joining a fiesta singing competition in a barangay! (Sorry for the word folks, can’t help to compare!)

GMA 7 should have at least realized all this crap about Pinoy Idol. Gretchen Espina should also be thankful to God that she was blessed with a wealthy kind of living in this world. A total of P5.7 Million of prizes was given to the hands of this rich lady whose already been blessed with a comfortable lifestyle. I just wish that she’ll prove the public that she really deserves this title, enough to hear pleasantly, the very first Pinoy Idol winner is Gretchen Espina!

Pinoy Idol finally revealed the top three finalists to battle on August 17 at SMX Mall of Asia and these are Jayann Bautista, Gretchen Espina and Ram Chavez. It was indeed another shocking moment for the three judges of GMA 7’s reality talent search after Richard Gutierrez announced the final results of the votes.

Idol hopefuls, Kid Camaya and Daryl Celis were the two who got eliminated based on the total text votes they earned from their supporters. Before the announcement of the results, Pinoy Idol judges’ Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy was then asked by Raymond Gutierrez who among these five idol aspirants deserves to be in the top three  of Pinoy Idol and they unanimously answered; Jay Ann Bautista, Kid Camaya and Ram Chavez. Unfortunately, their observations once again failed to happen this time. Quezon City’s’ bet Kid Camaya and Antipolos’ heart rob, Daryl Celis did not made it to be part of the top three while Governors’ only daughter, Gretchen Espina successfully landed as one of the top three finalists joining Jayann and Ram on the spot.

My thoughts never failed me each and every results night of Pinoy Idol. I was telling myself and the people around me that Kid Camaya will not be included in the top three finalists and I was right. Based on his remarkable performance of “Careless Whisper” last Saturday, I must say that he really impressed me a lot. He had a great improvement when it comes to his style and vocal gymnastics that is why judges of the show were also disappointed when he failed to be part of the top three. It’s just that, votes for Kid were not enough to save Him in the competition. (So sad for Kid!) Daryl Celis’ interpretation of “I’ll never say Goodbye” of Martin Nievera was okay though, I must say that it wasn’t that great and powerful enough. Jayann Bautista on the other hand also failed to give justice to the song “Finally” on a perfect tune; she had some ‘flats’ and ‘sharps’ while singing Fergies’ latest cut maybe because of the nerves, yet,  among the three finalists now, I would rather vote for Jay Ann.

Surely, Espina clan is celebrating for their much awaited success, now that their ‘unica hija’ Gretchen will compete for the title, Pinoy Idol which is possible enough to happen considering the votes earned by her. (I guess text brigade for Gretchen is currently ongoing!)It is so possible that Gretchen Espina will be the one who’ll take home P5.7 Million of the total prizes and be hailed as the first Pinoy Idol. (Yahoo!)

Let’s all wait and see if my inkling will come to reality (Madam Auring?!) as Pinoy Idol ends it all up on Saturday, the final gala performance night of the top three idol finalists, Jayann, Gretchen and Ram. And the predictable results on Sunday, right after Kap’s Amazing Stories as we witness the victory of the very first Pinoy Idol.

Another “Rakista” of GMA 7’s reality talent search, Pinoy Idol Warren Antig was the recent eliminated idol hopeful last Sunday, August 03 at the SM Mall of Asia. The 25 year old Baguio native ends his idol journey having the least number of text votes from the public.

Warren Antig, together with Jay Ann Baustista, Ram Chavez, Gretchen Espina, Kid Camaya and Daryl Celis all lined up in the center of the Idol stage and waited for Raymond Guttierez’ random announcement of elimination. Three remaining Idol hopefuls were left at the center stage as Raymond finally announces Warren Antig as the person leaving the competition that night.

After singing his last song, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo” a Basil Valdez masterpiece, Raymond Guttierez announced that there might be another Idol aspirant that would also join Warren Antig on his exit that night but, as what I’ve expected, no one was eliminated aside from Warren Antig. After those intensifying announcement, Raymond finally reveals that the grand face off of Pinoy Idol will be on August 17, 2008 at the SMX of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Three Idol hopefuls will fight for one title, the first Pinoy Idol. It means that, on next Sunday, August 10, two other Idol contestants will be booted out of the competition.

I was again so disappointed for these so-called “big announcement or revelation” on Pinoy Idol. I really do admit that I was happy enough for Warren Antig’s exit on the show but those things that Raymond Guttierez were announcing since last week, I was never surprised or shocked. Three idol contestants will battle for one title on the finals night, looks like the network wants to finish the show immediately I wonder why? Is it because they knew who will bag the million prizes?

A lot of prizes will be given away for the first Pinoy Idol, P1 Million cash courtesy of SM Super Malls, a brand new car worth P1 Million, a recording contract from Sony-BMG records, a talent management contract from GMA 7 artist center worth P500, 000.00 and a condo unit from Avida Towers in New Manila worth P2.2 Million, a total of P 5.7 Million will be taken home by the lucky Idol winner.

It’s going to be the final battle among the remaining five Idol hopefuls. Who’re the top three on your list? Let’s find out the results on Sunday as the competition gets tougher and intense in Pinoy Idol.

It was another big shocking Sunday night for all the viewers of GMA-7’s reality talent search, Pinoy Idol. Simply because, another very talented finalist of the show was booted out and that is, none other than Penelope.

The 16-year old diva in the making from Batangas was the latest addition to the past talented idol hopefuls like Roby Navarro who were also eliminated by having the least number of text votes from the public. Penelope sang her last piece, “Weak” as part of the Pinoy Idol theme “Rakrakan Night” last Saturday where in, the band that stands as her mentor was Freestyle who made the revival of the song she chose. Other Pinoy Idol hopefuls who joined Penelope in the bottom group were Warren Antig of Baguio and Kid Camaya of Quezon City. Kid was the first one to be called as “safe” leaving Penelope and Warren in deep tension. Penelope got so emotional when Raymond Guttierez announced that she has to say goodbye to the rest remaining idol finalists. The two judges, Ogie Alcasid and Jolina Magdangal gave Penelope a standing ovation while singing her last song.

I got so disappointed to the results of Pinoy Idol, honestly because, those people who had these great potentials of being a singer were the first one to leave the show. Before, it was Roby Navarro who was my bet to win the title. Unexpectedly, he was voted out. It’s really true that history repeats itself when Penelope was also eliminated instead of Warren Antig, Daryl Celis or even Gretchen Espina who were all having just so-so voices that even a 10 year old kid can do out sang them yet, they are still there in the competition!  I’ve just noticed that this girl, Gretchen was never included in the bottom list ever since the show started. Is it because of her very influential family? (F.Y.I. peeps, her dad is currently a governor, and so what do we expect? hmm…politics my friend!) The judges of the show were pleasing the public to vote wisely but I guess, this talent search is really not about looking for the best talent in the country but, it’s a competition of popularity, money and influence.

Well, this just proved that here in our country, vote buying is really in the blood of politicians, influential people can buy a persons’ future. I will not be surprised if Gretchen Espina will be the first “Pera Idol” oh! I mean, the very first Pinoy Idol! Haha Peace out guys…

Watch out for another surprising night on Pinoy Idol this week as they pay tribute to one of the country’s legendary great balladeer, Mr. Basil Valdez. Now that only six idol hopefuls are left, are you still going to answer the question, who do you think will be the very first Pinoy Idol?

It’s been a tough fight between Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 probationary scholars, Iñaki Salvador and Christian Alvear for the past week. Both tried their very best just to stay inside the Academy but, only one of them can continue his journey as a scholar. Unfortunate enough, Christian, the “Small Boy Wonder” of Taguig bids farewell to his co-scholars last night having the least number of text votes from the public earning only 43.99 percentage of the total votes while, fellow probationary scholar, Iñaki Salvador garnered 56.01 percentage of the total text votes. The very emotional Christian Alvear shed a lot of tears while performing his last song, “Shout for Joy” but, was still able to sing the song lively and full of energy.

It was a nerve-wracking night as the scholars performed “Trio” for the 6th Gala Night’s theme. The trio group of Jay Bugayon a.k.a. “Bugoy”, Van Pojas and Sen Nichols received a lot of positive feedbacks from the resident jurors made up of Mr. Louie Ocampo, Vernie Varga and Mr. Gerard Salonga, who were so much entertained for the trios’ a capella version of the Beatles hit, “Yesterday”. The trio scholars were also given a perfect score of ten by the jurors and even commented, “We have a new boy band in the making!” for their performance of the song, “Tearin’ up My Heart”, an N’ Sync original. The trio group was also enthralled when the jurors announced that they are the star scholars of the night.

The 6th Gala and Expulsion Night was not only filled with tension and excitement, but with big surprises indeed. Toni Gonzaga announced that there will be no probationary scholars for this week, but indeed, there will be an “honorary scholar” to be added inside the Academy to challenge the remaining ten scholars. It was revealed that Poy, a native from Zamboanga and one of the wait-listed dreamers from the last casting of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 will be joining them. Her task is to grab the spot as a “Star Scholar” each gala night and if she will be successful in her task, she well be getting P50, 000.00 for every accomplishment or a total of P150, 000.00 for three consecutive winnings each performance night from which it will be taken from the three Star Dreamers’ grand prize total pot money of P1.8 Million. If Poy will be able to achieve that, she could also have the chance to decide if she can return the money and be an official scholar inside the Academy and could even hailed as the Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Grand Star Dreamer. (I don’t think she could! Based on her performance last night, my goodness! Laarni and Liezel are much better than her! I agree with Mr. Gerard’s comment.)

Will Poy be a big threat for the remaining ten scholars? Will she be able to accomplish her task inside the Academy? How will she affect the scholars’ performances? Find out more of these exciting moments in Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2!

Toffer Rei, one of the top 8 finalists of GMA-7’s reality talent search, Pinoy Idol got eliminated last Sunday, July 20. The 23 year old “rakista” of Marikina City received the lowest number of text votes from the public based on the results night held at the SM Mall of Asia.

Toffer Rei performed his own rendition of Jaya’s original “Sometimes You Just Know” last Saturday together with other Pinoy Idol hopefuls who performed different versions of the Asia’s Queen of Soul hits. Unfortunately, Toffer Rei wasn’t able to convince the judges from his performance that night and surprisingly, the public agrees to eliminate him in the competition.

Among with Toffer Rei, Ram Chavez and Daryl Celis were included in the bottom three that night from which Ogie Alcasid, one of the Pinoy Idol Judges advised them to be proud of themselves that they were able to reach the top 8 of the search.(yeah, I agree too..)

Pinoy Idol is now down to its Top 7 finalists, whose performance will rise above all and who will be the next eliminated idol? Find out this week as the Idol hopefuls will collaborate with the OPM Bands Cueshe, Itchyworms, Freestyle, 6 Cycle Mind, Brownman Revival, Southborder and Pupil as they perform the “Rakrakan Night” in Pinoy Idol this Saturday.

The 28-yr old Robby Navarro from Mandaluyong City bids his last wave to his fans last Sunday, July 06, in GMA-7’s Pinoy Idol elimination night.

Everybody got really surprised when he was included in the bottom group, even the three judges were so disappointed having robby to be called as one of those contestants who had the lowest number of votes. The two other idol hopefuls who joined robby in the bottom group were Sue Ellen from iloilo City and Daryl Celis of Antipolo.

I was able to catch the whole performance of Robby last Saturday, and to be honest, He’s my bet to be the sole winner of Pinoy Idol. He has a lot of potentials to be a great singer and he has this fantastic vocal gymnastics every time he delivers his piece.

When Sue Ellen was called to be “safe” by Raymond Guttierez, (the host of Pinoy Idol, which was very stiff at all time or shall I say ever since Pinoy Idol started! I’m sorry Annable Rama for that comment, just an observation madam!) I got so dismayed! Well, for the fact that there’s a lot of better singers than her in the Philippines.

Robby Navarro and Daryl Celis were the two left standing in the stage, the judges were asked about their reactions for the two idol hopefuls being in the bottom group where Ogie Alcasid and Jolina Magdangal both agreed that robby shouldn’t be there standing while Wyngard Tracy, appealed to all the viewers to be objective in voting and to vote wisely. “Huwag nio kaming sisihin ‘pag ang nanalo dito ay hindi niyo gusto!” added by Wyngard.

After hearing the judges ‘comments, Daryl Celis was declared “safe” by Raymond Guttierez and finally, Robby Navarro was the eliminated Idol. Teary eyed Robby was still able to sing his final piece, “The Greatest Love of All” as the last night’s theme “the songs of my life”.

Now, who do you think will be the first Pinoy Idol after Robby Navarro’s exit in the show?