Charice wannabe seeks journey out of poverty via OPM@PAGCOR talent search

NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Jessa Luntayao never realized that a trip back to her brother’s home in Cavite would introduce the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of her idol, international singing sensation Charice Pempengco.

Jessa recalled that she was waiting for a bus ride to Silang town recently when her attention was caught by a promotional poster of OPM@PAGCOR A Nationwide Search for the Total OPM Performer.

“Nag-aabang po ako ng bus patungong Silang nang mapansin ko po yung poster ng OPM@PAGCOR na nakapaskil malapit sa kinatatayuan ko,” she said.

Without wasting a second, Jessa sought the complete details of the contest mechanics and immediately registered for the competition.  She was among those who showed up for the OPM@PAGCOR auditions in Casino Filipino Tagaytay last March 21, 2011.

The OPM@PAGCOR nationwide talent search is one of the biggest projects undertaken by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) with the aim of giving talented Filipino singers a chance to break into the local music industry.

More than her dream of becoming a famous singer, it was her great desire to help her family out of poverty that made Jessa join the talent search, which offers P300,000 to the grand winner, apart from a recording contract with a major recording outfit and a contract to perform in Casino Filipino branches.

“Pangarap ko po talagang maging katulad ni Charice na isang sikat na singer, pero ang pinaka-inspirasyon ko sa pagsali ay ang pamilya ko, lalo na po ang tatay ko.  Gusto ko na siyang tumigil sa pagtatrabaho dahil matanda na siya,” said Jessa as she tried to control her emotions.

Like Jessa, 22-year-old Paullete Cambronero auditioned for the contest in the hope of making it big in the performing business.  Being a veteran of various amateur singing competitions, Paullete was among those who impressed the jurors, led by celebrity judges Mitch Valdez and Pinky Marquez.  “Sana po, palarin akong mapili at makasama sa susunod na round,” she said.

Close to 200 neophyte singers, including a 66-year-old woman, participated in the two-day auditions in Casino Filipino Tagaytay.