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Mindanao Auditions: Former real estate agent, criminology student try to change their fate through the OPM@PAGCOR talent search |
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Marlon is one of the167 hopefuls from various parts of Mindanao who auditioned during the “OPM@PAGCOR, A Nationwide Search for the Total OPM Performer” held at the Casino Filipino Davao on April 13, 2011.
Although majority of the participants were from Davao City, many hopefuls like Marlon hailed from far-flung provinces like Davao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, General Santos City, Panabo City, Cagayan de Oro, South Cotabato and Bukidnon.
For someone who had suffered a few strings of setbacks in life, Marlon said the OPM@PAGCOR nationwide talent search is probably God’s way of telling him to look forward to a new beginning. “I used to have a successful career in Manila as a real estate agent. But all of a sudden, all that I worked hard for in 11 years are gone,” he shared while trying to hide his frustrations.
Now living in Bukidnon, Marlon was literally left with nothing but his singing voice and a newfound hope that his destiny will take a surprising twist again. “When I saw the OPM@PAGCOR TV ad, I realized this may be the chance that I have been waiting for,” he said. When he checked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) website by March 10, he saw that the application deadline had passed. “After a day, I suddenly felt the urge to revisit the site. I was surprised to see that the deadline was extended. I would like to believe that things happen for a reason,” he added.
Though not a professional singer, singing is something very close to Marlon’s heart. “Singing is my passion. But I was not given the chance to eventually make a living out of it. I am thankful that this opportunity came. It gives aspiring singers like me a chance to pursue our passion,” he said.
Lanie Lyn Taboco, an 18-year old Criminology student from Davao City, also sees the OPM@PAGCOR talent search as a means of getting her family out of a seemingly hopeless situation.
Armed only with her dreams and her singing talent, Lanie believes she can someday help her parents financially and her sick brother if she will not give up on her dreams.
“Lagi akong sinasabihan ng nanay ko, sali ka ng sali sa singing contest, hindi ka naman nananalo,” she narrated in between sobs. “Pero hindi po ako titigil dahil baka sa pamamagitan nito, matulungan ko ang mga magulang ko at mapagamot ko ang kuya ko,” she added.
Lanie shared that her elder brother has long been suffering from a nose inflammation but never had the chance to get medical attention. Her mother’s meager income from a home-based eatery is not even enough to sustain her family’s essential needs. Lanie’s father, who used to drive a truck that transports fish for export, recently lost his job.
She also shared that in all the singing contests she joined in the past, the OPM@PAGCOR stands out. “Marami po ang magagaling at yung OPM, andun lahat ng kilalang singer,” she said. Despite the tough competition, Lanie remains hopeful that time will come when her talent will serve as her family’s ticket out of poverty.
According to OPM luminary Nanette Inventor, there were a few contestants from Davao possessing the qualities they were looking for in a total performer.
“My standards may be high but what I’m looking for are really exceptional talents. Hindi lang ang pagbirit ang sukatan ng kagalingan. I am looking at the voice quality of the contestants. For me, the entertainment value of the performer is very important,” she shared.
After the OPM@PAGCOR Mindanao auditions, the top two winners from all over the country will undergo a performance workshop with some of the country’s top music icons and prepare for the June 10 Grand Finals at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Airport Casino Filipino, Paranaque City.
The top three winners will receive cash prizes of P300,000 (1st prize), P200,000 (2nd prize) and P100,000 (3rd prize). The grand winner will also get a recording contract from a major music recording company and a performance contract from PAGCOR.
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Thirty-two year-old Marlon Macabaya didn’t mind enduring a six-hour bus ride all the way from Bukidnon just to sing a few lines, show an impressive performance and maybe, change his fate.