The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) recently announced the staging of a new season of their highly successful singing competition – the "OPM@PAGCOR 3: A Nationwide Search for the Total OPM Performer".

OPM President and multi-talented artist Ogie Alcasid said the continued partnership of OPM and PAGCOR gives inspiration to many promising artists in the country who are waiting for their chance to showcase their remarkable talents and create a better future for themselves and their families.

"OPM@PAGCOR is unlike any other talent search. It does not only give talented Filipinos a venue to be discovered but more importantly it provides opportunities—continuous professional enhancement, mentoring and employment for the newly discovered talents. Through this talent search that is truly and genuinely Filipino, we are able to instill nationalism to the younger generations through music," Alcasid shared.

Alcasid added that most Filipinos are born with a natural knack for singing. "Filipinos are very talented. If we continuously create, promote and support our own music, we will be able to break through the global market. I hope that we discover world-class talents that will give recognition to OPM and strengthen the local music industry," he cited.

On the other hand, PAGCOR Assistant VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana expressed pride for the notable success of the project and the OPM@PAGCOR talents. "Now on its 3rd year, the OPM@PAGCOR has produced the best performers who regularly sing in all Casino Filipino branches as PAGCOR Artists," he said.

"PAGCOR's partnership with OPM has helped raw talents develop into versatile performers through workshops given by the best performers, voice coaches, choreographers and personality enhancement trainors. They are also given the chance to earn a living once they become our very own PAGCOR artists," Quintana added.

Quintana shared that winners of the first two seasons of the nationwide OPM@PAGCOR talent search have become members of the PAGCOR 5. The group has been touring the different casino branches of PAGCOR together with some of the country's OPM icons and popular artists. PAGCOR 5 has also launched their debut album last December 2012. "After their Christmas album, another album is on the way. They are already working on it," he added.

OPM@PAGCOR 2 grand winner Froilan Canlas said working with top caliber artists in the country has been an unforgettable experience. "I thank PAGCOR for the great opportunities it gave us. During our shows in different Casino Filipino branches nationwide, OPM@PAGCOR winners have been given the chance to work with world-class performers like Pilita Corales, Joey Albert, Ariel Rivera, Sitti Navarro, Princess Velasco and many more. We learned so much from them as artists. With the staging of OPM@PAGCOR 3, more undiscovered singers will be given the chance to showcase their musical talents," Canlas said.

Meanwhile, OPM Secretary Dingdong Avanzado and OPM Vice President for External Affairs Noel Cabangon lauded the state-owned gaming firm for the unwavering support it has given to Filipino artists and the Philippine music industry.

"OPM@PAGCOR has already become a tradition in making the Filipino talents' dream a reality. I want to thank PAGCOR for your continued support to OPM and the Filipino artists," Cabangon cited.

Avanzado also expressed pride that he and his wife, singer-actress Jessa Zaragoza, have been part of the search for new OPM talents. "We were once budding artists who worked our way to the stage. Seeing these budding talents and helping them fulfill their dreams through this talent search is a fulfillment in itself. To PAGCOR, our partner and supporter, we thank you for your continued patronage of OPM. Your support is greatly appreciated not only by these budding artists but the local music industry as well," he said.

OPM@PAGCOR 3's top three winners will be bringing home a cash prize of P300,000 for the grand winner, P200,000 for the second placer, and P100,000 for the third placer. In addition, they will also get a trophy and a performance contract with Casino Filipino. Non-winners who will make it to the Top 12 will receive P20,000 each.

The nationwide auditions for OPM@PAGCOR 3 will run from April 19 to May 15, 2013 in the different Casino Filipino branches. The Grand Finals Night is slated on June 7, 2013 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater of Airport Casino Filipino in Paranaque City.

For more details about the OPM@PAGCOR 3, please visit www.pagcor.ph, call PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 852-7760, or visit the Casino Filipino branch near you.

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