WCOPA delegates L-R: Jerushalmai Calisang, Iago Raterta, Reuben Laurente, Reymond Sajor, 2006 national director Carlo Orosa, Aria Clemente, and Raki Vega

By Karla Maquiling

Five weeks before the Philippine delegation flies off to Hollywood to compete in the World Championships of Performing Arts, the group is still raising funds to finance the trip.

The delegation includes “Born Diva” grand prize winner Raki Vega, “Little Big Superstar” finalist Aria Clemente, pop virtuoso and gospel singer Reuben Laurente, Philippine Idol finalist Reymond Sajor, 2006 Manhunt International semifinalist Iago Raterta, and the Zamboanga-based Revelation band, composed of Emmanuel, Jerushalmai, Jeremiah, and Isaac Calisang, and guitarist Bobby Piedad.

Said to be the only Talent Olympics of its kind worldwide, WCOPA is scheduled between July 28 and August 5. This is the third year that the Philippines is competing.

During Friday night’s fundraising concert at Teatrino in Greenhills, former WCOPA national director Ida Henares recounted the miracles of how she discovered the competition and how 2005 delegate Jed Madela bested more than 2,000 contestants from 41 countries and became the first Filipino to be Grand Champion Performer of the World.

“The event showed us that in a level playing field, the Filipino artist can be world-class,” Henares said. She also took the occasion to introduce this year’s national director, singer-thespian Carlo Orosa, who continues to secure pledges and donations to cover the delegates’ registration fees, airfare, food, and accommodation, amounting to $3,000 each.

“By supporting Carlo, you’re not only supporting a dream, but you’re also helping people grow in their craft. You’re also bringing pride to the nation,” Henares said.

Orosa is overwhelmed with the support the group has been getting from individuals and corporations sympathetic to this cause.

He cited one instance in which 11-year-old junior performer Clemente sang at an Independence Day celebration and met Department of Tourism secretary Ace Durano. “Aria walked up to him and said, ‘Sir, gusto ko sanang sumali sa WCOPA kaso wala po akong sponsors.’ Durano gave her $5,500. She’s my only delegate who’s made the quota.”

Laurente, who will compete in the R&B/jazz, gospel, world music, and Broadway levels, expressed how overwhelmed he was in “seeing all these Filipinos in the audience who are supportive and paying tribute to Filipino artistry.” Aside from the financial support, he said the delegation needed everybody’s prayers because “we are bringing Filipino excellence to the United States of America.”

Aside from Friday’s fundraiser, Sajor, who will be competing in the gospel, Broadway, pop, and contemporary categories, still has two other provincial shows meant to draw financial support. His Nueva Ecija shows will be on July 7 and 8, while another one in his hometown, Lucena City, is scheduled for July 14.

“Hectic talaga ang fundraising because we really wanna do great there and make the Philippines proud,” Sajor said.

Preparations
Sajor still has to decide on his competition line-up, although he is considering Miss Saigon’s “Why, God, Why?” or “This is the Moment” for the Broadway category, and “We are the Reason” as a gospel piece.

The 28-year-old grand prize winner of Canada’s Hamilton Talent Hunt says that smoking, drinking, and staying up late are a no-no while preparing for WCOPA.

Cebuano singer Vega, who happens to be a voice teacher at Cebu’s Academy of Music, reveals that she practices vocalizations, exercises for stamina, and avoids drinking cold water to maintain her voice.

While Vega was trained by Broadway star Lea Salonga when she played the lead in the local production of Once on This Island, this time “Born Diva” star is all on her own. She says that the team will probably be getting a professional voice coach in the coming weeks.
Raterta, the six-foot-two-inch-tall Bench endorser who used to be a basketball varsity player for the UST Growling Tigers, is competing in the modeling category, which includes swim, formal and casual wear.

“I will probably be wearing clothes by my designer friends such as Randy Ortiz, JC Buendia, and Frederick Peralta, among others,” the Manhunt International finalist reveals.

Prior to the competition, Raterta will still be busy the coming weeks, as he is leaving for a Bench show in Shanghai. There are no special preparations for WCOPA, he says. “I don’t diet—I just eat all I want and commit myself to a regular exercise routine.”

Jerushalmai Calisang, vocalist of the Zamboanga-based Revelation Band, confides that she’s avoiding sweets of all kind and doing voice lessons in preparation for the competition. Tagged as Zamboanga’s “soul diva,” Calisang will compete in the jazz, pop, original composition, and duet categories.

Band guitarist Bobby Piedad was a revelation that evening as he played “Hotel California” on the guitar with his teeth.

Piedad, who is also competing as a guitarist in the rock level, practiced the Eagles piece for six months. He first tried out the teeth-gritting act ten years ago when he saw Jimi Hendrix do it on TV.

Performing from the heart
Madela, who was a special guest in the fundraiser, relates that competing at the WCOPA is an experience he will remember forever.

“I learned that when going onstage, one has to savor the moment and own it, and then leave a part of one’s heart and soul to the audience,” he confides.

“Iba ang Pinoy—may puso ang pagkanta,” the 2005 WCOPA Grand Champion exclaims.

The 2007 Team Philippines is still accepting donations and pledges. Please contact Carlo Orosa or Oliver Oliveros at 0928-7725254 or 0920-9202047, or e-mail stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph

Photo credits: Cressie Carandang and Allisonne delos Santos