Twenty-eight Filipino performing artists will compete in the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts, which will be held in Los Angeles, California, this July. The WCOPA is the only official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performing artists. Five Pinoys–Jed Madela , the Cercado Sisters, Reymond Sajor, Aria Clemente, and Catherine Loria–have emerged from this contest as grand champions since the Philippines first joined in 2005.

This year’s team is composed of  Canadian Idol finalist Martha Joy, Sexbomb dancer Evette Pabalan,Mayumi Morales (sister of young singer-actor Makisig), Rhap Salazar (ABS CBN Little Big Star Brightest Star), LA-based recording artist Divo Bayer, and up-and-coming performers Keane Andeza, Oreo Vamenta, Maila Mitra, Nicole Espolong, Melchi Bicua, CJ Concepcion, and Mia Sinaguinan.

Also part of the Philippine team are solo vocalists Guy Lockwood and Izarzuri Vidal and group vocalists Kulay Pikata and Young Voices of the Philippines Quartet. DepEd’s 2009 Mr. Philippines Youth Bryann Foronda is the sole entry to the WCOPA’s modeling category and will compete in the photo and spokesmodeling events.

The delegation is led by Philippine national director Carlo Orosa, associate director Oliver Oliveros, and Kitchie Benedicto of KB Entertainment.

The WCOPA, held every year in Hollywood, brings together contestants from 50 countries to compete in events such as dance, voice, modeling, acting, and comedy.

In addition to the coveted Grand Champion Performer of the World titles for the junior and senior levels and a $50,000 scholarship to the famed School for Film and Television in New York for each winner, the event offers a good venue for performing artists wanting to break into Hollywood, as top producers and directors in the entertainment industry are invited to judge on the finals night.