The Bread-winner is this year’s Grand Champion of Jeddah Pop Icon 2014

By: Frederick D. Garces
Emailed for posting by Marlon B. Vicente
Jeddah-Saudi Arabia
December 3, 2014



JEDDAH: It was an emotional winning moment for this year’s winner, Efren Dignos as he emerged as the Grand Champion of Jeddah Pop Icon Season 4 organized by FAME (Filipino Artiste Migrant Ensemble) in Jeddah, KSA.


Efren took home cash prizes, mobile phone, 2 hand watches and gift vouchers from this year’s sponsors. The first runner-up went to Janina Singson, a seasoned singer from TFSJ camp, while 2^nd runner-up went to Rachell Bartolome, a nurse and a first timer as well. The other 7 contenders who made it to the Top 10 were Eugene Manimtim, Edgar Miranda, Kristine Solis, Lyra Gandalera, Krob Mercader, Mohammad Carambon and Lou Bercasio. Special guest for the evening was Vice Consul of the Philippines, Rodney Sumague, TFSJ Cybetronyx,  The Knight Movers, CCF X-Crew, Samantha Lautillo and Emmanuel Paras. Other finalists for this year’s contest includes Bryan Devera, Dennis Mamac, Buddy Tuballa, Emman Alcantara, Ricky Estrada, Ash Concepcion, Chinito Cris Miranda and Van Paolo Melendres. The board of Judges for this year was Ahjid Sayas, Mario Yusuf Germino, Rannie Basanta, Carl Benitez and Joanne Yodico. Vice Consul Rodney Sumague delivered an inspirational speech on behalf of the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah.

Jeddah Pop Icon is a yearly project by FAME headed by its founding Chairman Jhun Abris. The contest had produced high caliber performers in Jeddah which serves as their training and honing ground in pursuing professional careers in the entertainment world. Its First Season winner, Karla Maye Carreon competed in 2011 World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California where she was a silver medalist. In 2012 she represented the Philippines in K-pop World Championship in Korea and was declared as the Grand Champion. 

This year’s Jeddah Pop Icon is sponsored by Sarawat Superstore, Pine Hill Arabia, Mobily, Al Malki Trading, Fawri, X-Perfume and Skyfreight. Sound system was provided by StarsSociety while catering was done by Darwisa’s Kitchenette and Kusina ni Juday. Venue was held at La Parilla Restaurant.