Andrei Lacsamana,
Himig Ng Kalayaan 2010 Grand Champion

By Gared Angio
Jeddah-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Wed 30th June 2010





Jeddah: A 27 years old and a native of Bocaue, Bulacan is the new grand champion of the well celebrated singing competition in Jeddah, the Himig Ng Kalayaan 2010 Search that was held recently here at the grand ballroom of Golden Tulip Hotel.

This yearly singing competition is in line with the celebration of the 112^th Philippine Independence Day.

Lacsamanas good interpretation of song Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin by Martin Nievera at the elimination round made him on the magic 5 and his excellent rendition of song Hanggang by Wency Cornejo at the final round put him on top to get the grand prize.

It was actually a very stiff competition considering most of the other contenders are very good singers as well, Lacsamana humbly said when interviewed. It was just my lucky moments and thanks God and to all the supporters, he added.

As a grand winner, Lacsamana received a cash prize of SR2000 from SMDC, a round trip tickets (Jed-Mla-Jed) from Royal Brunei and a packed of goods from Dabur and Makati products, a certificate of appreciation and a trophy.






Other winners were Patricia Sirajam, 1^st Runner-up; Jovanni Ibanez, 2^nd Runner-up; Bryan de Vera, 3^rd Runner-up and April Faye Bautista, 4^th Runner-up. All of them have also received cash prizes, gifts from generous sponsors, certificate and a trophy. Recipients of special awards for Best in Filipiniana were Princess Valmonte for female category and Bryan de Vera for male category and both have received another trophy. Jeddahs top designers Rey Loyola and Amir Alcoreza also received a plaque of appreciation from PESOS in recognition for their craft and continuous support to the group.


The event was graced by no less than the Consul General of the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah, H.E. Ezzedin H. Tago who delivered an inspirational message being the guest of honor. The Cultural Officer and Attache, Mr. Amir Hussein Alonto was also present to grace the event.

Other performers, special guests and VIPs who attended the event were the KSA Knight Movers, Zaidos, the Big Wave Band, Ms. Jeanette Cerbito and Ms. Karla Maye Carreon. Head of various community groups were also present led by current Kasapi Congress Chairman, Boy Cornejo and Ex-chairman, Jauhari V. Usman.

Respected panel of judges and Jeddahs finest in the field of music that was also presented by PESOS a plaque of appreciation were Ahjid Sayas, Millet Paguio, Paul Antiporda, Ed Santos, and Ms. Sylvia Delos Santos as the chairman. Head of Tabulation was Glen Sibag and Macky De Guzman. The show was entirely hosted by Raymond Curiban and Ms. Donna Nogoy.
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Pinoy Expatriates for Social Organization and Sports (PESOS) who organized this event headed by Edgar Mendoza would like to extend their appreciation to SM Development Corporation through Mr. Richard De Sagun, Royal Brunei Airline by Mr. Yousuf Ali Javeed, Mahawarean Ltd. Co. of Capt. Abdullah Ali and Waleed Al-Sahafi, Makati Products and Orient Provision and Trading Co. Ltd., by Mr. Abdul Mohsen Al-Ghamdi and Robert Bob Bato, the General Manager of Argo Navis Corp., Engr. Rey Bautista, La Paz Batchoy Restaurant, Bakeshop & Grocery of Mr. Ronald Mangua, Dabur products by Mr. Rizwan Abidi and Vincent Montecastro, Ay-Sarap Restaurant of Engr. Nilo Lucena, the Desert Knights Demolays and Dads Alumni Jeddah chapter of president Ken Bautista, Mr. Ysmael Diaz, Sky Freight Forwarders of Danny Abenes, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) of Mike Tavera and Manny Zafra, Bison Energy Drink of Mr. Alaa Nemr and Abdulaziz Alvarez, Ms. Juliet Sayas, the Big Wave Band of Lando Del Pillar and John Cabanding and members of www.GitnangSilangan.com who covered the event live on web.


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Officers and members of PESOS who handled various committees and production were John Lagrimas, Mandy Dugenia, Macky de Guzman, Alvin Sevilla, Joseph Semana Santos, Noel Cebreiros, Alson Sacandal, Erhard Macaraeg, Goody Viajedor, Kiel Erida, Kaye Salas Cruz, Karen Marasigan, Rose Buensalida, Joven Loba, Roy Reyes, Belle Ellevera, Kolet Padilla, Joseph Paragas, Jay Rasal, Jonell Cruz, Robert Sales, Vincent, Jopay, Bob Florendo and Edgar Mendoza as the overall director and production in-charge.

To watch the replay of the whole coverage of Himig Ng Kalayaan 2010 finals please visit http://hayag.com/gitnangsilangan and for further info and inquiry please email at or call 0554590912,
0541758088 or 0502346231,

Photos by Bob Florendo