Photo courtesy of Mike Reyes
Kapatid TV5's Talentadong Pinoy Worldwide Middle East hosted by Ryan Agoncillo has its champion.
Haina Uddin, a 16 year old student from Qatar and a wildcard finalist bags the crown to the Middle East regional edition of the popular Filipino talent search last Friday June 7, 2013 at the Boracay Club in Dubai.. Beating all other 5 contestants with her electrifying performance of Jessi J's song "Mama Knows Best" she was surprised and grateful to win. "I am totally surprised, I did not expect this. I was just a wildcard entry I am thrilled to have had this fantastic opportunity." Uddin said in the press conference held at Makati Comedy Bar, Asiana Hotel just right after the finals.
She won the prize of 10,000 US Dollars (AED 36, 700) and will soon fly to Manila to compete in the Battle of the Champions in Kapatid TV5's talent show. When ask what she will do with the prize, she said she intend to donate 10 percent of it to charity and what remains will be used to put up a small business for her family.
Haina was praised by judge Arnel Ignacio saying " As judges, we have seen a lot of talented Filipinos here in the Middle East, aside from that, we are looking for the X-factor and Haina has all those traits." He also said "Hindi ka malulungkot sa score na ibibigay ko" (You will not feel sad about the score I am going to give you).
"I think she is destined to win this contest and she was good even when we saw her in Qatar only she didn't win in the qualifying round." de Belen said.
Kesiah Eunece Ariteo, 10, finished at second with $ 5000 and Watawat Dance Group came in third with $ 3, 000.
Filipinos in Dubai mainly OSN subscribers had the chance to meet award winning TV host Ryan Agoncillo and judge celebrities Arnel Ignacio, Gelli de Belen and Marvin Agustin
Talentadong Pinoy Worldwide Middle East in association with OSN - Middle East and Africa's home to 100 channels of Western, Arabic and Filipino entertainment made this all possible to give joy to all the Pinoys in the region.
Just recently OSN added four premium and leading ABS-CBN Channels: TFC (The Filipino Channel), BRO, Cinema One Global and ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) giving wider viewing experience for Filipinos is the Middle East.