Hall of Famer Jed clears ‘nega’ impressions about WCOPA

For the first time since the country started competing in the much-touted WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts) in 2005, the Philippines sent 35 delegates to the event last month held at a hotel in Los Angeles, the biggest number so far, competing with hopefuls from 53 other countries.

Thirty-three of the 35 came home with awards, broken down as follows:

• Gerardo “Gerry” Mercado, Outstanding National Director;

• Beverly Caimen, Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World;

• Ianna Aldeza Dela Torre, Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World; and

• Reynaldo “Reygor” Gorospe Jr. (featured in Funfare two weeks ago), Senior Grand Champion Male Model of the World (the first Filipino to win the honor).

• Divison World Champions: Gollayan Sisters, Champion of the World Vocal Group (ages 16-24); Charlene Mae Hernandez, Female Division World Champion Vocal Variety (16-24); Chivas Anton Malunda, Male Division World Champion Vocal R&B/Soul/Jazz (25 and above); Karen Tadokoro, Junior Female Division World Champion Dance Jazz (10 and below); Laarnie Losala (Lozada), Female Division World Champion Vocal/Broadway/Gospel/Pop/R&B/Soul/Jazz (25 and above); Lady Diana Onnagan, Female Division World Champion Vocal Variety/Open/Rock/Contemporary (25 and above); Maria Criselda Ledesma, Female Division World Champion Vocal World (25 and above); Maria Theresa Gow, Female Division World Champion Vocal Original Works (25 and above); Mark Anthony Atienza, Male Division World Champion Vocal Pop (11-15); Merry Mia Sinaguinan, Female Division World Champion Vocal Open/Rock/Pop (16-24); Richard Dalo, Male Division World Champion Vocal Pop (25 and above); and Sherine Ann Koa, Female Division World Champion Vocal Opera (16-24).

The remaining 17 won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the preliminary rounds.

Did the Philippines win that many awards and medals because it sent the most number of contestants?

“Not really,” corrected Annie Mercado, WCOPA International Representative for the Southeast Asian Region and also manager of Jed Madela who was elevated this year to the WCOPA Hall of Fame in the distinguished company of, among others, Debbie Allen, Dionne Warwick, Ann Margret, Bob Barker, Oleg Cassini, Liza Minnelli and Dolly Parton (as Annie mentioned in a list sent to Funfare).

“Every year, the Philippines sends the least number of entries. From the time of Carlo Orosa (national director from 2007 to 2009) to the time of Kitchie Benedicto (2010-2012), both of whom were appointed by Gerry and me, the most number that we’ve been sending is 15, compared to countries like South Africa, Guatemala, Australia and Russia with hundreds; and USA with as many as 800 delegates each time.”

And yes, Annie conceded, the number (35) sent this year might be a factor for the big number of wins.

“But,” Annie added, “we do not want to mislead people from the fact that our delegates were really champions in our country, all of them talented and awesome performers. WCOPA consists of hundreds of acts competing in different categories in different divisions divided into Seniors and Juniors.”

“It shows the whole world that Filipino talents are world-class,” said Jed, the first Filipino to win Grand Champion Performer of the World in 2005 and the first Asian/world  champion to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Jed went to US to personally accept the honor. “Since 2005, walang Pinoy na hindi nananalo.”

Criteria for Jed’s induction, according to Annie, was his contribution to the industry and his influence on children not only in the Philippines but in other countries “to get into the performing arts and become better citizens.” WCOPA is said to have “monitored” Jed’s activities and how he grew in his career and, according to Annie, “found him to be worthy of the Hall of Fame honor.”

Reygor Gorospe told Funfare that, like every contestant, he paid an entrance fee (he shelled out $1,500 saved from his earnings as waiter by day and model by night in Japan).

Asked why the required entrance fee, Annie explained that the amount should be considered as an investment because, she said, the WCOPA experience is truly priceless, something participants can learn a lot from, lessons they can use in the pursuit of their careers.

“Since they are not supported by our government,” said Annie, “oftentimes, our contestants themselves have to look for supporters who can help them financially.”

“It’s not just a competition,” said Jed who has served as WCOPA judge. “You don’t just go there and compete and hope to win a prize. It’s a week-long event na every day ay may nangyayari. There are workshops, seminars, trainings, go-sees…all of them kasama na sa entrance fee. Win or lose, panalo ka pagbalik mo because you get to be trained by top trainors (vocal coaches, dance instructors, etc.). It depends on your mindset — is it because you want to win or is it because you want to grow and become a better performer? It’s an opportunity for you to broaden your horizons and be exposed to the international market.”

Admittedly, WCOPA has done a lot in giving Jed’s career a big boost.

“I hope some people should stop having the negative impression na, you know, ‘Wala namang natatalo dyan sa WCOPA na ‘yan, eh.’ Sana isipin nila na dahil magaling ang Pinoy kaya nakakapag-uwi tayo ng mga awards at medals.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected].)