Sinulog Idol 10 tribute night Vanessa Parame shines, as two bid goodbye

CEBU, Philippines — Vanessa Parame finally earned a Star or the Night trophy on the fifth round of Sinulog Idol Season 10, which has been held nightly since January 11 at Plaza Independencia.

For Tribute Night, the remaining ten finalists made up of Jake Batiancela from Guadalupe; Talisay City natives Jessa Abaquita, Zane Dugaduga and Parame; Carcar City’s James Alfafara; Mandaue City’s Maica Papas and Yad Jayme; Consolacion’s Mikee Allaga; Rache Parco of Minglanilla; and Shim Dagatan of Danao City paid homage to some of the greatest musical icons and artists who already passed away.

Parame’s rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” launched the BA Communication freshman to the top and had judge Apple Abarquez commending her storytelling, saying that the hopeful was able to transform her nerves into a remarkable performance.

“Wala ko nag-expect na ma Star of the Night ko karong gabhiuna,” said the 19-year-old songstress, who was the last to be called for the Top Four. She shared that her boyfriend and uncle helped her choose her piece for Tribute Night.

Parame, who studies at the University of San Jose Recoletos, admitted that her Star of the Night status brings a sort of pressure for the semi-finals which will have the finalists heating up the stage with rock music.

“Lisod jud kaayo kay dili akong genre [rock]. Ako jud i-show akong best tomorrow,” she promised.

Alongside Parame in the Top Four are Batiancela, Medicine student; Abaquita, Hotel and Restaurant Management major; Parco, Grade 12 HUMMS who performed “Georgia On My Mind,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Valerie,” respectively.

Sinulog Idol producers decided not to eliminate anyone on the fourth round dubbed Showtunes Night, which saw the victory of Dugaduga – who was part of the Bottom Three the following round. But Tuesday night had the judges coming through with their promise of eliminating perhaps two at a time in the succeeding rounds.

Allaga and Jayme ran out of luck on Tribute Night and bid the competition goodbye. Jayme’s version of the iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen “lacked intensity, conviction and flair” and was almost boring according to judge Ryan Mark Borinaga.

Judge Jay Unchuan found Allaga’s take on “The Impossible Dream” too technical, advising contenders to sing with their hearts as well.

“‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ akong gipili kay usa siya sa mga kanta na best gyud nako. Ganahan ko ma-challenge bisag lisod siya,” said Jayme, a senior high school student. The judges noted that his piece will make or break any artist, and Jayme, who was feeling under the weather, did not deliver.

“Happy gihapon kaayo ko bisag natangtang ko. First night, wala na sa condition akong voice. Kung akong imaginenon nga nakaabot pa ko ani na night, swerte na kaayo ko,” said the Information Technology freshman who was at the Bottom Three the night before.

“Akong i-take as lesson ang comments para sa sunod na performance. Ingon ni Coach Jay na sing with your heart, so that’s it. Next performances, mu-sing ko with my heart,” Mikee added.

Allaga and Jayme have decided to focus on their studies after their “Sinulog Idol” Season 10 stint. After the announcement, Abarquez consoled the gentlemen saying that their elimination does not make them any less of a singer and that they are among Cebu’s best having been part of “Sinulog Idol.”

For the first few nights, the trio of judges encouraged the contestants to shine brighter. As the competition progressed, they wished them the best of health throughout the rigorous process. With only Rock Night standing in the way to the “Sinulog Idol Seaon 10 finals, the judges hope that the finalists will take their journey to greater heights.

“Tanan tao, murag mahadlok na ma-out. They forget the heart of performing and to have fun doing it. None of this is worth it if you don’t have fun,” said Unchuan.

After Rock Night, six will remain to sing their hearts out in tonight’s Grand Finals.

Boringa noted that the idols seem to be running out of steam. They constantly remind them to give it their all, knowing that Rock Night will be a challenge to most of the singers.

“This is your final night. Wala nay inhibitions,” advised Borinaga. “You should maintain the energy and the drive. Maybe they should ask themselves nganong naa sila sa ‘Sinulog Idol’ and nganong finalist gihapon sila. When you’re able to answer that, you’ll be able to transform that into a very good performance.”