JEDDAH — Two distressed OFWs in Jeddah received financial assistance from kindhearted Filipinos during the grand finale of a singing contest organized by a Filipino entertainment group last Friday. The two, who requested not to be named, received a total of SR2,985 from the audience of the Pwede Pa Kami Pop Idol Singing Contest and the Sayaw Pinoy dance contest organized by the Filipino Artiste Migrant Ensemble (FAME) held at the Golden Tulip Hotel. Jhun Abris, FAME's Chairman, later added an SR2,000 donation that brought the total amount to SR4,985 plus a 150-Peso and $10 bill. Abris said helping people is one of FAME's purposes and is also a way to thank God for the blessings its members have received. Special guest Alexander Inza Cruz, Acting Labor Attache of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-OWWA) in Jeddah, took the opportunity in reminding OFWs of the disadvantages of absconding from their jobs and urged them to respect the laws and the culture of the Kingdom. In the the grand finale of the singing and dance contest, eight contestants battle against each other. Fidel Melendrez won the grand finale followed by Joel Gelacio who placed 2nd and Randy Icalia and Bella Mabesa who got third and fourth place respectively in the singing contest while Zaidos group got the championship trophy over Harakat and Motion Masters who placed second and third respectively. Other contestants in the singing contest that made it to the Final 8 was Rowena Dagalea, Joy Flores, Angel Garcia and Marlyn Emetrio.Aside from the main event, different groups including the popular Knight Movers also showed their talents by performing different Filipino folk dances in the opening number. Champions from the Birit Bulilit singing contest Gabby Adora, Fern Roshan Castro, Coline Fernandez, Dareen Ali Maula at Samantha Lautillo and Western Region Got Talent 2011 winner Dhely Laugo also displayed their singing prowess. A Theatrical play depicting the Philippine Independence was performed by Mar Par Jr. group in the intermission number. Abris thanked Carl Benitez, Mario Germino, May Ann Aninon Teriote, Art Cruz, Ahjid Sayas, Juliet Sayas, Lowell Plameras at Christine Buhay for the splendid job in judging the events and Raquel Consebido, Daniah Adams at Mar Par Jr. for bringing the crowd alive in their cheerful hosting. Abris thanked their sponsors Friendi, Western Union, Danone AlSafi, Darwisa Maula & IPSJ Canteen for Catering, Rannie Basanta, CEO S.E. Productions, Scouts Royale Brotherhood-Western Region at ang Pinoy Photographer's Club led by Joan Galvez for the support extended to them. He also thanked technical people Joel Lautillo, Emmanuel Paras,Noel Carreon and Lance Mangahas who designed the stage and Jerry Lagrimas who supervised the program.
