SAPI 2 : Not just a competition!!

As the 2nd Gala Night and Elimination Round is getting nearer, Saudi Arabia Pop Icon (SAPI) Season 2 contestants are getting better and improving because of the weekly training and workshop at Future Generation International School conducted by Filipino professionals in the field of performing arts. The trainors are Ron Jacobe (well-known Toastmaster’s Speech Grand Champion in the Middle East) for personality development, diction, pronounciation and stage presence; Clovemin Campos and Elmer Aquino for voice coaching.

The whole SE Productions group, chaired by Rani Basanta, assists in facilitating the workshop.




The contestants never anticipate what they are going through during the preparation of the contest. All the while, they though that SAPI is just a competition. They never expect that from this event, they will achieve a different kind of success.

JP Aleta, a strong contender for the title, disclosed “ I’m so thankful for the greatest prize I already won – friendship among us– (contestants and organizers). I never thought that my talent in singing would pave way for meeting new friends and become closer because of our common interest.”

JP Aleta is referring to his fellow contestants Jonrey Salvia, Darty Harvey Sarvida, Julius"YUAN" Galve, Ardon Hatab, Raymond Ruben, Jose Rael Patricio, Shane Pastoral, Kenneth Sawyer, Marianne Ramos, Ryan Comandante and Ranilo David .

“The prize and the title are just an added feat to it. The competition is now secondary to the friendship we have developed along the way”, says the young heartthrob, Kenneth Sawyer.

Ardon Hatab, an employee of Hokair Co., enjoys the company of the group. “There is no way for us to develop selfishness and jealousy. We help each other even in selection of contest piece.”


“Seeing each other every week, knowing each other more and getting more confidence from our trainors are just some of the exciting experiences we had as SAPI2 contestants” Raymond Ruben added.

CEO Rannie Basanta also commends the special bonding of the contestants. “I don’t feel that there is a competition ongoing, I only see group of gifted individuals enjoying their interest in singing”.

From among the contestants, only few of them will qualify for the Grand Finals. The selection will be held on April 24, 2009 at the Philippine Embassy from 5:00-10:00pm. Admission is FREE.

The Saudi Arabia Pop Icon 2009 Final Round will be held on May 15, 2009 and the grand winner will receive SR. 7,000 Cash from Western Union - the Main Sponsor. Crème 21 co-sponsors the search and the Major sponsors are AUTOSTAR, AL YUSR INSTALLMENT CO. and PLACENTA.

Likewise Pinoy Supermarket, Giordano, Future Generation Intl School and KUBO support the event. TFC and UNTV 37 as media sponsor.