16 qualifies for SAUDI ARABIA Pop Icon 2010 in Jeddah

by: Fred Garces, FAME
It was indeed a tough audition for 25 aspirants who flocked to La Parilla Restaurant last Feb 20 and dream to be the new Pop Icon of Saudi Arabia Grand Winner.
Now on its third season, SE Productions in collaboration with Filipino Artiste Migrant Ensemble (FAME) in Jeddah will hold the much awaited musical event of the year through the support of their major sponsor SARAWAT Superstores which is celebrating its 30th year in servicing its loyal customers especially the Filipino Community in KSA.

Out of the 25 aspirants who flocked to La Parilla Restaurant last Feb 20, Sixteen (16) contestants (13 males and 3 females) made it to the final round and earned the right to be contenders in the Grand Finals to be held on April 23, 2010. The Top 4 will represent Jeddah to the Kingdom wide search to be held at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh on May 21, 2010.

Most of the 16 contenders are first timers, while there are some who already joined singing contests in Jeddah and in the Philippines. The judges, Mario Germino, Juliet Sayas and Kiel Erida, agreed that it is going to be an exciting contest this year since most of them have different and unique styles which are very interesting for the audience to watch. Ron Jacobe, S.E. Productions seasoned-director gave a brief background about the contest and gave the contenders some tips on how the new Pop Icon KSA will be chosen as a whole.



The event was well attended by all FAME Officers, lead by its founding Chairman Jhun Abris with special guest, Ron Jacobe – Artistic Director of SE Productions – Riyadh. Vice Chairman Jerry Lagrimas and Executive Assistant Bubbles Hernandez took turns in hosting the audition process. Last year’s Pop Icon winner Karla Maye Carreon and the newly formed dance group, Knight Movers, provided the Intermission numbers.



This year’s 16 contenders are; Dina Fontanilla, Huntlee Ragudo, Yayo Valmonte, Student, Ariel Afante of Olayan Food Services, Ferdinand Lacsama of Hussein Al Qatani, John John Domingo of Manar Advertising, Joseph Loyola from Movenpick Al Nawras Resort, Jason Pagalan of Saudia Airlines Flight Operations, Vincent Valiente, a service crew, Alvin Dave Limpin of AMS-Baeshen Co., Michael Pedron of Baeshen Company, Mark Garcia, an Asst Supervisor, Jae -Are Agustin of AMS-Baeshen Co., Jeser Valles of Al Azizia Panda United, Cristina Cunanan from King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital and Mark Barluado of Bank Albilad.

Jeddah Pop Icon major sponsor is Sarawat Superstores supported by Avon, Nara Camicie, BPI Pinoy, Logic Marketing and Giordano. Jezebel Remixes is the official sounds and lights provider.

For more of Jeddah Pop Icon audition photos, click HERE