Thank you for always being here amazing peeps! Hope it wouldn't take much of your time if I'd ask you to

The whole country has been following X Factor Philippines on ABS-CBN for more than three months since its premiere on local television last June 23, 2012. One of the most critical moments aired last night, September 30, 2012. It was also considered the judges/ mentors’ “nightmare;” particularly with International Filipino artist Charice Pempengco.

Charice has been mentoring two of the four remaining finalists of the X Factor Philippines 2012, namely KZ Tandingan and Allen Sta. Maria. Other finalists include Gabriel Maturan mentored by judge Martin Nievera and Daddy’s Home mentored by judge Gary Valenciano. The first part of the show was enveloped with fear and pressure when the host, KC Concepcion announced the first two “safe” finalists.

Gab Maturan was jumping high when his name was first called, and his mentor Martin was so much elated as his mentee. After that moment, the whole crowd was cheering for the names of their respective bets, and then KC announced Daddy’s Home as the second “safe” finalist joining fellow finalist Gab Maturan.

The whole PAGCOR grand theater was filled with tension, awes and cheers. There was a mixed of emotions clouding the scenario. It was a fortuitous battle between Charice’s mentees Allen and KZ, with the latter being her first time to be in the “bottom two.” The young singer from Digos was considered to be the early favorite and a “threat” to most of her co-finalists in the show.

It was their mentor, Charice, who became so emotional with the adjudication prompting her to burst into tears as soon as the proclamation of the “bottom two.” Off cam, we've witnessed how she was so affected and literally, she was weeping and as if nobody could stop her. Even X Factor co-judges Pilita Corrales, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera came into rescue with so much concern. Meanwhile, both Allen and KZ were crying on and off cam, as soon as the announcement was presented.

The first to defend her position was Allen. She was fervently singing the song “Perfect” by Pink. From my end, I could really feel the fierce and sensitivity of the lyrics coming out of her. She really wanted to prove her worth as a performer. On the other hand, KZ showed off her own version of the song “Ordinary People,” originally done by John Legend. So now we really have to choose between “Perfect” and “Ordinary People,” wasn't that very ironic?!

It is as ironic and very stressful in Charice’s part. It’s like being “torn between two lovers.” She could hardly introduce her two mentees when KC asked her to; as if there was a lump on her throat and there was heaviness on her voice. Opportunely, as one may have recognized it, the three judges deliberately voted out Allen, leaving or I guess “saving” Charice from the very awkward, taxing and formidable position. If it did not occur though, a “deadlock” would happen and Charice might be really in that situation she can never imagined.

Expect more striking and unpredictable moments as X Factor Philippines reaches its grand finale on October 6 (Performance night) & 7 (Results night), 2012, that's Saturday and Sunday respectively.

The X Factor Philippines has tremendously earned raves via boobtubes and social media. The internationally-based talent search has gained constant followers and still acquiring a huge number of viewers as the weeks pass by. 

ABS-CBN has brought this program to the Philippines to conscientiously search for the next multi-media superstar. The program appears to be not just a battle of charisma, stage presence and unique vocal prowess but also a personal battle to overcome their lifelong struggles that might have driven them off course from realizing their dream of making it in the music industry.

The X Factor Final 6 were presented to the press just recently comprising of Jeric Medina, Gabriel Maturan, Kedebon Colim, Allen Sta. Maria, KZ Tandingan and Daddy’s Home composed of Allan Silonga, Herbert Silonga, Eric Dacanay and Jerome Icatar.

Here’s a soft background of the six X Factor Ph’s finalists, first, (in no particular order) Jeric who’s from Parañaque had been battling weight problems since he was a kid but was driven to lose weight and he has now shed off 70 lbs. gaining more confidence and very much ready to pursue his dream of becoming a music artist. Second from the list is Gabriel or Gab of Dapitan City who profoundly confessed that he had three men he considered fathers. And as far as he is concerned, he remembers his mom visiting the house of the late “Perry Como of the Philippines,” Diomedes Maturan who had gained stardom in the late 50’s. Diomedes was believed to be Gab’s grandfather.

Third from the list is Allen, the youngest finalist from Nueva Ecija who had been struggling from poverty and been joining various singing contests in order to support her studies and buy stuff for herself. This young talent confesses that she never became champion in all the singing contests she’d joined. Next is the all-male group, Daddy’s Home, all daddies, all professionals and aged above 31. These pillars of the family are facing a fight against time as their shot at making in the industry tends to be shorter than the rest of the younger contenders. Between singing career and work, they’ve daringly opted to choose the former with hope of penetrating the mainstream scene.

Scene-stealer KZ Tandingan hails from Digos City. She is very much determined to really get the title as the first X Factor Philippines champion. Her throat history hasn’t been a hindrance to her singing career as a band singer; instead, she has finally searched a unique singing style and has learned to enhance that; she’s willing to prove that the country’s music industry is not just for belters, smooth-skinned and pretty artists.

And last but definitely not the least, is the gutsy Kedebon Colim of Cebu. This 19 year-old comedic, bubbly and one of a kind lad who was described by his family and friends as strong and hardworking has been struggling with poverty and been in a situation where insults and bashes are being thrown to him since he’d gained familiarity as well as popularity in the contest. But last Sunday, September 16, 2012, Kedebon and Daddy’s Home were placed in the bottom two. Due to the constraints to his number of votes and luck as we may consider, Kedebon has bid goodbye to his fellow X Factor Ph finalists, mentor/ judge Martin Nievera, other mentors and judges Gary Valenciano, Charice Pempengco and Ms. Pilita Corrales.

Martin Nievera mentors Jeric, Gabriel and the Kedebon whom Martin has grown fond of considering him like a "son." :)); while Charice still has two aces, KZ and Allen; Gary V. mentors Daddy's Home. Fourth judge-mentor Pilita Corrales' mentees were unfortunately eliminated from the competition and didn't make it to the final 6, thus, this prompted Ms. Pilita to judge the remaining contestants much easier, according to her since she doesn't have any mentees left. 

X Factor Philippines host KC Concepcion

X Factor Philippines Final 6 is now trimmed down to 5. Who among them will become the country’s very first X Factor Philippines grand winner? Whose “X factor” will win over viewers and judge-mentors hearts?

If you really wanna save your X Factor faves from being eliminated, do VOTE after their performances every Saturday simply by texting XF<space>JERIC/GAB/ALLEN/KZ/DAD and send it to 2331 for Globe and Sun subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk 'n Text subscribers. 

The much awaited finals of the X Factor Philippines is definitely fast approaching, so better not miss the country's biggest and grandest musical event of the year with KC Concepcion as host, airing every Saturday, after "MMK," and every Sunday, after "Sarah G Live!" on ABS-CBN. Please follow the show's official Twitter account @thexfactorphil and hope you'll like its official Facebook page XFactorPhOfficial

If you wanna see Kedebon's performance at their Press presentation, please do check this out! 

Remember K-La Rivera? K-La is Kayla Meagan Iovan in real life, she’s one the final contenders in ABS-CBN’s singing search program, “Star Power” hosted by the Megastar Sharon Cuneta wherein Angeline Quinto emerged as the winner.

Having been raised in Calgary, Canada, my first impression of this “not just” a pretty face K-La before meeting her was, I thought she is a “snob” and “complicated” person but spending almost a couple of hours chatting and laughing with her, proved us all wrong.

Her showbiz name, K-La was her own concept, she admitted, to have a “recall” for easy recognition just like J.Lo, one her fave artists as well as Beyonce. An avid fan of RnB (Rhythm and Blues) herself, she also wanted to try different genres as much as possible but still hopes to have a career in Musical theater.

"In The Heights" cast 

 Speaking of which, the talented artist had been part of the Atlantis Productions’ repeat run of rap-musical play, “In the Heights” last March along with other performers, Nyoy Volante, Jackie Lou Blanco and Ima Castro. And oh, not to forget, she used to be a MYX VJ and was given a privelege to sing the theme song of the movie “Pureza,” the launching movie of Melai Cantiveros, entitled “I’m Feeling Sexy Tonight,” which was originally done by Chona Cruz in the 80’s.

Watch K-La as she sings few lines from 

♫ "I'm Feeling Sexy Tonight" ♫

Just like a dream come-true to her, this coming November until December, K-La will be playing Princess Jasmine together with PBB ex-housemate Tom Rodriguez in the musical play, “Aladdin.” When asked about the preparations she’d made so far for the upcoming musical play, she said she’s doing some researching and been watching DVD’s of Aladdin. And when asked about the idea of Ms. Lea Salonga watching her perform, she expressed, “Nakakanerbiyos talaga, it’s nerve-wracking, I hope I can do justice to the role, since “Aladdin” would be played for the first time here in the Philippines.”

Aside from singing, the twenty-year old singer hopes to also excel in dancing and acting. She loves to write songs, but she thinks this is not the right time for her to share her works, not yet hehe. She takes care of her voice by simply avoiding cold water and drink lukewarm water instead. She keeps herself healthy and physically fit by regularly working-out and minimizing consumption of sweets. Being young hasn't been a determent to her when it comes to self-discipline, and I really admire her for that. :)) She considers herself more of a homebody and she’s not a “night” person, she loves to spend more time with her family and close relatives. She’s fond of reading inspirational books and believes that everything happens for a reason, and there’s a reason why she’s here.

Adding to her list of faves, she enjoys singing Tagalog songs and two of which are “Kailangan Kita” and “Kahit Isang Saglit.” She hopes to do collaboration with Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano someday. K-La even shared that haven’t been given this great opportunity in show business, she’d would’ve pursued her studies and be a psychologist, dentist or have a business of her own. Wanna know her biggest crush? 

It’s Sam Milby! ;))

Lastly, K-La is now a certified recording artist; she releases her debut album under Star Records with the following revival songs: “Lover has Come My Way,” “Say That You Love Me,” “Inseparable,” “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye” and “You’re All That I Need.”

Good luck to you K-La, I know you deserve everything but the best and we also wish for your success and eventually become an international artist in God’s time. You have our support.