By Neil Ramos
Crowd favorite Janine Berdin fulfilled expectations Saturday, besting co-competitors to claim the Grand Champion’s trophy as created by Toym Imao at the Grand Finals of “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 2”.
The 16-year old from Cebu City garnered a national combined average score of 96.11% – leaving behind second placer Ato Arman from Bukidnon who only eked a meager 74.27%; and third placer Steven Paysu who scored a lowly 61.80%.
As usual, Berdin received thunderous applause performing a medley of Bamboo hits during the finals including re-arranged versions of “Noypi” and “Hallelujah.”
Arman, on the other hand, gave his all singing Freddie Aguilar classics “Anak” and “Ipaglalaban Ko.”
Paysu, meanwhile, tried to woo the crowd to his side singing Barry Manilow’s “Somewhere Down the Road” and “I write the songs.”
In the end, it was Berdin who claimed the P2 million cash prize, along with a house and lot package from Camella homes, a vacation package from 2Go, assorted musical instruments and gadgets from JB Music, a livelihood package from Siomai House, among others.
Arman and Paysu received P500,000 and P250,000, respectively.
Finalists Reggie Turtogo, Anton Antenor Cruz and Arabelle dela Cruz, received P100,000 each.
The “Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 2” grand finals was aired on ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime.”
The judges were Rey Valera, Mitoy Yonting, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya, Billy Crawford, Yeng Constantino, Karla Estrada, Nyoy Volante, Jed Madela, K Brosas, Karylle Padilla, Kyla, Eric Santos, and Rico J. Puno.
