ACC BSED English Singing Siren Lands 5th Spot in Leyte Idol Season 12 Finals

By Rogie Beringuel

In a thrilling competition of vocal range and prowess, Chescka Caliao, a third year BSEd-English student of Abuyog Community College secured a remarkable top-five finish during the Leyte Idol Season 12 Grand Finals Night at the Leyte Academic Center Palo, Leyte on Sunday evening January 7.

After gruelling months of municipal and provincial auditions and semi-final rounds, Caliao, together with the other 9 grand finalists, has been selected by the judges for their unique style and emotive performances leaving an indelible mark on the competition.

Meanwhile, among the ten finalists who vied for the title, James Martin Mendigo of Tanauan, Leyte emerged as victorious as the Leyte Idol Season 12 Grand Champion. Mendigo received P 100, 000 cash prize.

Second placer was Eldrich Manuel Sevilla of Ormoc, City (with P 75, 000 cash prize ) and third placer was Christian Labrador of Tacloban, City who went home with P50, 000 cash.

“Out of 300+ contestants, I’ve made it to the Grand Finals, and that alone makes me feel proud and contented. And being one of the Top 5 Grand Finalists is very overwhelming and self-fulfilling.” Caliao penned in her social media.

Being a neophyte in the singing battle, Caliao admittedly knew from the start that the title was not meant for her, yet she is hopeful for whatever God’s plan ahead of her after the competition.

Caliao also narrated in her post that prior to the finals night, she had cough and colds,but it didn’t dampen her spirit to gave a powerful performance.

She also expressed her warmest felicitations to all individuals who supported her journey in the local singing competition.

“I’ve learned a lot, I enjoyed and will treasure every moment I had in Leyte Idol S12. Chapter is not close but rather opens a new door for me.”, Caliao added.

The Leyte Idol was conceived last 2006 by Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla and produced by the provincial government of Leyte. This local singing competition aims to discover singing talents and help them develop and explore their potentials for personal development and later for professional practice.