POPCORN TIME LIVE BLOG: On Tawag Ng Tanghalan August 2 episode, four contenders will try to make it as TNT’s new defending champion. Yesterday, defending champion Lalainne Araña got her fifth win which automatically makes her a semi-finalist. Lalainne chose to pass on the golden mic to the next defending champion today. Click here to read a recap of yesterday’s episode. Who will be TNT’s new champion?
Tawag Ng Tanghalan August 2 Performances, daily winner, and champion
First contender, Ronilo Santander. Ronilo from Davao del Norte will do anything for his family’s future. He buys metal and bottles and sells them at junk shops for a living and also drives habal-habal on the side. Ronilo also joins amateur singing contests while he can. All these to support his family. Now he takes his chances joining TNT singing “Dakilang Lahi” by Anthony Castelo. He started strong but the judges noticed something towards the middle of his performance.
Judge Rey Valera and the judges were in on a discussion and noticed Ronilo wasn’t in sync with the tempo of the song and had some flat notes. He had to signal for the gong. Judge Mitoy said he did start well but got lost towards the middle of the song. He said it maybe it wasn’t Ronilo’s day. Unfortunately, Ronilo is automatically disqualified.
Second contender, Raymart Batungbakal. Trials are what motivates Raymart. His father passed away to liver cirrhosis in 2009. His mom had to raise him by himself since then. She used to work as a domestic helper and janitress. Now, she makes a living by selling food on the street. Raymart is a volunteer in church and is the bassist of a band. Thanks to the times he’s spent in church, he discovered his talent for singing. Raymart sang “You Are My Song” by Martin Nievera.
Judge Nyoy Volante said he liked Raymart’s voice and performance. But he imagined he could do better if he wasn’t too nervous. Judge Rey said he felt something different as if Raymart was praying towards the chorus part.
Third contender, Mariah Carey Canas. Another famous contender by name. Mariah Carey Canas is from Cavite. She was named after her mom’s favorite international singer Mariah Carey. Mariah is married to her fellow band vocalist in band called Infinite Duo. She and her husband have a son together. Mariah took on Norah Jones for today’s performance singing, “Don’t Know Why.”
Judge K Brosas loved the texture of Mariah Carey’s voice. She loved how she carried herself on stage and how relaxed she was while performing. Judge Rey Valera said Mariah reminds her of Rachel Gabreza, a TNT contender last year.
Fourth contender, John Robert Undang. John is singing fisherman from Cebu. This is how he provides for his family. After he makes a catch, he sells them by riding his habal-habal in the neighborhood. Sometimes he gets cash and sometimes he takes a barter and brings home fish instead. John is also a band vocalist and for him, it’s a break from a full day’s work.
Judge Billy Crawford said John almost got the gong. But then towards the end of the song he was able to redeem himself. Good thing he was able to pull through. Judge Rey agreed with Billy and said he felt thankful he didn’t signal for the gong. He liked his voice and it gave him and his mom the opportunity to have a moment together on stage.
Tawag Ng Tanghalan August 2 champion. Four contenders and then three. Now it is down to one. Tawagh Ng Tanghalan August 2 champion garnering an average score of 91.4 percent is contender from Cavite, Mariah Carey Cañas.
Tawag Ng Tanghalan airs Mondays to Saturdays on It’s Showtime via ABS-CBN at noon.