Visayan all-male trio tops 'Pilipinas Got Talent'
Southern Leyte’s all-male singing group Maasinhon Trio was declared the grand champion of ABS-CBN’s "Pilipinas Got Talent" (PGT) Season 3 in its grand finals on Sunday, October 23, besting eleven other finalists.
The trio, composed of Andrew Sanchez, Bonifacio Salubre and Licinio Lolo, took home the P2-million grand prize. Runners-up Bringas Brothers of Davao del Sur and Khalil Ramos of Manila both won P100,000. The other finalists received P50,000.
The PGT Season 3 grand champion impressed the judges and the viewers with their rendition of Basil Valdez’s “Nais Ko.” Unlike in the previous season’s grand finals wherein the runners-up were announced first before declaring the champion, PGT judge Freddie M. Garcia went straight to announcing the winner.
“Sobrang salamat sa Panginoon at sa pamilya namin. Salamat sa mga sumuporta sa amin, lalo na sa mga taga Southern Leyte,” the trio said upon accepting their prize from hosts Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano.
With the trio garnering the most number of text votes, Filipino viewers still opt for singers more than other acts who made it to the finals. The top three finalists for this season are all singing acts.
Some viewer favorites, such as El Gamma Penumbra from Tanauan City, Batangas, Synergy of Negros Occidental, Muriel Lomadilla of Cebu City, did not even make it to the final three. El Gamma Penumbra, a shadow theatre group, performed “Piliin ang Pilipinas,” which greatly impressed PGT judge Kris Aquino and described their theme as very timely.
The Maasinhon Trio members used to be a part of the now disbanded male group Menzvoys Band. Aside from singing, the three have different jobs, Bonifacio works as a Fire Officer, Andrew is a warehouse chief while Licino works as a supply officer.
The other grand finalists are Sandugo Band, Lucky Twins, Loverkada Kids, Twin Divas, Renagine Pepito and Kiriko. PGT season 2 winner Marcelito Pomoy performed his winning piece “The Prayer” using his dual voice.
Celebrities who performed added glamour to the finals night. Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Vina Morales performed with the singer finalists, while Jhong Hilario and Ryan Bang performed a dance number.
Gary Valenciano took on the stage with his son Paolo as they rocked the stage of Ynares Stadium in Antipolo City with their rendition of “Come Together.” PGT judge Ai-ai delas Alas was shown dancing on her seat, enjoying the performances.
The win of Maasinhon Trio is getting mixed reactions from the viewers, as shown in various tweets and messages in their official Facebook page. Some didn’t expect them to win, while others think they deserve the title.
