Sixteen Filipinos will compete on April 23 to become Jeddah's representative for the kingdom wide search of Saudi Arabia Pop Icon 2010 organizers said Saturday. The Filipino Artiste Migrant Ensemble (FAME) that organized the competition in Jeddah said the 16 Filipinos beat other contenders in a tough audition held in La Parilla Restaurant last week. Jun Abris, FAMEs founding chairman said the 16 composed of thirteen males and three females were selected during the audition out of which, the Top 4 will represent Jeddah to the Kingdom wide search to be held at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh on May 21, 2010. Abris said most of the 16 contenders are first timers, while there are some who already joined singing contests in Jeddah and in the Philippines. “The judges all agreed that it is going to be an exciting contest this year since most of them have different and unique styles which are very interesting for the audience to watch. The venue was indeed fully packed with supporters and friends of the contestants.” Abris said. Ron Jacobe gave a brief background about the contest and gave the contenders some tips on how the new Pop Icon KSA will be chosen as a whole. This year's 16 contenders are; Dina Fontanilla, Huntlee Ragudo, Yayo Valmonte, Student, Ariel Afante of Olayan Food Services, Ferdinand Lacsama of Hussein Al Qatani, John John Domingo of Manar Advertising, Joseph Loyola from Movenpick Al Nawras Resort, Jason Pagalan of Saudia Airlines Flight Operations, Vincent Valiente, a service crew, Alvin Dave Limpin of AMS-Baeshen Co., Michael Pedron of Baeshen Company, Mark Garcia, an Asst Supervisor, Jae -Are Agustin of AMS-Baeshen Co., Jeser Valles of Al Azizia Panda United, Cristina Cunanan from King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital and Mark Barluado of Bank Albilad. This year's audition masters were Mario Germino, Juliet Sayas and Kiel Erida.
