HE IS A hero of Victorias City.
This is how Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca described their very own Noven Belleza, who was declared grand champion of ABS-CBN’s Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Showtime at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City Saturday.
Belleza, a 21-year-old farmer who represented Negros Occidental, bested five others in the grand finals, including Carlmalone Montecido of Bacolod City, Sam Mangubat of Batangas, Froilan Canlas of Camarines Sur, Marielle Montellano of Cebu City, and Pauline Agupitan also of Batangas.
Belleza, who sang “May Bukas Pa” in the first round, entered the top three with Mangubat and Canlas, who were declared second and third placers, respectively.
Judges gave Belleza a standing ovation as he sang a medley of Air Supply hits in the second part of the competition.
The Negrense crooner got a combined judges' score and text votes of 99.96 percent to win the grand prize.
Belleza received P2-million cash and a trophy, along with a house and lot, recording contract, vacation package, negosyo package, and musical instrument package.
Palanca said Sunday that Belleza’s victory is an honor to his city and province, and also to the Negros Island Region.
The mayor said residents of Victorias trooped to the city's cultural center to watch the competition’s live telecast over the weekend.
Everybody campaigned for him through Facebook and text votes, and also prayed for him, Palanca said.
“We are all happy for him. He deserved everything he got,” the mayor added.
Palanca said he will discuss with the Sangguniang Panlungsod giving Belleza a cash incentive for his achievement.
He said they don’t know yet the schedule of Belleza’s homecoming, but he is looking forward to his presence during the city’s charter celebration next week.
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Belleza’s triumph serves as an inspiration to young talents like him.
“Noven pursued his life-long dream and did not allow his status as a young farmer deter his ambition to be recognized in a much bigger stage against equally outstanding rivals,” the governor said, adding that the singer is “a shining example of a “success story.”
Belleza said he joined the singing competition not just to help his family, but also to show to everyone that anybody can reach their dreams as long as they work hard for it.
"Gusto ko pong sabihin sa lahat ng tao na may gusto po akong patunayan, na kahit anong katayuan sa buhay ay hindi imposible na abutin ang pangarap ninyo, basta magpursige lang," he said.
One of the contest judges singer Nyoy Volante praised Belleza's dedication, hard work and singing prowess.
"You're one of the most unique sa mga finalists. Actually sa lahat ng sumali, iyong vocal quality mo ay very unique. Lalong lalo na as a male singer. Napaka-effortless mong magpasikat," Volante said. (With reports from VoxPop Philippines)
