Metrobank Party Rocks!
By Jojie Alcantara (Pubished in SunStar Davao, January 9, 2013)
It was a strange invitation for me, to attend a Rock Star Theme Christmas party for the Metrobank Group, and get this—as one of the judges of the American Idol. I was to choose between acting like Jennifer Lopez or Paula Abdul. I honestly admitted it’s more fun imitating Paula Abdul with her crazy antics.
The ballroom in Royal Mandaya Hotel was decorated in the ambience of a celebrity hangout: all that glamour and glitz, but dark and subdued as everyone was asked to come in black, the typical rock star attire color.
Milagros Gumban, Area Head of Metrobank Mindanao Area, congratulated everyone for a good performance this year, as well as braced herself for the out of character performances that they were about to do that evening. It was an inspirational opening message coming from her, who was donned in a punk rock hairdo and outlandish rocker outfit, which won her our unanimous votes as the Star of the Night. Of course she waived the win, so we announced Globel Janducayan and Joselito Gevera as the male and female Rock Star of the Night.
My fellow judges were jazz artist Rochelle Venutti as JLO and RDL’s Sales and Marketing Head John Anthony Modequillo as Simon Cowell. The three of us had a blast confusing everyone with our remarks and “criticisms” that earned laughter from the crowd, since we were so convincing and game with arguing it off at the judges’ table. We really gave a good show.
It was even more fun because the show host who played Ryan Seacrest (or Seagrass, if you may) was Harvey Phil Badiang, who did a wonderful characterization. Even young guest talent Nica Dorothea Tupas as Jessica Sanchez wowed the audience with her beautiful voice.
Eventually, the championship went to Group 4 consisting of Ecoland, Matina and Toril Branches. Their days of rehearsals proved fruitful as they shed their formal bank employee statuses just to shine and let loose for the night.
Nilo Gatab’s candid shot was chosen as the Paparazzi Winner of the night. Kudos to program chairman and my good friend Bambi Andrada, who pulled this off together with show director, Michelle Ang. Am sure their Mindanao Region Head, Mr. Rey Uzbitondo, was smiling from ear to ear that evening as well. This would be a good start to a new year ahead for these rockers.
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