“Collectively, they’re called the PAGCOR 5, but they also perform individually,” he says. “Grand winner Marie Joyce Tanana is packaged as the Diva, second placer Charles Kevin Tan is the crooner, third placer Renz Robosa is the little boy with the big voice, the runners up Steve Fernandez and Hadasa Von Camporaso are the balladeer and pop rocker, respectively. They not only won cash prizes but got regular jobs singing in several Casino Filipino branches nationwide.”
We’ve known Bong from way back as the longtime companion of TV host non pareil Boy Abunda. Born on Aug. 9, 1966, he finished grade school at St. Joseph-Pandacan then took high school and college in EARIST. He was an HRM senior when he applied at PAL and was hired as flight attendant. “My first international flight was to Sydney on New Year’s Eve of 1988. Naiyak when I looked down and so all the fireworks below habang paalis naman ako. I stayed with PAL for 11 years. Then I went back to school and little by little, I got my degree, then they got me to be their commencement speaker.”
When did he meet Boy? “I was then 17, fresh from high school, on Nov. 3, 1983, which is what we consider our anniversary. So almost 3 decades na kami at tuloy-tuloy yun, walang split yan o kahit cool off. When PAL got me, he was warned na maraming guwapo dun, papalitan ka na niyan, but we’re still together.”
What does he appreciate most in Boy? “He encourages me all the time to be the best that I can be. I got into directing concerts and shows upon his encouragement. I miss it nga now that I’m totally devoted to PAGCOR.”
He had to make lots of adjustmens being in a government office like PAGCOR. “Maraming procedures na inaral ko talaga, like the procurement law. But I’m enjoying what I’m doing now. My dream is for us to be able to put up world class spectacular shows in our casinos, like those of the Cirque du Soleil and Thailand’s Siam Niramit, based on Pinoy folklore like Ibong Adarna or Malakas at Maganda. But for now, we call on all amateur singers to join PAGCOR and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit’s second Search for the Total OPM Performer, open to all Pinoys from 18 to 30 years old. You can submit your application until May 7 at Casino Filipino in Cebu, May 9 at Casino Filipino Bacolod, May 11 at Casino Filipino Davao, May 15 at Tagaytay, May 19 at Angeles and at the Airport Casino from May 22 to 25. Walk in audition is welcome, just bring all the requirements with you.”
For details, check their website at pagcor.ph or opm.org.ph, or call OPM at 576-5069 or PAGCOR at 852-7760, 852-7752.
