#jeddahpopicon2014

[iammsmunda]

“The Voice of a Dreamer” - as the label goes for this 28-year old Pop Icon contender from Bukidnon - G. Paolo ‘Van Pacaldo Melendres who has a radio show on Dream Radio FM Philippines.  Paolo Melendres, better known by his stage name, Van Paolo, is a pop balladeer.  He has a profound liking for ballads and loves taking on his own versions of popular ballad pieces popularly covered by his favorite - 'The Singer's Singer' and Star Records artist Jed Madela.  Aside from singing, Van Paolo also loves doing voice-overs, another area where his well-modulated vocals are being put to good use.  He has also done some corporate shows in the past one of them was as a guest performer at a Red Cross Anniversary.  He reveals to Jeddah Pop Icon his artistic inclinations can be largely ascribed to a group of close friends who share the same love for music.  Van Paolo believes he is ready to show what he’s got on the Jeddah Pop Icon Season 4 stage.

[iammsmunda]

"Danube's Birit Prince"

Pop Icon contender Emmanuel ‘Eman’ Flores Alcantara a.k.a. “Danube’s Birit Prince” is into R&B music.  His favorite musicians include Ne-yo, Ogie Alcasid, and Regine Velasquez.  This Birit Prince finds singing by his lonesome a very relaxing pastime.  Eman admittedly shares joining FAME’s Jeddah Pop Icon Season 4 is yet his second time to join a singing competition.  His reasons in joining talent contests are primarily personal as he would like to overcome his fear – not the fear of losing but the fear of not being able to give his best performance in front of his audience – as for this 27-year old Bulakenyo becoming a singer has always been his long-time dream. And he will once more fulfill this dream as he believes he has in him what it takes.

[iammsmunda]

"Soul Prince of Pop"

Singing from the heart is his edge over other artists claims the “Soul Prince of Pop”. ‘Unlike other artists na mataas ang boses, bumibirit, ako isinasapuso ko ang bawat kantang aking inaawit,’ quips Mark ‘Krob’ Ligo Mercader, a pure Tagalog being born and raised in his hometown of Calamba, Laguna.  He loves to sing and make drawings as his favorite pastime. Krob's taste in music is more into the soul, ballad, and classical music genres.  Music was ingrained in him early on by influences mainly from his equally gifted family and friends, and was nurtured in time by shadowing his fave artists, household names such as Michael Buble, Martin Nievera, and Eric Santos to name a few.  He is also blown by the unique crystal clear voice of rising singer Klarisse De Guzman. As a one-time grand finalist in a previous singing competition here in Jeddah, JPOP 2012, Krob is again back in the running - this time to become Jeddah’s next Pop Icon.

[iammsmunda]

"The Gifted Protégé"

Representing Camarines Sur of the Bicol Region is Eugene Burog Manimtim.  Eugene, the singing barista is also known in this competition as “The Gifted Protégé”.  This 29-year old Pop Icon contender is no stranger to winning singing competitions both in the Philippines and abroad.  His previous stints include: 'The Voice of McDonald’s Philippines 2005' Nationwide Champion, Finalist in GMA TV Network’s 'Protégé 2011', a nationwide reality-based singing talent show for television in the Philippines, 'Himig ng Kalayaan KSA 2012' Grand Champion, and 'Talentadong Pinoy Dubai 2013' Semi-Finalist.  In addition to these decorated achievements, Eugene will try and make it once again and become the Jeddah Pop Icon 2014 grand winner as he believes he has both the talent and the personality deserving of that Pop Icon status.

[iammsmunda]

"The Chinitong Crooner"

This Pop Icon contender may be a newbie in the singing competition arena, but 25-year old Christian ‘Chinito’ Young Miranda from San Fernando, Pampanga simply does not make light of the word competition as he is determined to give his best to make it as the next Jeddah Pop Icon.  He stands by the words - ‘Do my best so that I cannot blame myself for anything.’   This is exactly the same fighting spirit that our “Chinitong Crooner”, together with his singing talent and that distinctive K-POP Star appeal, is going to bring into this contest. His favorite musicians are Sugar Free and The Calling both of whom are bands in the alternative music genre - Chinito’s genre inclination.

[iammsmunda]

"The Pop Star In A Million"

Coming from down south is Iligan City’s Mohammad ‘Mad’ Alip Macarambon aka “The Pop Star in a Million”.  Mad’s singing highlights include having joined ABS-CBN’s Star In A Million Season 2, a nationwide singing contest for television in the Philippines where he made it to the Top 40.  With that achievement under his wings, this 28-year old nurse says he is your next Jeddah Pop Icon as he firmly believes his time has come –by his own words – “I believe it’s my time!” He also goes by the words ‘ Our greatest weakness lies in giving up, the most certain way to succeed is to always try just one more time.’ Mad’s musicality was greatly influenced by his elder brother and considers Gavin Degraw and Katherine McPhee as his favorite artists.