MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On April 23, Joshua Emerson “j03m” Manzanares took home the plum prize, winning Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts’ first-ever GoJAM On Stage Talent Search with a heartfelt rendition of his original track, “Gustong Gusto Kita.” Manzanares’ performance bested those of nine other budding Filipino artists which made the GoJAM Talent Search Finale a showcase of musical brilliance and artistry.
Manzanares went home that night not just with the top prize and bragging rights but with a recording contract from newly-launched entertainment company Kroma Entertainment and industry recognition that puts him on the path to success.
The onstage competition was the highlight of Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts’ first digital music camp and competition for promising young artists. The digital music camp was developed to give young Filipinos a chance to #OwnTheFuture by honing their musical talent and skills through masterclasses in songwriting, arrangement, branding, and digital marketing from leading industry experts Yumi Lacsamana & Thryo Alfaro, the camp’s mentor–songwriter-producer; Zel Bautista of December Avenue; Argee Guerrero of I Belong To The Zoo; Enzo Valdez, managing director of UMG; Vicky Malong, marketing director of Warner Music Philippines; John Lozano, seasoned celebrity stylist; Rayms Fabul, A&R director of Sony Music Philippines; Brian Lotho, respected musician, arranger, producer, and two-time Awit Awards Album of the Year awardee; and Ian Monsod, CEO of Kroma Entertainment.
Other young artists who were specially selected to be part of the exclusive camp were Pauline Rose Tan, Owen Greyson, Gen Matthew Largo, Jan Christine Quiambao, Athena Gail Obre, Serene Le Madrid, Miguel Justin Segismundo, Jacob Yulo, and John Lloyd Reyes.
Over the course of a few weeks, participants actively participated in the GoJAM On Stage Talent Search’s masterclasses from the comfort of their homes on the interactive passion portal, Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts.
“The idea behind Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts GoJAM On Stage Talent Search is to leverage the power of digital technology to give our young people more opportunities to express themselves and unlock their musical talent as they connect with others who share their passion. On Globe Prepaid’s Virtual Hangouts interactive platform, we hosted masterclasses accessible through our online passion portals, led by big names in the music industry. These are designed to nurture homegrown talents and give them an avenue to grow and #OwnTheFuture,” said Givielle Florida, head of Globe Prepaid.
The workshop culminated in a live musical showdown at the Bonifacio High Street Central Amphitheater on Apr. 23 which was streamed via Globe’s Facebook page and Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts passion portal and made more exciting by special performances from Lola Amour, I Belong to The Zoo, and Unique.
No one went home empty-handed as, at the end of the night, the event hosts announced that the original songs performed by each of the finalists would also be officially released and distributed by Kroma Entertainment.
As Virtual Hangouts’ GoJAM On Stage Talent Search drew to a close, Anna Baldos, head of Brand Engagement for Globe Prepaid, invited young Filipinos to continue honing their passions through Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts, so that, like jo3m, they, too, can #OwnTheFuture: “Whether it’s on the musical stage, on the runway, behind the camera, or even in international gaming arenas Globe Prepaid Virtual Hangouts can help you achieve your dreams through our different passion pillars. Whatever you want to pursue, we’ve got you covered.”
For more passion-filled experiences and exclusive events, head on over to globevirtualhangouts.ph and discover the passion portal that suits you.
