Wish 107.5 presents their Wishcovery's Top 5 Grand Finalists

The Top 5 Grand Finalists of Wishcovery 2018 (L to R) : Carmela Ariola, Kimberly Baluzo, Hacel Bartolome, Louie Anne Culala and Princess Sevillena 

The whole world actually knows that the best singers come from our country, the Philippines. And we really feel proud about it, being recognized as the home of world class and great singers, truly no doubt. Some of them might also be thinking and wondering what's in our water, or is it the air that we breath? The food perhaps, or does it really run in our blood and genes that made us different and that we always stand-out during international singing contests or search? You tell me, would you know the answer guys? :) 

Speaking of talent searches, our fave radio station, Wish 107.5 has organized their first online singing contest. Since they believe in the authenticity of Filipino talents, they have decided to launch the "Wishcovery" to continue to discover, hone and support fresh talents specifically, aspiring singers from different parts of the Philippines. 


Wishcovery official host, Kris Lawrence with co-host Wish 107.5 DJ Alice during the media presentation of the Top 5 grand finalists of Wishcovery 

Just recently, I was invited to cover the press presentation of the Wishcovery's Top 5 grand finalists namely Carmela Ariola, Kimberly Baluzo, Hacel Bartolome, Louie Anne Culala and Princess Sevillena. The event was held at the Shangrila Finest Cuisine. The grand finalists are all female and it's not intentional like what Mr. Jungee Marcelo, one of the reactors/ judges  had said during the presscon. 


Wishcovery's Top 5 Grand Finalists showing their respective genres and skills in singing 

The Top 5 Grand Finalists were introduced by the hosts and they were so presentable and ready to perform as if they were pros. They had sung "Salamat Musika," as soon as they' entered the stage. I should say that basing from what I've heard from their vocals, they were all promising and I can't pick one from any of the five 'cause they were all amazing! I am not an expert or pro on this field but somehow, I can sense that they will really go places. I commend Wish 107. 5 for having this type of online talent search, for their support to the grand finalists and for continuing to believe and loving our very own. 


Wishcovery's Top 5 Grand Finalists with hosts Kris Lawrence, DJ Alice and reactor/judge Mr. Jungee Marcelo 





Come March 27, 2018, it's a big big day for the 5 Grand Finalists, it's gonna be the final judgement night and it will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. I WISH you girls good luck and may the best girl win. 


Wishcovery host Kris Lawrence



with him :) 


You can watch the videos from the presscon on my YouTube channel here



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





Wishcovery (Your Road To Stardom Starts Here!) is Wish 107.5’s online singing competition launched in September 2017. Tagged as the newest of its kind, this competition aims to discover aspiring musical talents with exceptional voices and star-like charisma from across the country.


It enlists renowned hitmaker Jungee Marcelo, The Company’s Annie Quintos, and the country’s King of R&B Jay R as resident reactors, with R&B Prince Kris Lawrence as host.


New episodes air every Saturday at 9 PM PHT on the Wish 107.5 YouTube channel, which currently has 2.2 million-strong subscribers.


The first-ever Wishcovery grand winner will win Php 2 million worth of cash and contract, a house and lot, a brand-new car, a makeover package, and a round-trip ticket to New York plus a two-week extensive musical training.

Weekly Wish Bus Battles


From the original 20 singing hopefuls - collectively known as the Wishful 20, Wishcovery showcased weekly vocal battles on board the Wish 107.5 Bus. Scores were determined through a week-long powerviewing component (15%) and through the resident reactors’ cumulative scores (85%).


The original 20 were trimmed down to the four contenders who will vie in the grand finals on March 27 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.


Meanwhile, the eliminated Wishfuls were given the chance to return for the competition’s wild card round. The winning contender has earned the fifth and final spot in the grand finals.

Hometown Show


Before the finale, the Wishful 5 -- the moniker for Wishcovery’s grand finalists -- had the opportunity to hold mini-concerts in their respective hometowns. The show featured up-and-coming artists in their area, as well as established acts like Jireh Lim, Shamrock’s Marc Tupaz and Jayson Fernandez. Kris Lawrence served as the hometown show’s host.


The event was broadcasted via Facebook Live on Wish 107.5’s official Facebook page.


Apart from the mini-concert, the Wishful 5 were also given the opportunity to grant the wishes of their chosen beneficiaries.

Wishcovery Live Chat


To let the Wishers and their respective fans get closer to the Wishful 5, Wishcovery held a Live Chat via Wish 107.5’s Facebook page every Sunday at 6 PM PHT in February.


Hosted by Kris Lawrence, the Live Chat served as a fun and interactive platform wherein the online audience were able to throw questions, ask for song wishes, and request for shout-outs from their favorite grand finalists.








Carmela Ariola



Fondly called as “Carmi” by her loved ones, Carmela Ariola is an Israel-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

The 21-year-old artist, now based in Batangas, grew up listening to the music of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Her parents first discovered her singing ability when she was only three. But according to her, it was when she turned eight that she felt the passion to pursue music.

Though she is into pop, ballad and soul, she is still exploring other genres that she can perform. She believes that an artist must continuously grow, especially with the unceasing coming in of new and aspiring talents.

It has been her childhood dream to become a well-known artist, not only to share music but also to serve as an inspiration to people. She is a firm believer that her ultimate and true purpose as a musician is to “touch hearts and souls.”


Hacel Bartolome





Hacel Bartolome is a band vocalist from Cavite City. According to her, she is the only one who is musically inclined in their family.

She recalls that as early as the age of five, she is already singing 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” while playing a guitar toy. The pivotal moment that further motivated her to perform was when her Grade 3 teacher heard her sing “This I Promise You” and told her that she has a great voice that needs to be shared with others.

The 27-year-old singer-guitar player is a fan of ballad, slow rock, and pop music. Her musical influences are Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Bruno Mars.

She aspires to perform a duet with Aiza “Ice” Seguerra, have her own album, and stage a solo concert in iconic venues such as the SMART-Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena. However, her ultimate wish as a musical artist is “to gain respect in spite of her sexual orientation and receive undying support not only from the LGBT community but from all the listeners who believe in her God-given talent.”

Kimberly Baluzo





Nineteen-year-old Kimberly Baluzo is currently a senior high school student based in Daet, Camarines Norte.

She was only three years old when her parents discovered she could sing. But apart from showing off her musical chops through her favorite genres -- pop-rock and R&B -- she also dabbles into songwriting and playing musical instruments such as guitar, ukulele and flute.

Her musical heroes and dream future collaborators are British pop star Jessie J, and world-class OPM acts Sarah Geronimo, KZ Tandingan, and Julie Anne San Jose.

Asked about her ultimate goal as a singer, she wishes to have a solo concert, release an album, serve as an inspiration to others, and be of help to the less fortunate especially the abandoned children.





Louie Anne Culala





Louie Anne Culala hails from San Ildefonso, Bulacan, a province north of Manila. She is a graduating college student taking up a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management.

Encouraged by her family and friends to sing, she first discovered her gift of music during her grade school years.

Her roster of musical influences includes her father, and OPM stars such as Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Dulce, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo and Morissette. When it comes to the international music scene, she looks up to Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, and Tori Kelly -- whom she wishes to do a collaboration with.

She also lists guitar- and piano-playing as part of her musical skills.

The 20-year-old songstress ultimately dreams to make it to the global music arena, and release self-penned albums.





Princess Sevillena





Princess Sevillena, 24, has been singing since the age of three. A supply chain coordinator based in the bustling city of Makati, she is also into songwriting, guitar-playing, and beatboxing.

According to her, it was her family and her best friend who first told her to pursue a career in music. Her favorite genres include pop, ballad, R&B and gospel music.

She regards the Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, as her ultimate musical hero. It is her dream to do a collaboration with her, as well as with one of the most versatile acts in the Philippines -- Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano.

She also looks forward to level up her skills not only in singing but also in playing instruments.

As an artist, she is driven by her goal to become a living testament to the mantra that “waiting patiently and praying fervently will lead you to the best that you can be.”




Posted in:

0 Amazing comments for "Wish 107.5 presents their Wishcovery's Top 5 Grand Finalists "

Leave a reply

Feel-free to comment Amazing people! Hope you could also add me on Google Plus (Google +) Thanks!