J-pop goes our hearts! 9th J-pop Anime Singing Contest Winners Announced
2018/3/12
Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) - Press Release No.09 - 2018
Winners, judges, and sponsors
First Place winner Johannie Velasco singing Eternal Blaze by Nana Mizuki
Applause and cheers filled the air as Filipino performers showcased their talents at the 9th J-pop Anime Singing Contest on Saturday, March 3, 2018. The event, which was held at the SM Cinema Centerstage, featured 15 Grand Finalists’ individual renditions of their Japanese song of choice.First Place winner Johannie Velasco singing Eternal Blaze by Nana Mizuki
In the end, returning contender Johannie Velasco emerged on top, placing first, with her heartfelt version of “Eternal Blaze” by Nana Mizuki. Coming in second was Ana Marie Alforte, who sang the classic anime hit “Anata Dake Mitsumeteru” by Maki Ohguro. Cinching the top 3 spot was Jena Mostajo, who serenaded the audience with “Aitakute Ima” originally sung by Misia.
Special recognitions were also given to the following:
Bandai’s Best Awardees: Cha-cha Cañete, kuri~n, and Arianne Zagala
TOEI’s Favorite Awardees: Nicx and Yuri
HERO’s Choice Awardee: Risu
All winners received prizes and goodie bags from the event’s sponsors. On top of these, the Grand Prize Winner, Johannie Velasco (plus her chosen companion), will be enjoying an all-expense paid trip to Japan!
(Left to right) Mr. Carlo Landrito, Digital Channel Producer, HERO; Mr. Hiroaki Uesugi, Director, Japan Foundation Manila;
Mr. Akihiro Hosoya, General Manager, All Nippon Airways; Ms. Glenda Ferma, Administrator, Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc.;
Ms. Johannie Velasco, First Place Winner; Ms. Gwen Albarracin, President and COO, Center for Pop Music Philippines;
Mr. Shinichi Hayashi, President, Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp.; Ms. Susielou Dela Rama, Vice President and General Manager, Universal Holidays, Inc.;
Min. Atsushi Kuwabara, Consul General, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; Mr. Nestor Palabrica, General Manager, Toei Animation Philippines, Inc.;
Mr. Ken Nakamura, Director, Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
(Left to right) Mr. Carlo Landrito, Digital Channel Producer, HERO; Mr. Hiroaki Uesugi, Director, Japan Foundation Manila;
Mr. Akihiro Hosoya, General Manager, All Nippon Airways; Ms. Gwen Albarracin, President and COO, Center for Pop Music Philippines;
Ms. Glenda Ferma, Administrator, Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc.; Mr. Shinichi Hayashi, President, Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp.;
Second Place Winner Ana Marie Alforte; Min. Atsushi Kuwabara, Consul General, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines;
Mr. Nestor Palabrica, General Manager, Toei Animation Philippines, Inc.;
Mr. Ken Nakamura, Director, Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
(Left to right) Ms. Gwen Albarracin, President and COO, Center for Pop; Ms. Glenda Ferma, Administrator, Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc.;
Mr. Shinichi Hayashi, President, Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp.; Third Place Winner, Jena Mostajo and
Min. Atsushi Kuwabara, Consul-General, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
HERO’s Choice Awardee Risu
Bandai Namco’s Best Awardees (Left to right) Arianne Zagala, kuri~n and Cha-cha Cañete
Toei’s Favorite Awardees Nicx and Yuri