OLONGAPEÑO at ‘PILIPINAS GOT TALENT’

“Garrett, gustong-gusto ko nang tumawag kay Mariol ng Star Magic dahil gusto kitang i-recommend dahil ang lakas lakas ng dating mo, kulang na lang yung packaging dahil the voice is really there…” was the unforgettable remark of “Pilipinas Got Talent” judge Kris Aquino after the performance of Olongapo’s pride Garrett Devan Bolde, Jr.

‘’Garrett ang lamig-lamig ng boses mo. Mukhang napakabait mo…” said another judge Ai-Ai delas Alas of Bolden during his first auditions on the said ABS-CBN 2 talent search.

Garrett Devan Bolden, Jr. is 18 years old and of African American, Puerto Rican and Filipino descent. He is a resident of Otero Ave., Brgy. Mabayuan taking up Business Administration at the Lyceum in Subic Bay. He is just one of the thousand hopefuls who auditioned in the popular talent search.

“Ang inaaning tagumpay ni Garrett ay naaayon sa slogan ng Lungsod ng Olongapo na ‘Fighting for Excellence’, said Mayor Bong Gordo, himself a singer/composer and contract artist of Viva records.

Mayor Gordon a staunch supporter of Olongapenos who show promise in the arts, music and culture.

Even Freddie “FMG” Garcia, who’s not the easiest to please among the judges, was impressed with the voice and stage presence of the young Olongapeño. The first round of auditions was held in Baguio City where Bolden, Jr. rendered his own interpretation of the hit song “Ikaw”.

As of press time, “Pilipinas Got Talent” judges Kris Aquino, Ai Ai delas Alas and Freddie Garcia have already picked-out the 36 contestants who are moving on to the third round or the semi-finals where Bolden is now one of the contenders.

The 36 chosen semi finalists are from the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 17 of the contestants are from the NCR and Luzon, while the rest of the finalists are representatives from the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

‘’Those 36 third round semi finalist contestants are separated or divided into groups of six that will perform live in front of a studio audience. Six contestants will outperform each other out weekly and only two of the 6 contestants can advance to the final round,’’ said Bolden, Jr. of the talent show’s mechanics.

Supported by his family and friends, Bolden is drawing strength and confidence in his dream to show what Olongapeños got and showcase his talent in singing.

Garrett Devan Bolden, Jr.