By Ian Zane Esparaga | News Writer
Vol. XCI No. 18
Mar. 6, 2020
Asst. Prof. Manolito Saldivar bagged two golds and was hailed as the overall 1st runner-up in the Asia Pacific Art Festival with the theme “Youth Friendship for Peace.” The competition was held in Malacca, Malaysia last February 22.
In last year’s edition, Saldivar applied for the competition and was qualified on the grounds based on his performance as a semi-finalist in the Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1. He won two gold medals and became the first runner-up in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. His performance gave him an automatic qualification for this year’s event.
This year, Saldivar garnered two golds in the opera and sacred category. In the opera classification, he competed against a hundred music competitors including instrumentalists and pianists and reached the top 5. The top 5 performed once again and Saldivar was hailed as the overall 1st runner-up.
“I can help promote all that is true and good about our country through my music and showcase Philippine talent to the world,” Saldivar said.
According to him, there was no cash prize in the competition but prestige and honor for the country. He dedicates his victory to the Filipino people and to the entire nation, and he hoped that his performance would inspire other Filipino performing artists.
Sir Mano, as his students call him, highlighted singing as his passion and not his profession. He advised the young Sillimanian artists to dream big, aim high and always remember that it takes a good attitude to fulfill one’s dreams in life.
He added that believing in oneself and a strong commitment will make things happen. “Keep your desire burning because it is the fuel of fulfilling your dreams, be full of excitement as you pursue with what you want in life and keep yourself in focus because along the way, there are a lot of distractions,” he added.
Photo from Asia Pacific Arts Festival – APAF Facebook page.
