YOUNG singers from San Fabian and Mabini won the grand championshis of the of the Takayan Na Dayew ed Kapitolyo (vocal solo contest) at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen.

Becoming the toast of their towns for their singing renditions are Nikki Mermolejo of San Fabian and John Michael S. Narag of Mabini town for the ugogaw and balulaki tan marikit portion respectively.

The two bested six other contenders in each of their respective categories.

Twelve-year-old Mermolejo performed with ease the song “Ngayon” originally sang by Basil Valdez while 13 year-old Narag, who is the youngest in the balulaki tan marikit portion, sang with gusto his rendition of Regine Velasquez’ piece entitled ‘Ikaw.’

After performing their choice of song, the semi-finalists in the two categories were trimmed down to final three and vied for the championship title singing a common contest piece selected by the event organizers.

The common song for the ugogaw portion was ‘Paraiso’ which was made popular by the Smokey Mountain band while the common piece for the balulaki tan marikit portion was ‘Nais Ko’ sung in the 80’s by Basil Valdez and composed by Ryan Cayabyab, a highly acclaimed songwriter and a noted son of Pangasinan.

The singing contestwas among the many highlights of the repackaged Pangasinan Pista’y Dayat 2008. It was adapted from the popular radio program ‘Takayan na Dayew’ in the 1950’s aired over Bolinao Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and had its final airing in 1972 when Martial Law was declared in the country.

Other winners for the ugogaw portion are Abraham J. Resuello, 10 years old of San Carlos City (1st runner up) and Benedict Josep Dion, 10 years old of Calasiao town (2nd runner up).

Winners received cash incentives of P15,000, P10,000 and P7,000 plus trophy for the grand champions and runner-ups respectively.

All contestants also received consolation prize of P3,000 each and certificates of participation. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIO)