It was providential that Krizza Neri of Cagayan de Oro emerged grand winner in the "Protege: The Final Battle" last December 18 at Centerstage, SM Mall of Asia. Her winning somehow overshadowed, if only for a moment, the tragedy that brought death to hundreds of her province mates due to Typhoon Sendong.
Krizza, who had for a dedicated mentor Aiza Seguerra, bested Lovely Embuscado (Jaya's protege) and Lirah Bermudez (Janno Gibbs'protege), the two other Top 3 Finalists of GMA Network's singing reality search "Protege: The Final Battle."
Krizza went home with P1-M cash prize, a two-bedroom condominium unit worth P3-M from Suntrust Adriatico Gardens, a five-year contract with GMA Artist Center and a four-year scholarship grant from STI.
What matters most
Krizza said it was not the prizes that motivated her but her desire to become a good and successful singer. She also recalled the time when Aiza asked Krizza if winning is what matters most to her.
“Nung nagstart talaga ako (sa contest), dahil talaga sa pangarap ko. Pero nung tinanong ako ng mentor ko, 'is it about winning or maging magaling na singer?' Ang pinili yung maging mas magaling na singer kasi ito talaga yung dream ko,” Krizza said after she was named winner.
Aiza, meanwhile, thanked those who believed and supported her protege.
“(Krizza) is an amazing person. Thank you so much dahil nakita nyo,” she said.
Singing Cinderella
Meanwhile, Lovely Embuscado won P50,000 as Texters' Choice awardee and P100,000 for winning the Skyflakes' Biggest Break Award. Dubbed the "Singing Cinderella from Davao," Lovely was given a second chance after having been voted out. She returned as a wild card.
Lovely acknowledged Jaya's support and pieces of advice, among them "kumain muna before anything kasi pag may laman ang tiyan may lakas ng loob na makibaka...."
Lovely said this in relation to the fact that being poor, "kung minsan hindi ako nakakakain."
All the Top 3 finalists got a five-year contract with GMA Artist Center and a four-year scholarship grant from STI.
"Protege" was hosted by Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado. Judges were Joey de Leon, Bert de Leon, Cherie Gil, Eula Valdez and Louie Ocampo.
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