Maasinhon Trio takes criticisms as challenges
After being named the grand champion in ABS-CBN’s “Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Season 3,” the Maasinhon Trio, composed of Andrew Sanchez, Licinio Lolo and Bonifacio Salubre, had to face criticism over their win. But the trio said they respect their critics’ opinions and even took it as a challenge to prove detractors wrong.
The all-male singing trio from Southern Leyte bested eleven other finalists in the finals night weeks ago in which they sang Basil Valdez’s “Nais Ko” for their final performance. The trio drew the ire of viewers as favorites El Gamma Penumbra from Tanauan City, Batangas, Synergy of Negros Occidental, and Muriel Lomadilla of Cebu City did not even reach the final three. These viewers thought they pale in comparison to these performers.
“Para sa amin, siguro opinyon nila ‘yon. Kasi marami namang sumusuporta sa amin. Alam namin ‘yon. Kasi sa amin alam namin na todo-suporta ang mga tao sa amin [sa Southern Leyte],” Licinio said at the pocket interview in ABS-CBN compound last week.
“Yung 12 finalists po, deserving lahat yun eh,” Licinio added.
United in support
Southern Leyte’s local government, church and townmates were united in supporting them, which included campaigning for the votes. The trio said that their Church’s diocese would always ask churchgoers to vote for them.
“Sobra kaming blessed kase yung mga kababayan namin sobra ang suporta at pagmamahal sa amin. Yung Diocese naming, talagang kinakampanya kami sa lahat ng masses,” Andrew said.
The Maasinhon Trio went back to their hometown, Maasinhon, Southern Leyte where they received a hero’s welcome.
Optimistic and thankful
Instead of feeling bad with the criticisms they get, the Maasinhon Trio remained optimistic and thankful for the support and love they receive from their fans and supporters. They said they consider such criticisms as a challenge for them to prove they deserved the title.
“Naging inspirasyon naa lang namin. Ang dami nilang comment sa amin, na hanggang kanta lang, OPM. Pero pwede rin naman kami sa ibang genre,” Andrew said.
The Maasinhon Trio is also now being compared to OPM legends The Apo Hiking Society. What do they say with the comparison?
“Yung APO, iba sila. Talagang magagaling sila,” Bonifacio said.
'Idol na idol'
“Siguro kasi trio (rin) naman kami eh. Kaya na-compare kami. Pero ang APO, para sa amin, idol na idol namin sila. Talented talaga,” Licinio added.
Having singers as grand champions for the past three seasons, some people are commenting that PGT has now become like “Pilipinas Got Singing Talent.” Previous winners were Jovit Baldovino and Marcelito Pomoy.
“Hindi naman namin kasalanan yun eh,” Licinio said, smiling. The winner is based on the most number of text and online votes.
Business unit head for TV production Alou Almaden also defended the Maasinhon Trio. She said that the trio were spot-on with their notes and blending.
“We didn’t miss on reminding the people it’s texting and online voting. The grand winner will be based on the total number of text votes. Every gap yun eh, the hosts and the judges say it. So, it’s really up to the public. If they favor somebody, they really just have to vote,” she said.
Alou also added that it’s not enough to just cheer for their favorite contestant, but they have to vote to help them win. The Maasinhon Trio is also set to make an album, but details have to be discussed first with Sony, who handles all the winners of the “Got Talent” franchise.
