The songfest, open to all resi­dents of British Columbia aged 4 to 26, will have two categories: kids, and young adults.

“This year is going to be excit­ing because we have lots of sur­prises for both the audience and participants,” announced Chan, a popular TV and entertainment host and beauty titlist also known as “Star Bernardo.” This year, organizers will intro­duce a side event, a game show entitled “Pilit Na Talent” or “PNT.” There will be audience participa­tion and winners will bring home prizes in cash and kind, Chan said.

Champions in each category will compete in the finals in Sep­tember. Champions in the finals will receive a round-trip ticket to the Philippines plus Canadian $1,000 pocket money, Chan added.

“We enjoin parents and those with singing talents who are four years olds and 26 years olds to try join the competition because this will be their chance to be discov­ered in the entire Filipino-Cana­dian community,” Chan said. Chan said thesongfest has been the stepping stone of Fili­pino-Canadian singers who are now hitting paydirts as singers and entertainers in Canada and the United States.
She was referring to the past winners led by Allan Tanciango (2008 adult champion), Emee Escaro (2009 adult champion), Aileen Lim (2010 adult cham­pion), Sirjo Lasiste (2011 adult champion), Manigeh Murzagi (2008 kids champion), Alyssa Gutierrez (2009 kids champion), Ethel Amistad (2010 kids cham­pion), Chantell Cruz (2011 kids champion).

Also shining in the five-year old song conclave were Jessica Zraly (2008 teens champion), Simple May Natura (2009 teens champi­on), Eliross Sa­bas (2010 teens champion), and Hanna Balba (2011 teens champion). The contest will be spear­headed by the Reyfort Media Group led by chairman and former Montreal Olympian Rey­naldo M. For­taleza of Surrey. Members of the organizing committee who also act as hosts are Jojo Alpuer­to, Jerry “Papa-Bear” Legaspi, and executive producer Nem­ecio “Nhemy” Cepeda.