December 6, 2015, 9:14p.m. – A THOMASIAN won the grand prix at the Europop “Berliner Perle” singing contest held in Berlin, Germany on Nov. 29.
Ryan Richard Tamondong, a freshman voice major at the Conservatory of Music, bested 17 contestants in the 14- to 17-year-old division.
“I still smile because I can’t believe it. There were a lot of talented singers all over Europe especially Ukraine, Malta and Moldova, and I won,” the 17-year-old told the Varsitarian.
Tamondong performed Elmer Blancaflor’s original composition “Be Strong” on the first day of the competition, and Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” on the second.
“The song has a very big value to me. I just can’t explain it but every time I sing it I lose myself and it’s like I’m not the one performing,” he said.
As promised by competition organizers, he will record the song “Be Strong” and will come back next year to open the show as a guest.
Europop is an international singing contest established in 2005 for aspiring young artists. The Philippines, the only Asian country to be invited to the competition, is on its second year of participation.
Tamondong received a cash prize of 500 euros, along with a certificate and a souvenir. Erika Mariz S. Cunanan
