Celebrity Hot Shots in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – “Pilipinas Got Talent” (PGT) grand winner Jovit Baldivino said he will use his P2-million cash prize to help his family.

The 16-year-old singer told ABS-CBN News that he is planning to buy a vacant lot for his family, send his siblings to school and help his parents financially.

“Bibili po ako ng lupa kasi nangungupahan lang kami. Papaaralin ko ang mga kapatid ko, [at] matutulungan ko na ang magulang ko,” he said.

The first PGT grand winner, who hails from Batangas, also advised other aspiring and struggling singers not to stop dreaming. “Huwag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa… Magtiwala kayo sa sarili at siyempre sa Diyos.”

His parents, Cristeta and Larry, have one wish for their son.

“Sana huwag kang magbago. Nandito lang kami para sumuporta lagi sa’yo,” Larry said.

Baldivino was declared the first PGT grand winner during the talent-reality show’s finale Sunday night at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum. The teenager, who sells siomai in Batangas, has topped (48.81%) the overnight text and online votes.

Dance groups Baguio Metamorphosis and Velasco Brothers were hailed runners up. They received P100,000 cash prize each.

PGT judge Kris Aquino described Baldivino as ABS-CBN’s next singing superstar after his heartfelt rendition of Queen’s “Too Much Love Will Kill You.”

His fans, who called themselves Jovinatics, went in full force at the Big Dome to show their support.

He already created a mark during his audition after singing The Journey’s “Faithfully.” His video was uploaded on YouTube and was viewed more than 3 million times.

He was then dubbed as the next Arnel Pineda, with the striking resemblance of his voice to that of the Filipino international artist.

PGT’s finale was hosted by Luis Manzano and Iya Villania. Watch the replay of both the final performance and results night on Studio 23 this Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m.