Lorma Idol

Inspired by the wave brought about by Simon's popular American Idol that soon revolutionized Star in a Million, Pinoy Pop Superstar and other reality singing contests that invaded Philippine TV. JJ Macagba, director of the Creative Services , Albert de Guzman (Chairman of the project, SML secretary) brought the Brown Flava to LC's stage. Brown Flava composed of Carlo, Nelson, Josia, Jaema, Deni, Johann infused the new flavor of urban music mostly to my interpretation a groove soul of RnB. They appeared as opening acts of South Border in their Northern Luzon Crossover Concert in SLU so with Side A's promo tour. Also, they played back-to-back with K24/7,Retrospect, Pido and P.O.T.... It was August 14, 2003 when the Gimik Night was held at the LC Multi-purpose Hall. The first Lorma Idol was Genalyn F. Viola, a nursing student. The runners up were Jhoanalyn Noble Nano, followed by Trisha Badong, if my memory serves me right. The other contenders were: Gerald Roque, now a full pledged nursing Clinical Instructor (the last time I saw him was during a job fair in LC coz he's eyeing a middle east job.)- he was one versatile singer who could do pop, RnB... he was singing in LGS to LCSSHS, Ireneo Dulatre- he's a balladeer, Jaycus Nacis- too bad he pulled out last minute in the contest (reasons are not clear)- he's a superb amateur singer from the MT Department, also a PAMET scholar (I saw him at ITRMC Laboratory Complex), Kristina Marie Vendiola, Marife AimeeTrinidad, and Princess Marie Antonio also heat the night. Well it was a good project and the Gimik Night was a fresh experience. The SBO chairmen were among the judges but there was a text vote that enraged me that night. I'm just disappointed with the result because my bet was really on Jhoanalyn who rendered a difficult Miss Saigon piece but lost the title to Genalyn due to some text votes. I really don't believe in text votes. Sorry to say but I hate how the PDA or PI does when they do promote text votes. It spoils the real talent! More to say, I saw Trisha Badong's earlier performances before she stepped the Starstruck. I heard she's in the USA as a full pledged nurse now but I still bumped at some easy videos showcasing her talent over youtube. The Lorma Idol was also supported by the Lorma Highlights in terms of poster designs and some leaflets... some editors were even part of the production crew. The stage back-draft was done by the LC Visual Arts Guild. LH also partnered with the "Donate a Book Project" chaired by former EIC, Albert de Guzman who was SML secretary.