South Luzon proved that competition is set to get tough come the much-awaited launch of GMA 7’s Bet ng Bayan as bets from the area faced each other off during the first regional finals of the program last September 21 alongside the grand celebration of Naga City’s Peñafrancia Festival.
Breathtaking performances given by competitors from Batangas and Bicol took over the stage in Plaza Quezon when finalists for the Bet sa Kantahan, Bet sa Sayawan, and Bet na Kakaibang Talento showed the Bicolano crowd what they’re made of, which is expected to send chills to their soon-to-be contenders from all over the country.
Witness to the thrilling event were no less than the Bet ng Bayan hosts themselves Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and one of GMA’s prime leading men Alden Richards. Both hosts definitely did not pass on the chance to delight the audience with each of their captivating performances.
“It’s pretty exciting because we’re going nationwide in search of the next superstar; and in the first regional finals held in Naga, I’m confident that the competition will be stiff. Of course, I think it helped that everyone’s in a festive mood because of the Peñafrancia festival,” shared Regine.
The Ilustrado main character agreed with his co-host and said, “We were truly amazed with the first round of regional finals for Bet ng Bayan held during the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. For sure pakatututukan din ito ng viewers natin dahil talagang nakabibilib sila—mula sa singers, dancers, at pati na rin sa kakaibang talento.”
GMA TV Bicol, for its part, aired a special live coverage of the Peñafrancia fluvial procession titled An Pag-Debosyon kan Masa last September 20.
Oliver Amoroso, GMA Network’s Head for Regional Strategy and Business Development (RSBD) Division / AVP for Regional TV, in turn, extended his gratitude to the Bicolanos, “Celebrating Peñafrancia Festival with our Kapusos in Bicol is something that the Network looks forward to each year. We also took the opportunity this time to hold the first regional finals of the upcoming reality-talent search on TV Bet ng Bayan to showcase their exemplary talents.”
Slated on the month of October are Bet ng Bayan regional finals happening in Cagayan de Oro (October 11), Bacolod (October 18), Dumaguete (October 21), and Vigan (October 28).
Meanwhile, preparations for the reality-based artista search on television StarStruck went full swing as auditions took place at The Event Center of SM City Naga on September 21 and 22, with StarStruck survivor Ryza Cenon gracing the former.
To know more about the latest updates on the Network's regional events, follow GMA Regional TV on Twitter via www.twitter.com/GMARegionalTV and on Instagram via www.instagram.com/GMARegionalTV.