PH Wins Back-to-Back Victory in International Singing Tilt in U.K.
Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo receives Stars of Albion Grand Prix winner Marlon Macabaya (left) and second placer Denise Melanie Du Lagrosa (right) at the Philippine Embassy in London a day after Team Philippines’ momentous victory was announced. (Stacy Garcia photo)
LONDON 11 March 2019 — Filipino singers Marlon Macabaya and Denise Melanie Du Lagrosa landed first and second place respectively in London’s prestigious Stars of Albion Grand Prix 2019, an international performing arts festival and competition that took place from 01-03 March 2019.
Mr. Macabaya’s win marks the Philippines’ back-to-back victory in the said competition. Last year, Rachel Gabreza of the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) was hailed as the Stars of Albion Grand Prix 2018 Winner.
The two Philippine representatives who took part in the Euro Talent Festival beat 45 other singers, 13 instrumentalists, and eight theater and dance groups in the competition’s final round. This year’s contestants came from 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Russia, USA, Israel, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and India.
Mr. Macabaya and Ms. Lagrosa are both seasoned performing artists in the Philippines. The former, who hails from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, was a former recording artist under the screen name, Enrique Marcos, while the latter has various performances under her belt.
“We are very proud of Marlon’s and Denise’s achievement,” said Ambassador to the U.K. Antonio M. Lagdameo. “By winning in this international competition, they have proven once more that Filipino talent is indeed world-class.”
Stars of the Albion is an annual event which brings together extraordinary talented musicians, dancers, and artists from around the world. The competition is organized and promoted by Musica Nova, and the International Academy of Music, a leading bilingual establishment in London that offer music education to children and adults from early start to advanced professional level. It is held under the Patronage of the World Association of Performing Arts.
The competition consists of two rounds: Round 1 is based on video recordings (DVD/YouTube), while Round 2 is open to the public and is held at concert venues in central London, with the final Gala concert of winners and celebrity guests held at the prestigious Rudolf Steiner Theatre.
A panel of international musicians, artists, composers, and producers make up the competition’s board of judges. END
For more information, visit www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK and @philippinesinuk on Twitter.
Marlon Macabaya and Denise Melanie Du Lagrosa raised the Philippine flag high and proud when they competed against hundreds of other performers during the 6th Stars of Albion International Performing Arts Competition in London. (Stacy Garcia photo)