Madonna Decena and her Got Talent experience

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of hopefuls flocked to Batangas, Baguio, and Cebu for the auditions of the much-awaited nationwide talent and reality show Pilipinas Got Talent that will air soon on ABS-CBN.

From singing, dancing, playing instruments, and performing out-of-this-world acts, applicants from North, Central and South Luzon, and Visayas regions showed what they got in hopes of making it through the first cut of the competition. The winner will win  P2-M jackpot prize..

“We were really amazed with what Filipinos can offer. They can really surprise you and blow you away when you least expect it,” shares executive producer Rancy Recato.

Pilipinas Got Talent opened its doors to a diverse group of people. Hopefuls from the first two legs of auditions ranged from three to 65 years old and covered just about everybody including those with physical disability.

“Anyone who’s got talent can join the search and show what they can do to the whole country and even to the world,” says production manager Morly Nueva.

In 2008, single mom Madonna Decena showed the world that Filipinos’ got talent when she wowed the crowd and judges in Britain’s Got Talent including Simon Cowell. Her powerful rendition of I Will Always Love You was viewed heavily on YouTube and reported in local TV newscasts, making her an instant celebrity overnight.

She was working then as a club singer in Britain to provide for her kids when the opportunity that changed her life knocked on her door.

“I didn’t really expect to make it through the auditions. I think they liked me for my voice and for my story,” says Madonna, whose performance during the auditions in the UK was reported in other Asian countries.

British viewers of the hit show were in awe with her singing prowess and even dreaded judge Simon was blown away. “For that one act, it was worth coming up her,” he said.

Even though she didn’t make it to the finals and win Britain’s Got Talent, Madonna is thankful for the experience and feels fulfilled to have shown the world what Filipinos are capable of doing.

“It’s a big honor for me to have made it that far in the show especially that I am representing the Filipino people. I’m happy that I made my fellow Filipinos proud and increase the respect given by British people to our race,” she said.

The 33-year-old singer is excited for Pilipinas Got Talent so that other talented Filipinos like her will get their time to shine.

Madonna also gave aspiring artists or Pilipinas Got Talent hopefuls to give it all in their performance and just focus on improving their craft rather than comparing it with other acts.

If you think you got the talent, catch the next legs of auditions in Northern Mindanao at Cagayan De Oro City on Nov. 25 and 26; Southern Mindanao at Davao City, Dec. 1 and 2; and in the Greater Manila Area, Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 13.

For details, log on to pilipinasgottalent.abs-cbn.com.