MANILA, Philippines - In a way, Denise Laurel's win in the second season of"Your Face Sounds Familiar" is unexpected.
During the 13-week run of the ABS-CBN reality talent show, which features eight celebrities impersonating various musical artists, the 28-year-old did not even win during the program's weekly competitions.
But in the end, it was 28-year-old actress who reigned supremer, besting the likes of professional singers such as Kean Cipriano, KZ Tandingan and Sam Concepcion. The winner of the show was decided through text votes.
Denise Laurel celebrates her win as the grand winner of "Your Face Sounds Familiar" with son Alejandro. Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
"More than complete. More than anything that I've ever asked for," Denise told reporters after being crowned as the grand winner of "Your Face Sounds Familiar" season two on Sunday.
The irony that she won the competition despite her standing in the show prior to the grand finals is not lost to Denise.
She offers her victory to her son, Alejandro.
"Every week umiiyak yung anak ko kasi hindi nananalo. But I wanted to show him about hard work and perseverance, na kahit anong mangyari, try and try until you die talaga and hard work," Denise said.
The show's second placer, singer Michael Pangilinan, is happy for Denise.
"Sinasabi ko sa kanya, 'Denise, this is for you'... Naramdaman ko talaga na [para ito kay Denise]," he said.
Denise Laurel as Beyonce and Michael Pangilinan as Adam Levine of Maroon 5 as they wait for the results of ABS-CBN's "Your Face Sounds Familiar." Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
Michael is considered as a dark horse in the show, especially when compared to his fellow contestants who are already established named in the industry.
"Ako, [feeling ko] nanalo na ako. Wala naman ako dapat patunayan, e. Kasi sa 14 weeks na ginawa namin, napatunayan na namin yun," he said.
Denise said she will give part of one million peso cash prize to charity.