Vina Morales, Pinoy band win IKON Asean

Popular singer-actress Vina Morales came home yesterday afternoon from Malaysia where she won in the solo artist category of the IKON ASEAN regional singing competition held last Sunday.

Morales won a cash prize of $25,000.

She arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with the members of the group Kjwan, who were declared champions in the band category.

Morales and the Kjwan band members were ecstatic over their victory, and knowing that they made their countrymen proud by giving the world a taste of world-class Filipino talent.

Morales, Sharon Garcia-Magdayao in real life, said those who joined the contest did not only compete but instead, shared music with other artists.

She said she feels very blessed to have won but she also dedicates her success to her fellow contestants.

Morales sang the ABS-CBN telenovela theme song “Pangako Sa ’Yo” and “Feels So Nice” while Kjwan sang “Invitation” and “One Look.”

They received their awards from Astro Entertainment executive director Zainir Aminullah and ASEAN Music Industry Association chairman Arnell Affendi.

The singing contest was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Center where representatives of other ASEAN countries also competed.

IKON ASEAN, a contest which seeks to bring together ASEAN talents under one roof to showcase and celebrate Asian entertainment, starts in a contestant’s home country. – Michael Punongbayan