The Sinulog Idol Platinum Season Final Six

CEBU, Philippines — After the weeklong elimination night of Sinulog Idol Season 11, the final six was completed Wednesday night.

Making up this year’s Top 6 are Jeduthun “Jedu” Ligan, Johnrann Matthew “Ranni” Cane, Chreystle Gealogo, Marichar Labado, Danielle Therese “Thea” Monterde and Jehramae Trangia.

Mainstay coaches and judges, Ultimate Vocal Coach Jay Unchuan, Pinoy Dream Academy Scholar Apple Abarquez and Banat News Hugyaw Editor Ryan Mark Borinaga admitted that they had a hard time deliberating who to give the six spots for the Platinum finals which was held at the Fuente Osmeña Circle last night.

“It is really a tough decision. This is one of those times nga dili gyud unanimous ang decisions sa judges. Lisod kaayo ang pag-compromise because you are all great singers,” Abarquez told the candidates during Wednesday’s Jam Night round.

Abarquez told The FREEMAN that it got to a point where the judges had a bit of misunderstanding. “Niagi mi og away slight but we had to unite to choose kun kinsa ang mopadayon sa finals,” she said.

Maverick Nineza, 19, was the latest to be eliminated after performing Ed Sheeran’s “Sing.”

“Thankful ko kay naabot ko ani nga stage and I’m aiming man pud nga maabot ko sa grand finals pero wala ko ga-expect,” he said.

Abarquez praised Nineza for the growth he has shown, telling him that she sees him as the cute boy-next-door.

“Ingon ana gyud ang imong dating nako so matter how sensual you try to be, wholesome gyud ka. I think that’s an endearing quality because one, I know you really worked hard to get here despite anything that anyone says. Good job because you are here and not them. The improvement that we have seen since the day you auditioned up until now is very very high. You are a changed person. Dili naka manggiuwawon kaayo and you do not limit yourself to what we will tell you. I am proud of you,” Abarquez told Nineza.

Danao City’s pride, Ranni Cane, brought home the Star of the Night award for Jam Night.

Unchuan said they may be part of the final six but they still have bigger work to do in terms of originality, style and showing off their real personality and attitude of a Sinulog Idol finalist.

Abarquez added that to be a Sinulog Idol, one has to be full package: good in singing, dancing, and performing.

The judges said they are truly proud of what the contestants have become after the three months of workshops up until the latest elimination rounds.

“It is a challenge for us nga maayo gyud sila nga manganta and dako gyud ang ilang improvements. This is a good thing gyud nga maayo ni sila mokanta and what we mostly have to work on is ilahang stage presence and how they would have to face consequences of their actions on stage,” said Abarquez.