“An ordinary event becomes extraordinary when it happens for a good cause.” – Tintin
With a full-packed venue, sold-out tickets and a thrilled crowd, the top ten finalists of the highly anticipated “Singing Cop of the Philippines 2024” were all set to step into the spotlight and clash through their rendition of songs for the final showdown at the Music Museum in San Juan City, Manila. The musical event organized by the Philippine National Police together with the Officer’s Ladies Club Foundation Inc. (OLCFI), and participated in by uniformed men and women had finally commenced on September 27, 2024 – roughly two months since the submission of entries from the 17 Police Regional Offices (PRO) in the Philippines.
The Singing Cop of the Philippines 2024 was a project initially adapted from the previously concluded Online Awitan Challenge 2024 – a musical search for student singers from different schools in the country, through the collaborative efforts of the Information Communication and Development Division (ICDD) and Regional Police Community Affairs and Development Units (RPCADUs) of the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG). The success of the recent endeavor was made possible with the active participation and support of PNP-OLCFI headed by their Advisor, Mary Rose P. Marbil, wife of PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, and its President, Leilani S. Alba with their program dubbed “Love and Blessings (LAB) Virus”, bringing forth the PNP’s commitment to fostering empathy and solidarity within its community.
What stood out from this initiative was beyond entertainment – more than just a display of talent. It was directly held, carrying a profound significance, toward the benefit of battling cancer patients – creating awareness, raising funds, and providing emotional support to them and their families.
“Alam niyo po, hindi lang po kami natutuwa doon sa mga kanta. Ginagawa po natin ito para sa mga may sakit natin, and we have already identified a hundred fifty po na may mga sakit ng cancer. So, on behalf of PNP, we are giving Php10,000 each dun sa lahat ng may sakit po. Para sa kanila po talaga ito. We are donating through LAB Virus,” emphasized by PNP Chief Gen. Marbil as he graced the awarding of Singing Cop 2024 winners.
Singing contests, like the Singing Cop 2024, serve as opportunities to building relationships, fostering morale, and, without doubt, creating a positive public image for the organization. The activity broke the stereotype that police officers are just law enforcer. They are fostering an environment for a better understanding as they share their positive experiences and talents outside the perimeters and pressures of their daily tasks and duties.
Among the top ten finalists chosen after the careful scoring and screening covered by the number of social media interactions (60%); and the actual judging of video entries (40%) on September 10, 2024, were PCpl Lyka Princess U. Dela Cruz of PRO4A, Pat Paele John P. Curaming of PRO5, PSSg Jo-nah Belle C. Arcenal of PRO6, Pat Ma. Stephanie C. Gadingan of PRO7, PCpl Michael S. Maquilan of PRO8, Pat Nelito James R. Muñoz of PRO9, Pat Kershean Uy of PRO10, Pat Regner C. Trobillas of PRO11, PSSg Irish Joy A. Laureto of PRO13, and Pat Joeselle A. Sacmar of NCRPO. The grand finalists from various regional offices in the country had themselves prepared as they vied for their spots, filling the night with music and harmony, together with the performances of celebrity guests and judges such as Charity Diva Token Lizares, Asia’s Timeless Diva Dulce, OPM Icon Rannie Raymundo, and respected songwriter-composer Vehnee Saturno.
Who would not be thrilled to prepare for the live performance when enticing prizes were at stake for the lucky winners. Grand champion took home Php100,000.00 cash prize, a token and a certificate; 1st runner-up received Php75,000.00 cash price, a token and a certificate; and the 2nd runner-up received Php50,000.00 cash prize, a token and a certificate. These take-home winnings, as well as the pride of representing their regional offices, had lighted fire in the candidates, to be at their best during the final round.
After an hour or two, the clash on stage ended up awarding the three chosen candidates – topping the rest of the top ten finalists. The grand champion, besting all candidates, was Pat Paele John P. Curaming of PRO5; second place was awarded to PCpl Michael S. Maquilan of PRO8; and the third place was Pat Regner C. Trobillas of PRO11. Meanwhile, consolation prizes and certificates were given to the rest of the participants for their efforts and dedication to best represent their respective units and offices until the grand finals.
Pat Paele John P. Curaming’s heartfelt rendition of the song “’Wag Ka ng Umiyak”, originally sung by Gary Valenciano, and had tended in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano popularized by actor Coco Martin, captured the hearts of the panel of judges worthily making him the grand champion of the Singing Cop of the Philippines 2024. The audience, particularly his supporters from PRO5 who gave their all-out support to their contender, were in a blast as the host announced this year’s singing cop winner.
The event co-organizer, PNP-OLCFI, with Advisor Mary Rose P. Marbil, could not help herself but extend her gratitude on behalf of the philanthropic foundation members, to the uniformed and civilian sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who have the heart to always share whatever resources they have to those in need of help the most, like the beneficiaries of the activity – the cancer patients.
Similarly, PNP Chief Gen. Marbil’s jovial mood throughout the show signified his sincere appreciation to the participants who bravely showcased their exceptional talents for a most noble cause – unraveled by their law enforcement uniforms – echoing the sound of musical empowerment, and expressing their commitment through artistic prowess and versatility, shaping public perception, and elevating the image of the organization.
Such events, like the Singing Cops of the Philippines, are proofs that the Philippine National Police not only provides community-centered services, truly serving and protecting and boosting the morale of its personnel for a Bagong Pilipinas!
