So anyway, we saw a little less than ten people perform their pieces in front of the screening committee. There was Carlo Timbol, my pseudo-blockmate (NIMBB) who sang Larawan, his original composition. Made my spine tingle. There was the lady from Biology who sang a heartwarming song whose title I've forgotten. And then there was Paul. "If I could put time in a bottle..." Pass me the Kleenex.
The best part of it all was the interview thereafter. Jason and I were privileged to listen to Paul being grilled by the panel. Here's an excerpt.
* * *
"Introduce yourself."
"Hi, I'm Paul. Paul Balite, from the National Institute of Physics."
"And what is your edge from all the rest of them [referring to the other contestants]?"
"My edge is nineteen years old."
Insert laughter. And epileptic fits from the audience.
* * *
"May province ka? Or are you Manila-based? Kasi, during sembreak, magkakaroon ng pictorials (sic)."
"Manila-based? Uhm, 'di po ako isang organization."
* * *
So anyway, I wish all the contestants the best. Of course, I'm rooting for my friends, Paul and Carlo. May your dream of becoming the next Pinoy superstar come true.