Pinoy Idol Top 24 Finalist

Here are the confirmed Top 24 of GMA 7’s Pinoy Idol aired yesterday.

1. Regene Ong of Quezon City - 20,impressed the judges by singing songs by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley and Sarah McLachlan. Stands out for her vintage dresses, which she makes herself.

2. Mae Flores (Angeli Mae Flores) of Marikina - 18, competed with Sarah Geronimo in the grand finals of “Star for a Night,” like “Philippine Idol” champ Mau Marcelo. Mae says she’s the “next big thing” in showbiz.

3. J-Anne Bautista - 21, from Pampanga, a student from UP Diliman. Her parents run their own businesses. She describes herself as a “shopaholic and a movie fan.”

4. Dio Paolo (real name: Paolo Dio Maghari) - 24, from Bacolod City, works as a call center agent for Teleperformance. His dad Melvin Maghari is a receptionist. Dio Paolo has sung in concerts and acted in a musical play.

5. JJ Jr. (real name: Joselindo Pimpino Jr.) - 17, of Bataan, studies in Baguio, where he lives with parents Dindo and Cynthia Pimpino. He says that he holds the distinction of being the youngest PPS contestant at 14.

6. Robbie/Robby Navarro - 28, of Pampanga, recounts that he used to be part of a group. His decision to go solo was difficult, he says, but he insists it’s paying off.

7. Bev Ejercito (real name: Beverly Ejercito) - 18, from Davao, daughter of a company driver. Bev says she’s proud of “graduating from high school and winning in pageants.” Her bio says her big hair matches her big voice.



8. Elliot Andal (real name: Eleuterio Andal) - 24, of Batangas, is the son of a jeepney driver. He has worked as choir trainor and conductor and has won in several choral competitions. He was also a PPS contender.

9. Meryl David - 23, of Bicol, daughter of a former singer and a real estate broker. Meryl David says her proudest achievement is “finishing Nursing, while singing in a band.”

10. Warren Antig - 25, from Baguio City, once got a scolding from judges Ogie Alcasid and Jolina Magdangal because he wanted to back out, delaying the taping. He’s nicknamed “Bordado” by the staff because of his tattoos.

11. Sue Ellen Cubing - 16, of Iloilo, a pastor’s daughter and a beauty contest runner-up. Her sister Genevieve Cubing, who made it to the Manila round with her, was eliminated during Hell Week.

12. Rye Estrada (real name: Ryan Estrada) - 28, of Iloilo, is a band vocalist and a self-confessed Robbie Williams fan. During Hell Week, he became emotional after dedicating his solo piece to his mommy, Fanny.

13. Drizzle Muniz - 28, of Quezon City, a professional songwriter. She write the song, “Mr. Dedma,” for singing champion Sarah Geronimo’s album entitled “Take Flight.”

14. Ram Chaves III (real name: Ramon Chavez) - 25, of Cagayan de Oro, considers becoming a father as his most cherished accomplishment. His wife gave birth on the same day he auditioned at SMX.

15. Vren Villaflor (real name: Vrenylin Villaflor) - 17, hailed from Quezon City, the daughter of a retired police officer. As a child, she joined the “Batang Kampeon” contest and topped PLDT’s “Tuklas Talino” tilt.

16. Daryl Celis (Daryl Jett Celis) - 21, of Rizal, is the son of an OFW. His mom Miriam Elli is a bar owner in Japan. He auditioned at SMX with his lola, whom he calls his “lucky charm.”

17. Gretchen Espina - 20, of Biliran, daughter of a governor. This 20-year-old UP student auditioned at SMX Mall of Asia accompanied by a bodyguard.

18. Jenni Rawolle (real name: Jennifer Rawolle)- 20, of Manila, already competed in GMA 7’s “Pinoy Pop Superstar.” This Paco,Manila resident is a big fan of burlesque performer Dita Von Teese.

19. Sherwin Marquez (Sherwin Bayangan) - 26, of Dagupan, lives in Tuguegarao with his parents Manuel and Letty Bayangan. He believes he will serve as a good example if he wins Pinoy Idol.

20. Walton Zerrudo - 25, from Laguna, considers “standards” as his forte. He describes his son, Weston as his inspiration: “I want him to be proud of me.”

21. Kid Camaya (Elizalde Camaya) - 24, from Quezon City, works at the Bank of Philippine Islands. His real name is Elizalde. He says “Idol” is his “dream and passion.”

22. Carol Anne Leus - 17, from Batangas, is a student in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. 4 years ago, she joined and topped the TFC “Pop Star Search” (PPS) in Dubai.

23. Penelope (real name: Penelope Matanguihan) - 16, of Batangas, also a perennial singing contest champion. The daughter of Wilfredo and Violeta Manguihan says she’s raring to fight for her family.

24. Toffer Rei (real name: Kristoffer Rei Tragico) - 23, of Marikina, is the son of a driver and a housewife. He resides in Green Heights. His full name is Kristoffer Rei Nolasco Tragico.