8ID launches “Stormtroopers Wow Talent” search

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
July 16, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  As part of the prepared activities for the forthcoming 23rd Anniversary of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, a weekly talent search is being held at the camp’ covered court every Friday evening.

Dubbed as the Stormtrooper’s Wow Talent Search, it intends to tap the potentials of military personnel by showcasing their skills in dancing, singing and all other forms of entertainment.  The organizers required the nine (9) competing battalions/units within its area of command to submit their respective entries.

The activity is made open to the public where three (3) independent non-civilian personalities were invited to judge the weekly competition. Winners are declared based on prescribed criteria.

The show was patterned after the Pilipinas Got Talent Show where both the judges and the audience were made active participants in determining winners by airing their comments and raising their score cards. The emceeing expertise of Capt. Borja made the show more entertaining.

“I designed this activity to boost the morale of my men. I would want them to discover their potentials and provide a venue for them to showcase these talents. It’s surprising to see them perform like professionals,” was MGen. Mario Chan’s observation.

The Commanding General and all other officers and civilian spectators were seen to have enjoyed watching one of the contestants performing a mesmerizing and entertaining act of magic which got an 8 as an over all rating of approval from the audience, especially from the kids. The second contender did a ballad rendition of a popular English song and received encouragements from the judges to further improve on his timing and diction. The last presentation was a dance remix coming from the Civil Military Operations Battalion group performers. The performance was a big hit, which automatically made them a qualifier in the grand finals.

More of these talents will be unveiled on July 22 with five (5) more performances from the different units. The weekly winners will compete on its grand finals which is set on July 29, 2011.