PINOYS’ ‘IDOL’

Despite placing second, Jessica Sanchez is the winner among Filipinos

Manila, Philippines – Filipino-Mexican-American Jessica Sanchez lost to indie singer Phillip Philipps in the finale of the reality television singing competition “American Idol“ Season 11 Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) but she remains the winner among millions of Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world.

Malacanang hailed Sanchez for her runnerup victory.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a statement, said Sanchez has obtained the support of Filipinos around the world.

“As she competed in American Idol, Jessica Sanchez obtained the loyal and enthusiastic support of Filipinos the world over,“ Valte said. “Throughout her long, arduous journey, people considered Sanchez a performer imbued with an extraordinary gift of music and heart,“ she said.

Valte said that though Idol is over, it is only the beginning for Sanchez’s soaring music career. “This is only the beginning for Sanchez whose incredible talent has been recognized and appreciated the world over,“ Valte said of the 16-year-old born in Chula Vista, California, United States on August 4, 1995 and the eldest daughter of a Mexican-American US Navy personnel and a Filipina from Bataan.

For Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sanchez is still a winner despite her defeat. “Hindi man pinalad si Jessica Sanchez bilang American Idol, sa puso ng bawat Pilipino, siya pa rin ang nagwagi (Jessica Sanchez may not have won the American Idol title, but in the heart of every Filipino, she is still the real winner),“ Binay said.

“Like other talented kababayans (countrymen), she makes us proud to be Filipinos,“ Binay added. “Jessica’s amazing journey on American Idol showcased not just her talent, but the spirit of “bayanihan“ (cooperation) shown by every Filipino who supported her,“ he added.

Sanchez’s spot in the finale was the highest an Idol finalist of Filipino descent has earned since Hawaii-born Jasmine Trias’ thirdplace finish in 2004. Other FilipinoAmericans who reached the Top 13 were Camille Velasco (ninth place, 2004), Ramiele Malubay (ninth place, 2007), and Thia Megia (11th place, 2011).

Local celebrities turned to microblogging site Twitter to congratulate Sanchez.

Angeline Quinto, singer, said: “Jessica Sanchez yan. Wala ng ko kontra! Ang lupettttt :)“

Carol Banawa, singer: “Well..we all know @JSanchezAI11 will have a HUGE career! We are all proud of you!“

Ruffa Gutierrez, actress, host, and former beauty queen: “Phillip Phillips is the New American Idol! But for Filipinos around the world, Jessica Sanchez is our winner. U were amazing!“

Nikki Valdez, singer: “Sad.“

Yap, host and events organizer: “Collective silence. The white guy with the guitar wins. Predicable. America.“

Jim Paredes, member of Apo Hiking Society: “Middle America wins.. but Jessica wins the world…“

Aiko Melendez, actress: “It was a good fight Jessica!!!!:) Great job!!!“ Miriam Quiambao, beauty queen: “Jessica is such a great sport. She seems really happy for Phillip.“

Chokoleit, comedian: “I knew it, Phillip…..and Jessica starts her new chapter as an international artist soon busting the charts! It was a good run!“ Sitti, singer: “Hehe no surprise there…WGWG #5 as America’s Idol.“

Zsa Zsa Padilla, singer and actress: “Congratulations, Phillip Phillips. Great job, Jessica!!! Extremely proud of you!!!“

Denise Laurel, actress: “Jessice will be the one to make it anyway the whole world loves her gosh only 16 with those pipes! and soul!!!

Bianca Gonzales, host: “Congratulations @PPhillipsAI11, well done. to our dear @JSanchezAI11, YOU BLEW THE WORLD AWAY!!! kill that tommy mottola record!“

Sanchez may have lost the competition but for her fans, she is still the American Idol.

Her fans on Twitter said they believe Sanchez is still a winner: @tonyatayde: “Phillip Phillips can have the title of American Idol. Jessica Sanchez is already a GLOBAL Idol.“

@FrianneAslahon: “@AmericanIdol Para samen si JESSICA SANCHEZ ANG PANALO !!!!!!“

@adolfooe: “Jessica Sanchez is a global super star like Adam Lambert, #runneruppower!“ (Madel R. Sabater, JC Bello Ruiz, http://www.abs-cbnnews.com, and http://www.gmanews.tv)

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