Recap: ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ season 5 grand finals

MANILA, Philippines – The finals of Pilipinas Got Talent season 5 had 12 acts competing for the top prize, with Power Duo winning the grand prize.

The finals were held on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

On Saturday, the first 7 acts performed for the audience and the judges – Vice Ganda, Robin Padilla, Angel Locsin, and former ABS-CBN vice president Freddie M. Garcia. 

The remaining 5 acts performed on Sunday, before the audience’s votes were counted and the winner was announced.

Watch each of the final performances below:

Day 1

The first group to perform was The Crossover Family, who did a hiphop dance number.

 

Freddie Garcia, also known as FMG in the industry, told the group that they’ve leveled up since their last performance. Angel, meanwhile, commented that that their performance was “panggising sa iba pang mga dancers na kasali sa competition na ito.” (It was a wake-up call for the other dancers who are part of the competition.)

Robin, on the other hand, told them: “Crossover, katulad ng inyong mayor [Rodrigo Duterte] sa Davao City, binigyan ninyo ako ng  isang heart-pounding performance. Wala naman ako sakit sa puso, pero nagkaroon ako ng palpitation sa inyo. Ang galing ninyo.“

(Like your mayor [Rodrigo Duterte] of Davao City, you gave me a heart-pounding performance. I don’t have a heart condition but I got palpitations from your performance. Job well done.)

Vice said that the group’s performance was a perfect way to open the finale. He also said that their performance marks that “change is coming,” as the season may just give acts other than the singers a chance to win. 

The second act was The Chosen Ones from Cavite, who performed a rock song.

 

Angel said that she believed that with their name, they were chosen to become famous one day and she wouldn’t be surprised if that were to happen. Vice said it was not too restrained and not too over-the-top – simple, but rocking. 

The motorcrossers of UA Mindanao were the 3rd to perform that night, and many in the audience were shocked by the motor stunts they did. However, an unexpected accident happened when Bornok, the leader of the group, made a mistake, causing him to be thrown from his motorcycle. His groupmates and Robin, who was there to witness the performance, immediately rushed to see how he was.

When they entered the Mall of Arena stage, Angel immediately asked how Bornok was. Bornok then entered in a wheelchair. When asked how he was, Bornok said he was alive and well.

 

Angel then commended them that aside from all this being part of the job, their story was very inspiring to others.  FMG said that while they failed to do the stunt, it was an exciting performance. Robin, who is known for his action films said he understands what the group goes through because he has experienced them. He also said that Bornok showed presence of mind when the accident happened.

Young singer Kurt Philip Espiritu was next, performing the song “One Call Away.” 

 

Vice said that Kurt does not have the most powerful vocals among those who joined the competition, but what makes Kurt special was his charm and his connection to the audience. Angel echoed Vice’s statement and that she was kilig with his performance.

Robin meanwhile described him as refreshing while FMG said he was very “Daniel Padilla.”

Acrobatic act Dino Splendid Acrobats showcased their stunts on stage next. 

 

Angel said her eyes were wide open during their performance. FMG on the other hand was a little more lukewarm about the act. Robin meanwhile said they did not fail to impress him, while Vice praised their performance. 

Ody Sto. Domingo, a magician, closed Day 1 of the finals with a heartwarming magic act.

 

 

Vice said in terms of magic, Ody was good. But what stood out was how good a storyteller he was and how they were all touched by his work. Angel meanwhile said she got worried when she thought Ody made but a mistake but she herself got surprised by his performance. She also said she will never forget his story. 

FMG meanwhile congratulated him for a clean act. Robin on the other hand praised Ody for working with heart.

Day 2

The night started out with the Sto Tomas Bulilit Generation, an acrobatic dance group. 

 

In aqua blue and silver outfits, the group performed on a set of corals, making them look like they were underwater. 

The group received praise from all 4 judges, with Angel and Vice saying that their talent should be shown off to other countries. 

Robin said he wanted the to win since the beginning of the competition, while FMG said, “Definitely, at your age, you have shown your dexterity in acrobatic movements and ang galing-galing niyo (you are so talented).”

Next Option was up next, singing Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches.”

 

The judges were split in their opinions of their performance, with Robin saying, “Alam niyo, ‘pag singing, ang inyong pagkanta ay talagang heartwarming… para sa akin nasasatisfy niyo yung pangangailangan ng tenga at mata. (You know, when it comes to singing, your singing is really heartwarming… for me, you satisfy the what the ears and eyes need).”

However, Vice wasn’t too impressed, concluding that, “This season of Pilipinas Got Talent is not a season for singers.” Angel said that they ended strong, but the opening of their performance was lacking. 

Firedancer Amazing Pyra lit up an outdoor area with a show-stopping performance, complete with sparklers and stunts.

 

 

Robin, who was there during Pyra’s performance, shared that it was raining and there was strong winds when Pyra was doing the stunt. 

Angel pointed out that Pyra still insisted on performing despite a previous injury, saying, “Para sa akin, ‘yan ang performer (For me, that’s a performer)!”

Power Impact Dancers from Sta Mesa, Manila wowed the crowd with their synchronized choreography. 

 

 

FMG commented, “I like the movement, I like the costume. You have entertained me, congratulations.”

Angel added, “Kayo yung perfect example na minaliit sa umpisa, pero ngayon sumasabog ang galing niyo sa finals.” (You are a perfect example of someone who was underestimated in the beginning, but now you are really doing well in the finals.)

Last to compete was Power Duo, a real-life couple, who performed a touching dance number.

 

 

 

“Pinaniwala niyo ako ulit sa pag-ibig (You made me believe in love again),” said Vice. “And tonight, love wins.” 

Angel commented that their performances keep getting better and better every week. 

“When love talks, everybody listens,” said Robin. 

While waiting for the audience’s votes to come in, megastar Sharon Cuneta sang “Bituin Walang Ningning.”

Power Duo was then announced the winner of the season.

 What do you think of Pilipinas Got Talent’s grand finalists this season? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com