Young Filipino talent takes the stage at this year’s PNE

Melissa Guillergan

Red Robinson’s Talent Showdown at the Fair at the PNE brings out some of the best singers and dancers from around the province.
Among the competitors this year are three local Filipino singers each hoping to steal the show and win up to $10,000 in cash prizes.
Alyssa Gutierrez, 12, moved to Canada from the Philippines with her family in 2006. Although only in Canada for a few years, Gutierrez has already established herself as a strong contender in local singing competitions, winning the 2009 Grand Champion title for the PNT Singing Idol competition. “[Alyssa] is very excited to perform at this year’s PNE,” said her mother, Ana Guitierrez. “She knows performing in the Red Robinson Talent Showdown will be a great stepping stone for her singing career.”
Andrew Alcade, 27, will be competing in the Showdown for the fifth time. “I have determination to win. I’ve come so close to winning,” said Alcade. With a passion for all genres of music, ranging from jazz to country, Alcade looks to a variety of artists from Alicia Keys to Al Green for inspiration.  
Philbert de Torres, 28, is new to the Showdown and will be competing this year for the first time. “I was very active in singing competitions when I was younger,” said de Torres. “The highlight of my competitions would be Canadian Idol where I made the top 30 and Pinoy Pop Superstar where I made the top eight. A huge fan of Michael Jackson, de Torres is also a fan of Filipino artist Gary Valenciano. “I’m really looking forward to competing. I’m at a point [in performing] where I don’t get nervous. I really want to show people what I can do.”
All three competitors are looking forward to this year’s PNE for more than just competing in the Showdown. “I love the food and the rides, but not mixed together,” joked de Torres. 
Red Robinson’s Talent Showdown takes place daily at 3:30pm from August 22 through 25. For more information, visit www.pne.ca.