A warm homecoming for PDA Little Grand Winner Philip Nadela in GenSan
When 9-year old Philip Nadela was announced the first grand winner of the Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamers during an exciting Finals night earlier this month, I was at that time at the residence of Gen. Santos City Mayor Jun Acharon together with his wife, Dra. Rose and some household members.
We were at their living room all busy trying to send the last of the text messages we could to ensure that Philip wins. Earlier, while the First Lady was calling and texting all her friend and relatives in Cebu to support Philip, the good mayor was then busy reminding his barangay captains to go all out for the young “general”.
When his name was finally announced as the GRAND LITTLE WINNER, I and the rest let loose shrieks of delight. While glancing at the mayor, I noticed that he was misty-eyed but grinning from ear to ear, obviously proud that another champion emerged from among his constituents.
So when the young singing sensation, now known by his screen name Philip Nolasco came back home with his parents, no less than Mayor Jun Acharon was there at the General Santos City International Airport to welcome him.
Later, he was whisked off to a waiting vehicle for his motorcade, the same one used by Manny Pacquiao every time he wins his fights. Joining him were Ms. GenSan 2002 Ivy Cunanan and her court Kitel and Faye, together with Sangguniang Kabataan Chair Jane Calunsag.
I had the rare chance to ride the same car and so I took shots of the people of Gen. Santos waving at him from the roadsides, all wanting to take a good look at him. Philip was a trouper, gamely waving at everyone while his pretty “yayas” were beside him, acting as his consorts.
The scenes of the crowds greeting us wherever we turn were reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao’s hero’s welcome everytime he goes home to GenSan after every fight. I had goosebumps all over with the similar kind of adulation that this 9-year old singing sensation received during the motorcade.
The motorcade eventually winded up at the Oval Covered Court where his fans, schoolmates, teachers, etc. and the Gen. Santos City media were waiting for him. They were later gifted with a couple of songs from the Grand Dreamer after answering a few questions during the mini press conference.
Later on in the evening, a Grand Feast was tendered to him by the mayor at the 6′Blings Restaurant, owned by Mr. Bebot Haw. There, GenSan’s youngest pride mingled with his guests and in between photo ops, lest we forget that he is still a child, focused on playing with his new portable PlayStation.
Tagged 6'Blings Restaurant, Dra. Rose Acharon, Gen. Santos International Airport, Mayor Jun Acharon, Ms. GenSan 2008 Ivy Cunanan, PDA Little Dreamer, philip nadela, Philip Nolasco
Kevin Paquet10/30/2008 at 7:44 PM
super cute and super talented naman ng batang yan, he deserves that warm welcome
Kevin Paquets last blog post..Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2008
MiGs10/30/2008 at 8:43 PM
I wana go back to gensan to meet Philip!
hamel10/30/2008 at 10:05 PM
philipp!!
remember me…
tito mo to!!! from NEw york!!
congratz! talagang nag mana ka sa akin..na di lang sumasayaw at kumakain ng affoooyy!!! kundi kumakhanTA PA…O di ba??
chiinnGG!!!
orman10/31/2008 at 2:23 AM
magaling. magaling. magaling. i hope phillip’s handlers continue to ensure his continuous training and exposure para lalong siyang mahasa at gumaling. i saw his performance sa asap recently and medyo off ang dating. mas magaling pa ang dalawang runners-up.
ormans last blog post..no caption
jinky10/31/2008 at 11:18 AM
Yeah, I agree with sir orms. . . d handlers of philip must ensure his continuous training in terms of showmanship, personality dev’t., etc. . . and pinaka importante dapat yung value of humility & dedication to his craft ma instill sa kanya. . .
Go young General Philip, Go!
jinky10/31/2008 at 11:23 AM
also, magpa contest tau sir vel! Search for Jinky among the people na napicturan mo during Philip’s homecoming ajejeje. . . Tnx pala for posting our picture. . . Mas maganda sana if nakunan mo full text ng tarp namin re: our 75th anniversary. . . ajejeje
jasper012710/31/2008 at 2:46 PM
Thanks Philip you make people of General Santos more prouder now considering that your name has been added among the champions of General Santos. Be sure to come back in Gensan on july 2009 for the grand opening of Robinsons Place General Santos.
Kritiko11/01/2008 at 12:52 AM
ala news sa ebiz? lalo na sa E-comp winners? updates po
Anah11/01/2008 at 4:13 PM
Philip, congrats! Ang galing naman. You make us proud!
Certified taga Gensan
Anah
archmykel11/02/2008 at 8:41 AM
Gensan really has a wealth of winners! WOW talaga!!
orman11/03/2008 at 8:30 AM
@archmykel – mike, gensan is indeed the WELLSPRING OF WINNERS! w.o.w. gensan talaga!
ormans last blog post..no caption
orman11/03/2008 at 8:32 AM
@jinky – tama ka jinky. i’m sure abs cbn will see to it that phillip gets the proper training and exposure. maybe oprah and ellen should invite phillip…hehehehe!
ormans last blog post..no caption
Eight-year old singer Philip Nadela wows Korea's Star King audience | Bariles Republic's GenSan News Online Mag05/09/2009 at 12:35 PM
[...] You can read about that homecoming by CLICKING HERE. [...]
WBO Super Flyweight Champ Marvin Sonsona to be given Hero’s Welcome in GenSan | GenSan News Online Mag09/23/2009 at 3:19 PM
[...] his brother Bobby, and Donito Donaire, and, Little Star Grand Dreamer Philip Nolasco/Nadela (CLICK HERE), who are all residents of the Tuna [...]
GenSan News Online Mag » Blog Archive » GenSan in ABS-CBN’s New Year Countdown Coverage01/06/2010 at 1:55 PM
[...] Grand Winner Philip Nadela (who hails from Barangay Fatima) will highlight the program and will sing the KAPAMILYA Christmas [...]