20 finalists to host Ilocos N ‘Balikas’

By Edison Justin B. Deus

LAOAG CITY -- Boosting its support to young local talents, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte launched the inaugural “Balikas: Search for Ilocos Norte’s New Event Hosts.”

Twenty finalists were picked for its new roster: Aldrin Sojourner Gamayon, Aaron Sandler Guillermo, Lei Gee Lumen, Ira Shalini Ybañez, Moyrah Shaina Colobong, Marr Angelo Nicolas, Allen King Aquino, Azhlyn Mangapit, Daniel Ross Velasco, Kyla Balaba, Lucky Charm Arce, Elmer K. Santiago Jr., Enzy Yvonne Cuyo, Janderick Dancel, Antonio Benjamin Sapaden III, Justine Asuncion, Joelo Ramirez, Edine Pasion, Dan Balantac, and Bianca Tamayo.

As a former Board Member with notable resolutions and ordinances on youth development, Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc started this in pursuit of making the province more “creative.”

Headed by Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, finalists went through a series of selection process.

Provincial Tourism Officer Ian B. Raquel said finalists will work with recognized hosts, artists and people in events and production.

Last Sept. 8 and 9, “Balikas” hosts attended a 2-day workshop. They trained under the tutelage of Mary Jane Leaño on fundamentals of hosting,. Luvee Hazel Aquino for script writing, Prof. Jeanette Gaoat on dealing with dead air, ad-libs and sound bites; Prof. Marlina Lino for basics of English and Ilokano grammar and Sherberk Cabrales for vocal dynamics. Justine Kyle S. Asuncion, “Balikas” finalist said he was looking forward to more experiences. I think this is just a start. I hope  the provincial government will give us more chances to explore new things,” he said.

The “Balikas” hosts will headline provincial events such as  Marcos Fiesta, Semana ti Ar-aria Halloween Bash, and Kinni-kinni Women’s Month Celebration, among others.