Yeheeey! Mau is the first Philippine Idol! I voted for her. I knew from the very beginning of the show that she would make it.
I was talking to some of my friends last Saturday before the final showdown started. I was the only one in the group who voted for Mau. From my friends’ point of view, Filipino audience would opt for Jan or Gian because “they look better on screen.” But isn’t Philippine Idol a talent contest? I mean, it’s not a beauty pageant.
Mau proved many people wrong: First, sabi ng marami mananalo ang mayamang contestants because they can afford to “buy” many loads for voting (pati ba naman sa Philippine Idol mauuso ang paggamit ng “gold” para manalo?). But Mau who is from a humble beginning, who cannot afford to buy so many loads for voting, got the highest vote. Second, sabi ng marami she will not win because of her looks. Why in the world should we judge a Philippine Idol contestant based on her looks? And besides, hindi naman pangit si Mau, if that’s what they mean. (Saka walang taong pangit sa itsura pero merong pangit sa kalooban, di ba?). Sa kultura kasi natin, we expect every personality in the Philippine showbizlandia to be so good-looking. So the aspiring singers, actors and actresses strive hard to look like they had New Jersey plastic surgery.
To Mau, congratulations! Sige lang, tuloy sa pag-abot ng mga pangarap.