NONITO DONAIRE CHOOSES JERSEY PAIR AS WINNERS OF HIS NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGING CONTEST
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Oct 2011
New York - Nonito Donaire Jr. announced during his open workout yesterday at the famed Gleason's gym in Brooklyn the winners of his popular internet search of anthem singers for his upcoming October 22 fight with Argentinean Omar Andres Narvaez. Tiffany Viray and Lianah Sta. Ana both of Freehold, New Jersey were chosen among the many who submitted their renditions of both or either the Philippine and American national anthem via You Tube.
Viray, 14 cannot contain the excitement in her face as she recalled getting a call just hours before the 1 pm workout from the Donaire's telling her she was one of two singers handpicked by the couple to lead the singing of the national anthem in front of the thousands expected to attend the match at the WAMU Theatre at MSG. "I am very excited. It's every Filipino singer's dream to be singing the Lupang Hinirang (title of the Philippine national anthem). I am really honored and proud to be Pinoy." exclaimed the 9th grader from Howell High School.
Meanwhile, Sta. Ana, 12 will be leading the singing of the Star Spangled Banner on the same night. The 7th grader beams with pride and excitement as she expressed gratitude on being chosen to sing the U.S. national anthem at the renowned Madison Square Garden and also in front of millions that will be watching the fight via HBO and the web via TopRank.com. "I am really proud, I am really happy. I am just grateful that God has given me this task." said Sta.Ana. "I heard about it from my parents a couple of hours ago and I am just very happy to be a part of this event." she added.
Both girls at their early age have already compiled a long list of accomplishments as singers. They have joined and won various local singing contests in the past. Both have first place wins in the Amateur Night at the Apollo, a known singing competition held at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. They have also appeared and performed at various local and Filipino events and gatherings in the New York / New Jersey area.
Donaire announced the search at the beginning of the month to give residents of the Tri State area an opportunity to show their singing talents both nationally and internationally as part of this sporting event. "We want to thank all who participated in the search, all of them are just amazing and it was just hard for us to decide." announced Donaire. "We want to congratulate Tiffany and Lianah here, who did great in their renditions. Both of them are phenomenal, their voice is great and they have national pride." added the bantamweight champ who is set to defend his belts on that night.
Viray and Sta. Ana both obliged to the egging of the crowd and the Donaire's as they both performed their respected pieces in a ring set up for yesterday's open workout. Their renditions were received with cheers and admiration not only from the crowd who attended today's event but also by everyone who happened to be training and working out at the gym yesterday. "I am nervous and excited at the same time. It's gonna be in front of a lot of people. But I am just hoping for the best and I hope I do a good job." said the "tinola" (Filipino dish) loving Viray. Sta.Ana who has been joining singing contests since she was nine shared the same sentiments with her older counterpart." I am just thankful and excited to be doing this and hope to do good as well."
Photo: Donaire poses with anthem winners,Tiffany Viray (right) and Lianah Sta. Ana(left).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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