BIR Eastern Visayas Region bags the BIR Idol 2012 title

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

Sunday 12th of August 2012

GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte, August 12 (PIA) – The BIR Eastern Visayas Region’s bet was proclaimed as the winner of the nationwide Search for BIR Idol 2012 which was conducted to mark the 108th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza, BIR Eastern Visayas Regional Director disclosed that Mr. Jefferson L. Cabataña or “Jeff”, a 28-year old singing sensation assigned at the Office of the Regional Director of Revenue Region 14-Tacloban City underwent the elimination round in Cebu City last July 16, 2012, won the Visayas Cluster title and qualified for the Grand Finals.

He bagged the BIR Idol 2012 Search, armed with charming personality and undeniable talent, and bested Luzon & Mindanao contenders with his song piece entitled “The Last Time” originally sung by Richard Poon.

At the Search for BIR Idol 2012 held at the Auditorium Room, 10th Floor of the BIR National Office Building, Jeff received the grand champion trophy and cash prize for this outstanding feat.

The judges, legendary in their own fields were Mr. John Lesaca, a renowed violinist and musical arranger; Mr. Rafael Patriarcha, a distinguished voice coach, scriptwriter, stage director, arranger and singer; Mr. Albert Bactong, the prominent musical conductor and respected UST faculty; Ms. Wilma Galvante, the well-known executive producer of the GMA 7 Artist Academy and Ms. Sitti Navarro, the celebrated Bossa Nova singer, stage and TV actress.

The performances of the competitors made the quest challenging and gripped the crowds with excitement and gleeful trepidation, Ms. Ann Reyes, BIR Eastern Visayas assistant head of the information unit, said.

The other winners were Mr. Joseph Vargas of the National Office - Personnel Division garnered the 2nd Prize, while Mindanao Cluster delegate Patricio Pajegal, who hailed from RR 16 - Cagayan De Oro, was awarded 3rd Prize. Consolation prizes were given to Luzon contestants from RR 10-Legazpi andRR8-NCR. (PIA 8)