Best Of 3 - championing Filipino talent for a cause

It is not every day that we get to watch amazing live acts, and we're happy that our friends from Vega Entertainment invited us to see our champions Rhap Salazar, Mama Clay and Jex De Castro in the second Best of 3 concert held on September 14 at Amorato in Quezon City.

The sold out concert is for the benefit of CRIBS Foundation Inc., an institution committed to the care and development, healing and recovery of children in need of special protection. Proceeds of the concert goes to CRIBS for creating opportunities for its staff, donors and volunteers to become whole and empowered instruments of changing social realities. Rhap, Mama Clay and Jex organized their concert in support of CRIBS, especially for the aid of the abused children.

Started with a lively medley of Blinding Lights (The Weeknd), Water (Tyla) and Levitating (Dua Lipa), the three perked up the venue with their lovely harmony and an early display of their amazing vocal power that we are expecting throughout the show. The fun jamming at the opening already had us applauding for more.

Then each of them had their own set. Starting with Jex, last night was just the only time I heard Love of My Life by South Border after a long. He delivered it with such excellence that it rivaled the original version. With impressive accolades like being the Grand Prix Champion at the 2023 Stars of the Albion in London, a nomination at the 2020 Awit Awards, and a 1st runner-up position at the 2019 Tawag Ng Tanghalan, Jex is far from an ordinary singer.

Mama Clay sang a calming duet of Someday from the West Side Story with Jex then she gave her amazing set. There are lots of things to appreciate to this woman. Her vocal powerhouse was backed up with a number of achievements and experiences like mentoring for international singing competitions, especially in Malta where she spent some time and she was generous to share her story with us. She also was an actor in the Sound of Music at Resorts World Manila. Not to mention that she was a backup singer for Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez to include in her portfolio.

She started with Lizzo's About Damn Time and gave a wonderful set belting out the high notes and songs that put the house into a great party. We love her musical versatility as she can also rap and jive into pop singles.

Not but not the least is we had Rhap Salazar, who effortlessly played along with the songs on his set which is pure entertainment. A Sam Smith and Lady Gaga fan himself, he didn't mince his words to express the messages of the songs in his set. The former singing competition contender sang his original single Barely Breathing with deep emotions that he shed tears on stage that not putting his feelings on stage would be illegal.

Jex De Castro, Mama Clay, and Rhap Salazar are incredibly talented artists who have showcased Filipino talent on the global stage. Their achievements truly give us reason to be proud! If they happen to have mini concerts, please please support them.

Rhap Salazar, Jex De Castro, Mama Clay