UAE to compete at ‘I-Sing World Finals’ in Toronto

Powerful albeit effortless from an ensemble, it happened in Dubai on Friday evening while blitzes of all form and substance have been rocking and rattling the world.

This was the send-off for a quartet who shall represent the UAE at an international vocal excellence competition in Canada this August 12 to 15.

A concert that took place several days after the UAE was ranked among the safest in the world, and was only expected to preview what Kirstin Reyes (12), Zairah Alexine Ragat (12), Celine Madison Matondo (10), and Dr. Rommel Pilapil Sergio (51), would be able to deliver at the “I-Sing World Finals” in Toronto.

Regardless of race, creed and orientation, one would have the chance to abound with their God-given talents by way of well-grounded guidance and support.

“I-Sing World Finals” is a twist from the 2014 13-Asian country battle of singers “I-Sing” competition founded by Malaysian entertainment industry players Yuro James Tee and Romli Bidin.

I-Sing World Finals (UAE) national director Elipas Sibua said: “Held yearly, it is a cultural movement that promotes excellence in singing, performance artistry, and international collaboration. It provides a stage for both amateur and professional singers to shine, compete, and be discovered.”

“The festival is a vibrant hub of music genres, vocal styles, and artistic interpretations. The UAE Team proudly joins the global celebration to represent not only the United Arab Emirates but also the rich diversity and talent of its people,” added Sibua.

Sibua has been preparing his students Reyes, Ragat, Matondo, and Sergio for the four-round solo and duet category friendly blitzkriegs one hour in every thrice-a-week session in the past four weeks.

According to the competition website, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Thailand, Uzbekhistan, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Tajikistan, Cuba, China, Kyrgystan, and Kazakhstan are at least the other 13 participating countries.

On Friday evening, the Canadian University Dubai Hub was transformed into an intimate musical venue where the UAE Team rendered Filipino and English contemporary and classical songs.

Some were accompanied by Berklee College of Music (Boston, Massachusetts) student, John Paul Alviz who began piano lessons at age seven in the Philippines. Ballerina Olivia Sheel interpreted the “Twilight Saga” theme song “A Thousand Years.”

Other performers were Ayeesha Camilla Emperado, saxophone; Heinrich Agsaulo, piano, original Filipino compositions; Dwayne Fernandes, electric guitar; Rojen Khalil, violin, traditional Arabic music; Keer Wang, piano, classical pieces; and from Alviz who encouraged the audience to sing along with his medley of love songs.

Children of expatriates from South Africa, the Philippines, India, Egypt, and China, all have been tutored by Sibua for at least a year.

Like Ragat who harvested gold and silver in the categories of broadway, gospel, self-accompaniment, and modeling; Alviz entered the finals and reaped six golds while Wang hauled in a bronze, three silvers and three golds in their respective piano divisions at the “World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024” in Los Angeles, California.

Ragat, encouraged to profoundly progress on her love for music by her parents and Sibua, said: “That incredible WCOPA 2024 experience ignited a deeper passion for singing and performing. It showed me how powerful music can be, not just as an art form; but as a way to connect, inspire, and express myself. I am excited to keep on pursuing music and growing as an artist. I am excited for the UAE Team at the I-Sing World Finals. I am grateful.”

Reyes was age three when her musically-inclined parents introduced her to the arts: “Dad and mom played a variety of genres. I found myself drawn to singing. Influences like Celine Dion and pop, rock, among others shaped my style. Thank you to Coach Eli (Sibua). Music has always been a source of joy and self-expression. It is a mix of excitement and nerves for the incredible opportunity at the I-Sing World. I hope to grow as an artist through it.”

Matondo is among the BKIDZZZ modern hip-hop/K-pop dance group that represented the UAE at the Junior Category of the “World Supremacy Battlegrounds 2025 at The Space of the Dubai Investment Park. University educator Sergio’s love for music began when he joined the church choir in his hometown of Baras in Rizal Province, Philippines.