Sing Galing!

Sing Galing is a Filipino videoke singing reality game show created and developed by the Associated Broadcasting Company aired from March 6, 1998 to April 30, 2005. The program was hosted by Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Allan K., John Lapus, Kristine Florendo and Pops Fernandez. It was also the launching path for comedian Ethel Gabison also known as Ethel Booba, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 winner Laarni Lozada, and Philippine Idol winner Mau Marcelo.

Since its premiere in 1998, Sing Galing had become a household name and a constant top-rated show on ABC until it bowed out in 2005. Sing Galing enjoys recognition as one of the most successful, original and innovative shows in Philippine television history.

History

The program piloted in March 6, 1998 with hosts sing-along master Allan K and beauty queen Kristine Florendo.

The show's mechanics were simple. The contestants must know the right lyrics to any randomly chosen song, be it Filipino or foreign without going out of tune. If the contestant fails to sing the right lyrics and in tune, an animated genie would pop up on the screen and strike an animated gong to signal the end of the unfortunate aspirant's chance at instant wealth and glory.

After a few months, ABC chose comedian extraordinaire Ai-Ai De las Alas to replace Florendo as Allan K's co-host. It was a serendipitous choice - AiAi and Allan were best friends and they had perfect chemistry. The show was a big success during the incumbency of this team which lasted a long time. It was the "golden era" for Sing Galing.

Then Allan K had to leave to host competing program All Star K! of GMA Network and John "Sweet" Lapus took his place. Ai-Ai and John took Sing Galing to a new level; the title and mechanics were altered. Sing Galing the Trio-Oke Showdown, the tweaked version, premiered in March 2004.

Instead of four individual contestants vying for the "Videoke Singing Star of the Night" title, the new Sing Galing had three groups with three members each to compete in the elimination round. The trio must have something in common - like the same occupation. They could be a group of beauticians, clerks or drivers and so forth. In the elimination round, the three members of each group will take turns in singing a portion of the song assigned by the pachinko machine.

It wasn't long before the show would lose Ai-Ai because her mother network ABS-CBN suddenly invoked an exclusivity clause in their contract. By that time she is doing the TV adaptation of Ang Tanging Ina which was aired along this program, aside to this are her other commitments with the network. ABC retained John Lapus, however, and got Pops Fernandez, who used to star in a self-titled musical in ABC in the early 90s to co-host with John. In October 2004, Pops and Sweet gave a new spin to Sing Galing which then became Sing Galing ni Pops.^[1][2]

Hosts

As Sing Galing (1998-2004)

• Ai-Ai Delas Alas (1998-2004)
• Allan K. (1998-2003)
• John Lapus (substitute host for Allan K., 1998-2002; host, 2003-2004)
• Kristine Florendo (1998)

As Sing Galing: The Trio-oke Showdown (2004)

• Ai-Ai Delas Alas
• John Lapus

As Sing Galing ni Pops (2004-2005)

• John Lapus
• Pops Fernandez

Soundtrack

In 2001, Ivory Music and Video released a limited edition Sing Galing VCD featuring the songs that are usually played and used as musical piece by the contestants. The songs included are:

• Sexbomb by Tom Jones
• On The Wings of Love by Jeffrey Osborne
• Livin' la Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
• Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
• Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin by Ariel Rivera
• Nakapagtataka by Hajji Alejandro

Spinoff

In 2012, another TV5-produced variety show Game 'N Go had a spinoff segment of the program called Sing Galing Go.

Awards and recognition

PMPC Star Awards for Television

• 2000 Winner, Best Game Show
• 2003 Winner, Best Game Show and Best Game Show Host for Ai-Ai Delas Alas and Allan K.
• 2004 Winner, Best Game Show and Best Game Show Host for Ai-Ai Delas Alas and John Lapus

References