Ernesto “Nestoy” Roque, 27, of Brgy. Banago, Bacolod City, wowed the audience with his human beatboxing performance, and won P50,000 in cash prize as first-ever champion of the Panaad Negros Got Talent competition April 18.
The competition was part of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival, and served as a platform to showcase and celebrate the creativity of Negrense performers.
Auditions and elimination rounds were conducted across the South, North, and Central districts of Negros Occidental, allowing organizers to discover raw, homegrown talent from various local government units.
A total of 30 semi-finalists were selected from hundreds of auditionees, the Capitol said in a press release April 19.
Nestoy discovered his talent for beatboxing during his teenage years, honing his skills through constant practice, self-learning, and determination.
What started as a simple interest eventually grew into a refined craft, as he developed his own style and confidence, performing for friends and at local gatherings.
The competition has drawn larger crowds and provided aspiring Negrense artists with valuable exposure and opportunities in the entertainment industry, transforming the festival into not just a celebration, but another dynamic platform for talent and creativity. ||
