Philippines sweeps 2005 World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood

For the first time in the 11-year history of the World Championship ofPerforming Arts (WCOPA), a magnificent sweep of awards was achieved by just one nation, the Philippines! What made this recent triumph more amazing is that our country has only two contestants?the super talented Jed Madela and Rizza Navales who won 11 gold medals, one silver medal, three Champion of the World plaques and a trophy for the grand champion.?



The World Championships of Performing Arts is considered the official talent Olympics, staged annually in Hollywood, California. Similar to the Olympics, only invited and qualified competitors from countries all over the globe compete each year in a fierce competitionfor the "Gold. "The 2005 WCOPA was participated in by 51 nations, from Armenia to Zimbabwe. The Philippines sent five delegates headed by Ida Henares; with only two contestants, Jed Madela and Rizza Navales. Once again, the gutsy duo has proven that Filipinos are world class entertainers. Jed Madela won six gold medals in all the six categories he competed in. Rizza Navales won five golds and a silver in also six divisions. Jed has been declared Champion of the World in the Male Singing Division while Rizza won the same honor in the female division. They also bagged Champion of the World in the Duet Category.

To top it all, Jed Madela was declared Grand Champion, the over-all winner, besting winners in the dance, acting, instrumental and modelling divisions. For this victory he was awarded a handsome trophy.The victorious Philippine delegation celebrated their triumph in Las Vegas,where they were brought to witness a performance by Filipina diva Lani Misalucha, now based in the States.

In Vegas, Jed and Rizza performed for the worldwide bookers and talent agents. That very evening the duo had already been swarmed by temptingoffers. Rizza had been offered a permanent slot in a Las Vegas night spot. But they cannot accept any offer that moment. Jed and Rizza have no working visa yet.