Four finalists from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao vied for three categories each: "Bet sa Kantahan," "Bet sa Sayawan" and "Bet Sa Kakaibang Talento" during the Grand Finals Showdown of GMA Network’s widest reality talent search "Bet ng Bayan" held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City which aired Sunday night, December 28, 2014, on GMA-7.

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid kicked-off the grand finals with a grand production number and was joined by her co-host Alden Richards afterwards and introduced each of the 12 grand finalists. It was evident from the three judges–Maestro Louie Ocampo, Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, and Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha–that they had a hard time picking the winner for each category because the finalists were deemed the best acts from the regions that they represent.

Here are my thoughts on each of the grand final performances:

BET SA KANTAHAN

Veronica Atienza of Metro Manila sang “Kapayapaan” by Tropical Depression with a back-up choir and sand artist in the background. She’s a reggae singer that’s why we I am not expecting her to sing big songs and it may be perceived by many as a safe choice but I think she’s unique, but not the type that judges will usually pick for a grand finals winner. Lani Misalucha’s comment on her performance: “Nakikita ko na iyan na ang gagawin mo in the next years for you.”

Renz Robosa of San Carlos City, Pangasinan sang the classic Freddie Aguilar anthem “Anak” with contemporary dancers in the background. This guy, in my own opinion, has a great-sounding voice but he was not able to connect fully to the audience, thus making his performance a little forgettable.

Hannah Precillas of Tubigon, Bohol sang Celine Dion’s “I Surrender” which I think is a perfect song choice because she was able to showcase her vocal range. By hitting all the high notes in professional fashion, Lani Misalucha commented afterwards: “Tayo mo pa lang divang-diva na.”

Lastly, Kierulf King Raboy of Sultan Kudarat sang Jay-R’s “Ngayo’y Naririto.” Although it’s hard to match the way Jay-R delivered the song, Kierulf was able to make it his own and he performed it as if he already sang this on stage for a hundred times. With matching soulful voice and good looks, this guy is ready for showbiz! Lani Misalucha even quipped “Ikaw na ata ang magiging bagong male singing sensation.”

BET SA SAYAWAN

A’s Crew of Muntinlupa City performed a street dance routine that became an instant crowd pleaser because of a number of splits and somersaults. The co-ed dance crew were synchronized with their moves with some of them jumping from a box platform more than 5-feet high.

Unep Dance Club of Iriga City, Camarines Sur performed a fusion of jive and ballroom in festive costumes. Because they are dancing to latin beats, it’s expected for them to be energetic from beginning to end and I think they brought it.

Don Juan of Cebu City is another coed crew but their routine tells an arcade game story. Donned in Super Mario costumes, the group’s strength lies in their showmanship. After several somersaults and signature hip hop moves, the team burst into chacha to the delight of the crowd. They also included some krumping in their routine which made their street dance performance the most well-rounded among the four finalists.

D’ Gemini of Panabo, Davao Del Norte is Mindanao’s bet in the dancing category. The female identical twins mesmerized the audience with a hip hop routine which includes some water thumping in the end. Although they are only two compared to their rivals who are in group of 8 to 12, they also compelled the judges specially Kuh Ledesma who said she was “inspired to dance” when she gets home.

BET SA KAKAIBANG TALENTO

The first to perform was Techno Jazz of Sampaloc, Manila. The group exhibited cheerleading stunts without cheer guards so any wrong move can result to painful accident. Good thing they are well-rehearsed or at least they looked well-rehearsed that’s why they set the bar high in this category.

The next finalist was contortionist Jason Sobremonte of Tuba, Benguet. What impressed me about this act was the way he put drama while doing the incredible bending and flexing routine. It’s hard for a contortionist to be synchronized with a background music because he will need to complete his stunts on time and Jason did it flawlessly!

Gerard Caigoy–the “Master Of Pain”–from Leon, Iloilo City showcased some freaky stuff that made some members of the audience to cover their eyes. He was able to pull a GMA van through the ropes connected to his ears. The next stunt was even more freaky that I skipped the part.

Jomar Abjelina of Davao City was the last act of the night. He played with fire that’s why his performance was taped somewhere else and was only shown to the live audience on screen. His poi dancing was actually entertaining to say the least because the fire that he’s juggling created artistic images.

The judges made it clear that in this category they are looking for the act that not many people can do and all four finalists delivered awe-inspiring performances leaving the trio a hard time on picking the winner.

“Ang huhusay po ninyo, sa totoo lang,” said Lani Misalucha. Louie Ocampo added: “Your talents are above ordinary, nakakasindak!”

And finally after the judges’ deliberation, Regine and Alden revealed the winners of P500,000 grand prize each:

Bet Sa Sayawan – Don Juan

Bet Sa Kakaibang Talento – Jason Sobremonte

Bet Sa Kantahan – Hanna Precillas

Images courtesy of GMA Network