DreamPlay, the first DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space in the world, recently held its “Sing Off” grand finals at City of Dreams Manila’s grand ballroom, where it hailed Sean Mio Pongos as the 2019 grand winner of the Php50,000 cash prize.

Besting nine other finalists, Sean Mio, on his second time to join the DreamPlay’s Sing Off competition, won the hearts of the judges and the audience with his rendition of the song “Happy Together” from the soundtrack of DreamWorks animation movie, Minions.

Joining Sean Mio in the roster of winners are Aaliyah Faye Geling as the first runner up and John Kenneth Once as the second runner up. Aaliyah Faye, who serenaded the crowd with the song “Hallelujah” brought home Php 25,000 cash; while John Kenneth, who performed the song “Proud Mary” received Php 15, 000 cash. The two winners rendered the songs mentioned from the soundtrack of DreamWorks animation films Shrek and Flushed Away, respectively.

All winners and grand finalists were awarded with a DreamPlay plaque of recognition, four DreamPlay tickets, and a photo opportunity with Poppy and Branch.

Following the elimination and semi-final rounds of about 150 contestants, the other grand finalists were: Carmela Lorzano, Rhadni Matthew Tiplan, Princess Bernabe, Adrian Chase Sape, Prince Suzuki, Roshan Jill Borbon, and Michael Cedrick Ebe.

The grand finalists were judged based on: voice quality (30%), song rendition (30%), star quality (20%), audience impact (10%), and stage presence (10%).

“DreamPlay continues to stage the ‘Sing Off’ competition as a platform to discover promising young performers from around the country, and at the same time, enable these children to hone their talents and fulfill their dreams of being the next generation of superstars. And, we couldn’t be more proud of the Sing Off’s alumni, who are bagging awards and capturing the hearts of audiences in local and international stages in the last two years,” Michael Ziemer, City of Dreams Manila’s Vice President for Hotels, Food and Beverages said.

Among the Sing Off competition’s stellar alumni are: 2018 Grand Winner Maria Queen Elizabeth Casas, who emerged as the Singing Olympics Champion 2018 and as a finalist in ABS CBN Star Hunt competition; 2017 and 2018 Finalist Eleana Gabunda, who clinched the Golden Buzzer and a semi-finalist spot at Asia’s Got Talent 2019, and was also a finalist at the World Championship of Performing Artists; 2017 Finalist Felicity Kyle Napuli, who got the lead role in Matilda The Musicale, and also joined the cast of Lion King International Tour and Les Miserables in Manila; and 2017 and 2018 Finalist Cheska Rojas who has become a host and a theater artist.

Launched in 2017, DreamPlay’s “Sing Off” competition has been joined by more than 500 children throughout the years. The interactive play space also hosts the annual “King Julien Dance Off” competition, which is currently accepting auditionees for the slated preliminary round on June 15.

DreamPlay by DreamWorks at City of Dreams Manila is a first-of-its-kind indoor, interactive play and creativity center. Built upon the incredible stories of DreamWorks and brought to life through the latest digital technologies, DreamPlay allows kids to experience their wildest dreams. Located at the Upper Ground Floor at The Shops at the Boulevard, DreamPlay is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Sunday, and on Holidays).

For inquiries, call 800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.