The Philippines is on top of the world of performing arts for the third time! Our very own Catherine Loria was declared Grand Champion Performer of the World in the recently concluded "Talent Olympics" in Hollywood.

13-year-old Catherine Loria, from Tiaong, Quezon Province, was proclaimed Grand Champion Performer of the World, a major feat which was won by Jed Madela in 2005 and Aria Clemente in 2007. She sang Yolanda Adam’s version of “I Believe I Can Fly” at the finals. She bested fellow junior contestants Tippy dos Santos and Rachel Razon, junior vocalists also from the Philippines, Courtney Mary Janssen from New Zealand, and Oleksandr Chernenko from Ukraine.

On the other hand, Andrew Clarke from Jamaica was proclaimed Grand Champion Performer of the World in the senior edition beating our very own Marielle Corpuz.

More than 40 countries participated in the annual event which is patterned after the Olympics.

The national directors for Team Philippines this year are Carlo Orosa and Oliver Oliveros.

Photo Credits: Oliver Oliveros via PEP

Video Link: Catherine Loria – When You Believe – WCOPA 2008