The Philippines is sending 17 talents to compete in the 13th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Now on its 13th year, the 2009 WCOPA will be held at Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, California, on July 11 to 18, 2009. Over 40 participating countries will compete in what is known as the “Talent Olympics.”

2 major awards are given every year: the Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World and the Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World. Since the country’s inclusion in 2005, a Filipino was able to grab top awards. They are:

2005: Jed Madela – Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World

2006: Cercado Sisters – Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World

2007: Reymond Sajor – Grand Champion Vocalist of the World

2007: Aria Clemente – Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World

2008: Catherine Loria – Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World

This year, 17 RP delegates will try to bring home the top plums to continue our winning streak since we started to participate in 2005.

WCOPA Team Philippines 2009:

* Keane Andeza
* LA based recording artist Divo Bayer
* Melchi Bicua
* CJ Concepcion
* Nicole Espolong
* Candain Idol finalist Martha Joy
* Kulay Pikata
* Guy Lockwood
* Maila Mitra
* Sister of Makisig Morales, Mayumi Morales
* Sex Bomb dancer Evetta Pabalan
* ABS-CBN’s Little Big Star winner Rhap Salazar
* Mia Sinaguinan
* Oreo Vamenta
* Young Voices of the Philippines Quartet
* Kulay Pikata
* Mr. Philippines Youth Bryann Forronda

Photo courtesy of STAGES