Ivan Panesa, a Filipino based in Japan, was named the first champion of DZMM Global Singing Idol contest last Thursday (Dec 16) at Market Market mall in Taguig.

DZMM discovered Panesa and the three other finalists when it held its World Caravan in Japan, Canada, Spain, and Guam early this year.

The DZMM World Caravan aims to promote the Philippines and the station’s unparalleled reach worldwide. ABS-CBN’s AM radio station can be heard in Japan, Europe, North America, Middle East, Australia via TFC (The Filipino Channel) and worldwide through live streaming at www.dzmm.com.ph.

Present in theevent were famous singers Bugoy Drilon, Laarni Lozada, Miguel Mendoza, and Kyla. Musngi, Monet Silvestre, and Carlo Orosa, meanwhile, served as judges. Panesa took home 2,500 dollars apart from other gifts from DZMM Radyo Patrol Sais Trenta, the number one AM radio station in Mega Manila and DZMM Teleradyo, the leading cable news channel in the country.

Canada’s Sherry Anne Fulgencio of Canada (4th place), Japan’s Ivan Panesa (1st), Spain’s Alexandra Escalona (3rd), and Guam’s Michael Valenzuela (2nd).