9 VOTM contestants advance to semifinal round

Nine of the 16 contestants competing in the 2024 Voices of the Marianas advanced to the show’s semifinal round this Saturday afternoon.

After the show’s elimination round last Saturday, contestants Karlymae Lizama, Alyana Rotap, Johanna Mogar, Kaden Manglona, Jason Lizama, Justin Tubera, Lou Guevarra, Donna Rose Santiago, and Franko Deleon Guerrero passed the judges’ criteria with flying colors and made it to the next round.

The show’s audition and elimination rounds have been at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, but the semifinals this Saturday and the grand finals are set to be held from 1pm to 5pm at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan in Garapan.

When speaking to the Voices of the Marianas team, they expressed their gratitude for all who have supported the show so far, and the contestants as well.

“Going into the semifinals, I am excited for those who still want to be a part of the Voices of the Marianas and its cause,” said VOTM executive director and acting vice president Donovan Castro. “Despite not making it to the semifinal, these contestants still want to support the movement, so that, on its own, makes me overjoyed.”

During the last elimination round, Saipan Tribune spoke to contestant Kaden Manglona after his heartfelt performance of Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved.

Evident from his “Biba Luta” cries after each performance, the teen confirms that he proudly hails from Rota, and that representing his home island on stage was amazing.

“I’m representing them and I’m proud of it and I feel very accomplished. In a way it’s also something that has a hold on me and brings me into focus.”

He also shared his gratitude to all supporters and family members who have been cheering him on.

“Their support really helps me unleash the full potential that I believe I have. I want to thank everyone that supported me. You guys are like my No. 1 fans. So, if anything I got to be thanking you guys. When I get back, maybe I’ll bring McDonald’s, I don’t know. But yeah, Biba Luta!” Manglona said.

He shared that he heard about the contest during his time on Saipan for the NMTech summer internship, but didn’t know how to join. He eventually met someone involved and suggested he try out. He said that looking back, he is glad to have the opportunity to join the contest.

“It was just such a good, like, coincidence. I think it was fate that I was supposed to do it.”

Voices of the Marianas shared that tickets for the semifinals are still on sale at $20 for 13 years and older and $10 for 12 to 6 years old. They said that there will be no walk-ins at the show and that to purchase a ticket, folks can contact numbers (670) 783-1541, (670) 285-2507, (670) 287-5135, (670) 588-3127, (670) 287-5862, or email voicesofthemarianas@gmail.com.