Santiago wins contest that marked Bourbon café’s 1st anniversary

Bourbon Street Bar and Café in Garapan celebrated its first anniversary last Oct. 28, with Donato Santiago romping off with the $500 prize as the first-place winner of the bar’s Karaoke Superstar singing contest.

In second place was Jessel Antonio, who won $200, while third place went to Arianne Antonio, who won $100. Those who did not make it to the last stage of the contest won consolation prizes from Hafa Dai Rent-A-Car.

The judges in the final round were Jasmin Nabelgas, Aleligay Uy, Jeff Hofschneider, Tina Palacios, and Rep. Vicente C. Camacho (D-Saipan).

Bourbon Street Bar and Café held weekly contests for several Mondays to come up with the seven semifinalists: Robby Murillo, Santiago, Antonio, Leizel Davis, Antonio, Conchi Palma, and Rochelle Juangco.

Before the contest began, customers and supporters were serenaded by the bar’s resident singer, Joy Antonio, with Hapi Gabriel serving as the master of ceremonies

It wasn’t just a one-off showdown among the finalists. Instead, the Karaoke Superstar grand finals consisted of three rounds. The first round consisted of solo performances, while the second round consisted of duets. The final round required each of the contestants to sing a ballad and an upbeat song.

The night’s grand prize winner, Santiago, rocked the bar with his rendition of The Prayer and the Tagalog music Dahil Sa Iyo (Because of You). It was a spectacle to behold when he pulled off the duet in the song The Prayer with ease, shifting between the parts originally sung by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

What was different about this singing showdown was that there were other mini events in between such as raffles and a Mardi Gras costume contest.

In the middle of the program, several of the waitresses and staff put on colorful masks and outfits, with one of them winning $100 for her colorful personality and vibrant sunflower costume.

Santiago admitted to being nervous at the start of the final round. “After singing and enjoying my time with everyone, I feel grateful for this opportunity to be the first winner on their first anniversary. I’d like to congratulate them for making it this far. And I’d like to congratulate everyone as well!”

Butch Ordas, who is a co-owner of Bourbon Street Bar and Cafe, explained that the karaoke contest was in response to the need to stage a new attraction to offer to customers. He was surprised at the good turnout of the previous events leading up to the Karaoke Superstar grand finals.

“Moving forward in the coming days and months, more events will happen and we’re hopeful that more people in the community will be aware of the happenings here at Bourbon,” he added.

Ordas assured the public that there would be events that customers can look forward to such as singing contests, dance contests, and TikTok contests. He said events like these are “fun and at the same time, it helps bring people together, build community, and strengthen camaraderie.”