Tajibmai is MGT Season 1 first place winner

Bringing the first season of Marianas Got Talent to an end, three of the Marianas’ own were named contest winners at the grand finale show at Saipan World Resort in Susupe on Sunday.

With the finalists singing two numbers, one of which was picked by the contest judges, Sebastian Tajibmai took it all the way home with his rendition of Calum Scott’s You Are the Reason and his own original piece, They Don’t Shine, which he performed with his band, Nesian Harmony. Tajibmai’s numbers moved both the crowd and judges to tears and earned him the MGT Season One winner title as well as the $1,500 prize.

Donato Santiago won second place and a $1,300 prize. Winning $1,100, Bernice Shane Sabino came in third with her massive vocals.

Along with the season’s winners, Donovan P. Castro was awarded the People’s Choice Award for having the most activity on his Facebook video at the semifinals.

The finale itself was a grand spectacle, including performances by the 14 finalists and judges Tom Basa and Leo Pangelinan. The venue was not only packed with an estimated 600 people, it was also alive with shrieking cheers and signs of support for the 14 finalists. There were also 189 virtual attendees watching live via Facebook.

Aside from Tajibmai, Sabino, and Santiago, great performances were carried out by the other finalists: Jessel Antonio, Ronilo de Belen, Arriane Antonio, Raniel Santos, Azenith Madelo-Avila, Lorenzy Leo, Zoe Stephanson, Donovan Castro, Dwayne Castro, Dean Borja, and Robby Murillo.

Tajibmai later told Saipan Tribune he is stunned and feels emotional because he had not been expecting to win first place

“Actually I was banking on third place,” he laughed.

Tajibmai shared that his goal from the start was to encourage other talented people to showcase their skills, and now, with some people—even total strangers—coming up to him and appreciating him is so meaningful. “It let me know that I am making progress and we’re getting somewhere,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to all his supporters and family that had been with him since the start of his MGT journey, and all his fellow contestants and MGT staff. He feels like he had gained family and friends for life. “I appreciate you all. I wouldn’t have the confidence to go on stage without the support of my people, so thank you,” he said.

Although MGT is currently planning which national TV competitions the winners will be going to, wherever that may be, Tajibmai says he plans to remain true and stick to originals, whether doing his own songs or covers with his own twist.