Montenejo wins UFO’s 2014 ‘That’s My Boy’

Jeroen Montenejo was named the inaugural winner of the United Filipino Organizations’ 2014 That’s My Boy contest, while Kristan Isip bagged the first-runner up title during a night of talent, formality, and cheers on Saturday at the Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall.

Montenejo also walked off with Star of the Night, Best in Talent, and Best in Formal Wear awards.

Montenejo, who is also a dancer, was obviously the crowd favorite as loud cheers echoed throughout the venue when his name was called as the 2014 That’s My Boy winner.

“I am very happy to win. It took me almost a month to prepare and I am happy that my brother taught me my dance moves for the talent show. I am also happy to join this competition and I feel good,” Montenejo said minutes after being named winner.

His parents, Jojie and Emma Montenejo, were excited and happy with their son’s victory.

“It took about three weeks preparation and this was all through our family’s hard work and support,” both parents said.

UFO event director Ernie Molina, who prepared the young tots for the competition, also congratulated Jeroen’s workmanship and preparation.

“He really deserves the grand prize because even during the rehearsal he was really consistent in everything and he has the qualities of ‘That’s My Boy’ because among the candidates, he was the best contender and competitor among the rest. We would always say that Jeroen would win the most awards among the candidates. Another reason is that he is already used to dancing and used to entertaining people, that is why he has that confidence,” Molina said.

Molina said the other candidates also deserve their awards.

Others who made it to the top 5 were second runner up Irie Kane Camacho, third runner up Jian Carlo Marquez, and fourth runner up Deejay Santomin.

Those who received special awards include Donato Santiago [friendship], Lyndon Digno [photogenic and best smile], Bryan Bravo [personality], Jan Dumagan [Docomo Pacific Spirit award], John Moises Justo [charity], and Dave Bryan Odicta [leadership award].

Molina said that although not everyone got a special award, all candidates received certificates and prizes for their participation.

UFO president Annamae Adaza said she is just happy to have hosted their final event for this year and she is grateful that the event was successful for the last term of her presidency.

Sponsors for the event include Docomo Pacific, LBC Mabuhay, TSL Foundation, Eli Arago, PCG Guam, Traders Insurance, Ahbu Auto Care Center, Joe & Evelyn Itibus, Dr. Esther Kaynajorn, Gemma Batusin, Guadalupe Sabino, Atoy Banting, Barny’s Pizza, Peter Crisostomo, Herman’s Modern Baker, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Joeten Enterprises, Beauty Zoned Care, Shenanigans Restaurant, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, National Office Supply, IBSS, Saipan World Resort, Dolphin Wholesale, Western Union, McDonald’s Saipan, Mango Resort, Kautz Glass, Nelma Sadian, Arceli Legaspi, Boy Lingcaso, Sandy Palon of Reliance Construction, Freddie Cataluna of Five Star Builders, Jet Holding Company, Blossoms Floral Depot, AON Insurance, Horizons Inc., Pacific Islands Club, Pacific Trading Company, Natasha Service Center, Blue, Hawaiian Spa, Tropics Vacation & Travel, Tropics Realty, Alpex Saipan Inc., Laolao Bay Golf and Resort, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Socorro Huliganga and family, Kanoa Resort, Taro Sue Store, Coca-Cola, Triple J Motors, Mariana Resort & Spa, KWAW, Saipan TV Production, Island Touch by Philip, New Paradise Florist, Pacific Quick Print, Beach Road Magazine, Saipan Music & Dance Studio, Uncle Ben’s Studios’ Educational Services, Keynotes School of Music, Marianas Variety, Saipan Tribune, Joanne of Trends Beauty Salon, Boyet Centino and Don Pedro Restaurant.

“It was indeed an honor for me to be of service to our kababayans [compatriots]. We know we cannot please everybody but as long as the majority are happy with our community services, then that’s the most important. Thank you to all who supported us all the way and please continue your support for the organization,” Adaza said.