Wishful 5 Privileged to Perform at UNTV Cup Season 6 Finals

Carmela Ariola, Kimberly Baluzo, Hacel Bartolome, Louie Anne Culala and Princess Sevillena -- the Wishful 5 of Wishcovery -- consider it as a privilege to perform at the UNTV Cup Season 6 Finals held on March 12, 2018.

The public service-driven basketball league was a brainchild of Kuya Daniel Razon. He is the CEO and President of Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International, the company that manages and provides content for both Wish and UNTV.

The Game 2 of the best-of-three championship match between the Senate Defenders and Malacañang-PSC Kamao was held at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, the same venue that will house Wishcovery’s grand finals night on March 27.

“The experience was really great and memorable because it was our first time to perform at the UNTV Cup. We are really honored and privileged,” Louie Anne  of Bulacan shared in an interview.

The Wishful 5 opened the do-or-die game with thrilling solo numbers -- Louie Anne wowed the Big Dome crowd with “Bang Bang,” Carmela soared high with her take on “Chandelier,” Hacel further lifted the mood with “Roar,” Princess delivered a groovy “Domino,” while Kimberly owned the court with the stirring “Fight Song.”

The talented singers capped off their stint through a moving performance of the The Greatest Showman theme song, “This is Me.”

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Despite the jittery feeling they had before their UNTV Cup guesting, Cavite’s Hacel said she was happy to perform for the basketball league’s supporters.

“It’s a first for us to perform at the Araneta Coliseum. Though I felt nervous because the spotlight was on us while we were singing, I feel delighted,” she remarked, adding that she is thankful to be part of the one-of-a-kind tournament.

“We have come so far. [UNTV Cup] is just one of the opportunities Wish gives us to showcase our talents. It’s really fulfilling to be a part of this event because it’s not just a game, it’s not just about winning for their team; they are here for a deeper cause, and that is public service,” Carmela said.

For the league’s sixth season, a total of Php 9.6 million was given to the beneficiaries of the 14 participating government agencies. The amount also includes the cash prize won by the top 4 teams.

Meanwhile, Bicolana Wishful Kimberly noted that UNTV Cup and Wishcovery share the same advocacy of reaching out to the less fortunate. For the grand finals, the Wishful 5 are given the chance to choose their own charitable group and grant them with Php 100,000 each.

“More than being a simple competition, UNTV Cup extends assistance to those in need. And it is amazing because just like the teams in this league, us Wishfuls will also have our own beneficiaries to give aid to. I realized that indeed, your success will be more meaningful if you can share it with others,” she stated.

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On behalf of the Wishful 5, Princess thanked Kuya Daniel for coming up with such unique endeavors that always incorporate public service.

“Thank you very much Kuya Daniel because you were able to conceptualize these projects. I hope you’d be given more opportunities to help your fellowmen,” the 24 year-old Wishful from Metro Manila expressed.

The Senate Defenders, whose players include Senators Sonny Angara and Joel Villanueva, bagged the championship trophy during last Monday’s match, 84-64. In attendance were Senators Franklin Drilon, Miguel Zubiri and Bam Aquino, and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, who also played for Malacañang-PSC Kamao.