American Idol Season 7 finalist Ramiele Malubay and semi-finalist (?) Danny Noriega will be in Manila, Philippines on December 20 and 21 for Ogie Alcasid’s Birthday Concert at the Aliw Theater. Reportedly, it is not actually just a birthday concert for Ogie Alcasid but a back to back concert with Ramiele Malubay that’s why the show’s title is ” Ogie Sings With the Idols” and apart from Ramiele Malubay, Danny Noriega will also be a guest performer and incidentally Danny is Ramiele’s BFF. Also performing is the very first Pinoy Idol, Gretchen Espina and Pinoy Idol finalist Robby Navarro.

Ramiele Malubay, reportedly, aside from the concert, will be signing a record deal with a local record company.

Gretchen Espina was voted as the very first Pinoy Idol in the star-studded finale night of Pinoy Idol last night at the SMX (SM Mall of Asia Convention Complex). Gretchen Espina, 20, from Biliran Province in the Samar-Leyte Region, and daughter of the Governor of Biliran Province, bested 21-year-old Jayann Bautista of Pampanga in the final two to win the first ever Pinoy Idol. The Pinoy Idol finale night started with a three-way battle for the Idol title with Ram Chaves of Cagayan De Oro City eventually placing third.

Jayann Bautista and Gretchen Espina each sang their own interpretation of the Ogie Alcasid composition “To You,” ala American Idol’s memorable final songs like “A Moment Like This,” ( Kelly Clarkson), “I Believe,” (Fantasia), among other greats. Let’s just wait and see if the Gretchen Espina final song “To You” will attain great popularity in the Philippines. In fairness to Gretchen Espina, she i think of the performers on Saturday were the best and it’s true that she was a revelation that night. I actually like her version of “For Your Eyes Only,” she sang it with feelings, not just with hysterics and histrionics. (mind you, lol)

The prizes pala for the first Pinoy Idol were amazingly huge in Philippine standards (which Gretchen Espina should just donate to her province mates, she does not really need some of those) with 1 million in cash from SM Supermall, a recording contract from Sony BMG, a management contract from GMA Artist Center, a brand new car courtesy of Mitsubishi, and a condo unit in New Manila courtesy of Avida Towers.