After years in the spotlight — from child stardom to the theater stage — CJ Navato has finally claimed his first major championship, emerging as the “Ultimate Bida-Oke Sing-lebrity” in the grand finals of “Sing Galing: Sing-lebrity Edition Ultimate Pasingkatan” at the Meralco Theater.
The victory marks a milestone for Navato, who began his career as a child star on “Goin’ Bulilit” before transitioning to musical theater and television, steadily building his reputation as a performer. Despite years in the industry, the win was his first time taking home a top title.
The finale aired across two weekends, March 14 and 15 and March 21 and 22, on TV5, featuring a lineup of celebrity contestants that included Johannes Rissler, Alexa Miro, Jay Gonzaga, SexBomb Monic Icban and Nikki Valdez.
Navato clinched the title after performing his rendition of “Warrior Is a Child,” originally popularized by Gary Valenciano, drawing praise from a panel of judges that included Ariel Rivera, Jessa Zaragoza, Dingdong Avanzado, Mitoy Yonting, Nina, Vehnee Saturno, Ronnie Liang, Ella May Saison, Rey Valera and Ethel Booba.
“Honestly, this is my first time winning. I’m just grateful. It’s a different opportunity to perform for people. I’m doing something good. I’m making people happy. That’s all I ever wanted,” Navato said in a post-show interview.
Navato received P500,000 in cash, along with additional prizes including a vacation package, furniture and a specially designed trophy. His chosen beneficiary, Erika Malle, also received P500,000.
Reflecting on his journey, Navato shared, “This has been the most exciting, unexpected musical journey I will never forget. You don’t know how big of a blessing it is for you. Blessings are unexpected.”
He also shared the lesson he gained from the competition saying that he learned the importance of self-trust.
“You always have to listen to whatever your heart is telling you. You have to know what your heart sounds like. It will lead you to where you’re supposed to be,” he said.
Johannes Rissler finished as first runner-up after performing “My Way,” earning P250,000 along with his beneficiary. Alexa Miro and Jay Gonzaga followed, each receiving P200,000, while Monic Icban and Nikki Valdez took home P100,000 each, all with corresponding prizes for their beneficiaries.
Despite the competition, Navato acknowledged the strength of his fellow finalists.
“My opponents were really good, it’s just a bonus. Everyone was doing something. We’re all talented here,” he said.
Looking ahead, Navato said he plans to continue pursuing music, including releasing more songs.
“This is just the beginning. We can’t give up. I won’t give up,” he ended.
