El Gamma Penumbra gets golden buzzer, advances to grand finals

Asia’s Got Talent contender Filipino shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra gets their second golden buzzer, advancing them to the competition’s grand finals. (Photo from El Gamma Penumbra’s Facebook Page)

Asia’s Got Talent contender Filipino shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra last Thursday received their second golden buzzer from the judges, securing them a spot in the competition’s grand finals.

The group’s performance carried the message of world peace and love, with shadow movements to the tune of Matisyahu’s motivational song “One Day.”

Indonesian music icon Anggun, who was one of the judges, was really touched by the group’s act.

“I’m sorry. I’m just extremely moved by what I just saw. It was really emotional. You made me really proud tonight.

I’m sure you made Filipinos proud tonight. Thank you. That was flawless,” she said.

Grammy-winning composer David Foster, another judge, was also impressed by the group’s performance.

“I just want to say that I live in a box, where I make music in a studio. And tonight, I got to come outside of my box and see something that was so, so moving and magical. It just amazed me,” he commented.

Taiwanese actor Vaness Wu, yet another judge, even gave the group a standing ovation.

“When I see something I like, I respect it, I applaud it. Tonight, you guys stepped up your game from the auditions. What every judge has said, I agree with 100%. Amazing, amazing job tonight, guys,” he said.

The group received their second golden buzzer that day.  They got their first golden buzzer when they advanced to the semifinals with their performance featuring tourist spots around the world.

“Thank you Asia especially to all Filipinos around the world who are with us in this amazing journey. Because of your support and prayers, El Gamma Penumbra (is) now (going) straight (to) the grand finals,” El Gamma Penumbra said in their Facebook post.

Another Filipino finalist, classical singer Gerphil Flores, had also made it to the grand finals after winning through public votes that day. Fellow Filipinos singer Gwyneth Dorado and hip-hop dance group Junior New System had earlier advanced to the grand finals as well.

The other finalists the Filipino contenders will be competing to are Gao Lin and Liu Xin from China, Khusugtun from Mongolia and Triqstar from Japan. There will also be two more finalists to join them after this week.

For Filipinos who would like to support their bets, they can vote by texting SMS AGT (Contestant Number) and send their text to 2929. They can also vote thru Facebook or the Asia’s Got Talent app.