By Lynette Joy A. Pasajol

Far Eastern University (FEU) fourth-year Communication student Isaac Zamudio marked a significant milestone in his singing career by advancing to the Grand Finale of the eighth season of It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT): ‘The School Showdown,’ which concluded last January 18.

Zamudio secured his spot in the Grand Finale during the wildcard round ‘TNT Ultimate Resbakbakan’ held from January 6 to 11, earning him a near-perfect score of 98 percent from the judges and securing a place among the Top 20 grand finalists.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Zamudio shared that as a student in his final semester, representing FEU on a national stage was one of his motivations for joining the competition. 

“I want to give pride to the FEU community before ako grumaduate. Last [semester] ko na this [term], and sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi puwedeng hindi ako makapagbigay ng kahit isang karangalan sa FEU (This is my last semester, and I told myself that I can’t let it pass without giving at least one honor to FEU),” he said.

Zamudio also shared how it felt to hear his name followed by his University during introductions. 

“Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na isinisigaw ‘yung pangalan mo kasunod ng pangalan ng paaralan mo. Para sa’kin, nakaka-proud siya (It feels so good to hear your name being called, followed by the name of your school. For me, it’s something to be proud of) and I am so happy that I have been given the chance to represent FEU on a national platform and I hope the whole community is proud of what I have attained in the competition,” he added.

The singer lost in the Phase II of the competition and later returned as a resbaker in the Ultimate Resbakbakan round.

One of the standout moments of the Communication student’s TNT journey was his performance of ‘Ako Na Lang Sana’ during the sixth day of the said round.

Further, another memorable performance was his rendition of ‘Writing’s On The Wall,’ which he described as his “redeeming moment” for showcasing his versatility as a singer.

On the first day of the week-long finale ‘Final Examinations,’ Zamudio scored 95.2 percent with the piece ‘Hanggang sa Huli,’ falling short by just 0.2 percent against City College of Calapan’s Isay Olarte. Reflecting on the close fight, he admitted it was a tough pill to swallow. 

“It was indeed a close fight. Mahirap at masakit matalo, lalo na kapag binigay mo ‘yung best mo. Pero sabi ko nga, baka hindi pa ito ang tamang oras for me to win… Tuloy lang ang buhay. Tuloy lang ang pangarap (It’s hard and painful to lose, especially when you’ve given your best. But as I said, maybe this isn’t the right time for me to win... Life goes on. The dream continues),” the Communication student said.

Throughout his TNT journey, Zamudio credited much of his success to the unwavering support from the FEU community and peers.

“I am also grateful kasi pinahintulutan nila akong sumali sa TNT at i-represent ang school sa competition (because they allowed me to join TNT and represent the school in the competition). Sa Department of Communication, kay Ms. [Christina Stella] Ustaris, kay Dean [Diego Jose] Abad, sa FEU Media Department, kila Sir Nikko [Visperas], at sa mga taong sumusuporta sa’kin (to the people who support me),” he stated.

As Zamudio wrapped up his Tawag ng Tanghalan journey, his focus now shifts to completing his undergraduate studies at FEU.

Meanwhile, Carmelle Collado from King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc. was proclaimed the season’s grand champion, with Olarte as the runner-up and Arvery Love Lagoring from Claret School of Lamitan securing third place.

The noontime show’s amateur singing competition aired from April 22, 2024 to January 18, 2025. 

Zamudio’s past accomplishments include being the grand champion of GMA’s ‘Manny Many Prizes: “Boksing Along”’ in 2012 and ‘The Ryzza Mae Show: “Little Singing Star”’ in 2014. He also competed as a contestant on ABS-CBN’s ‘The Voice Season 1’ under Sarah Geronimo’s team, a quarter finalist in TNT in 2021, and a Top 20 contender in ‘Idol Philippines Season 2.’

(Photo courtesy of It’s Showtime’s Facebook page)