Witness the Clash of Media Agencies

Known for its electrifying sing-offs, The Clash is a high-stakes competition sought after by seasoned performers and gifted singers who all vie for the chance to be named the Ultimate Clasher. And we expect no less—only the most talented who have proven their mettle deserve to step on the big stage.

Putting an exciting spin on the show, GMA opened The Clash’s doors to its media partners to let them experience firsthand the thrill the singing competition brings. GMA’s Sales and Marketing Group invited participants from its media agency partners and screened who got what it takes to be the ultimate media agency Clasher.

A friendly competition
Except for the pool of contestants, The Clash Agency Edition retains the original show’s mechanics. Rather than the usual veterans of the trade, this edition’s Clashers were talents who had been hiding in plain sight among GMA’s media agency partners. “We watched their audition videos, and we were impressed that they could sing well”, Ruth Mariñas, AVP of GMA Entertainment Group, said. “It was more of a celebration, and all done in the spirit of friendly competition, so the atmosphere was less tense.”

Yet, this does not make The Clash Agency Edition any less fierce.

To deliver the same heart-stopping experience to the media agency Clashers, this edition was also held in the actual set of The Clash, hosted by the Clashmasters Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, and adjudged by esteemed artists Lani Misalucha, Christian Bautista, and Ai-Ai delas Alas. Each contestant also had a coaching session with Jai Aracama, the official voice coach and mentor for The Clash and The Voice.

GMA chose the top seven media agency Clashers who will go head-to-head in a battle of vocal prowess. The seven fateful finalists are:

Needless to say, GMA executives and the mainstays of The Clash were astonished by the contestants’ showcase of skill on their big day.

Mariñas recalled: ‘They exceeded our expectations when they finally performed on stage during the actual event. They all sounded good!”

Meanwhile, Coach Jai commended the contestants’ grit during their coaching sessions. “It just proves that Filipinos who work in media agencies are also blessed, not only creative in visuals and concepts, but also in the art of singing... [they] were musically intelligent...”, she said.

And for the diva herself, it was a pleasant surprise to see the level of passion they brought to the stage. "After watching them perform, it was clear that they weren’t just good at their day jobs—they also had the ability to entertain,” Misalucha said.

A momentous experience
Seizing the one-of-a-kind opportunity to showcase their talent, and to reciprocate the support they received were a similar driving force among the finalists.

“The possibility of a once-in-a-lifetime experience motivated me to submit my audition piece...,” Kate Cenit of Starcom Mediavest said. “I did not expect anything less from the show... As for myself, I did not expect to enjoy the stage as much as I did.”

AQA Advertising Inc.’s Topher Aguilar, on the other hand, said he “spent countless hours practicing” to perfect his vocals and develop his stage presence. “The pressure and excitement of the final decision to join were overwhelming, but ultimately, the thrill of performing on such a big stage made it all worthwhile,” he said. “The competition pushed me to my limits, but it also taught me valuable lessons about overcoming challenges and striving for excellence.”

For Mitziel Alfaro of DITO CME Ventures Inc., it was an emotional ride—literally and figuratively, as she learned of the development during a motorcycle taxi ride home.

“In the middle of EDSA’s traffic, I felt the strongest urge to check my phone, so I did. As soon as I turned my data on, a flood of congratulatory messages came...,” she recalled. “[At] that moment in the middle of EDSA’s chaos, passing through Megamall, I slowly realized that things in my life were about to shift... [it] had established itself as a core memory almost instantaneously.”

Alfaro also shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from her colleagues and boss—from helping her find her costume, having her hair and makeup done, to designing and printing their own cheer props. "Honestly, they motivated me to join, and it was their 100 % show of support that inspired me to give 100% of my effort”, she said.

Others felt like they had already hit the jackpot.

Ira Maeven Lagundino of Dentsu told GMA that she didn’t really have a specific reason for joining, other than to share her love for singing. Filled with gratitude, the results did not really matter to her in the end. “It felt as if I already won, the moment I had the chance to perform on stage, meet the hosts and celebrity judges, and most of all, see the smiles and cheers of the people I love”, she shared.

Lauded by Coach Jai and the judges for the "cool vibe” of her voice, Kitchy Sotoya of United Medialab OMG PH said she felt “complete and validated”. “How I wish I’m one of the actual and real Clashers,” Sotoya told GMA.

There can only be one
In their moment of truth, in the presence of colleagues and supporters, the Top 7 media agency Clashers sang their hearts out. Everyone gave it their all, but there can only be one Ultimate Clasher.

In the end, OMD PH’s Ervin Kobie Hachero reigned supreme with his superb rendition of R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.” Following suit was IPG Mediabrands’ Agnes Kiocho, with her performance of Ella May Saison’s ‘Till My Heartaches End.”

Hachero remembered feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation, but he did not let it ruin his game. True enough, his performance brought the house down. And like the champ that he is, he credited his success to his agency colleagues who gave him unwavering support. “I owe this victory to my incredible team and friends at OMD. Without their backing, I would not have been able to navigate the challenges of the competition”, he said.

For his stellar performance, Hachero bagged P50,000. The first runner-up received P25,000, and P7,000 consolation prize for the other five finalists. All media agency participants received a certificate of participation.

Are you excited to learn more about our top two Clashers? Stay tuned for the next story!