Rise to the top: The Clash Agency Edition's Winners

There are countless talents with great potential hiding in plain sight; and from time to time, we get to discover them. GMA experienced this firsthand with the contenders of The Clash Agency Edition.

Having the same DNA as the original show, The Clash Agency Edition retains the intensity of its namesake—only this time, the contestants are from GMA’s media agency partners. Seven media agency Clashers engaged in a high-spirited sing-off in The Clash’s grand stage, subverting expectations not only of GMA executives but also of the show’s esteemed judges.

At the end of the grueling competition, two stood out.

Two sides of the same coin
The first runner-up and grand winner, IPG Mediabrand’s Agnes Kiocho and OMD PH’s Ervin Kobie Hachero, could not have been more different. Both share a passion for singing, yet they are also an inverse reflection of one another—Hachero being a novice to singing contests, while Kiocho was already a seasoned songstress.

Regardless, this gap in their experience did not matter because in their moment of truth, they showed their utmost determination to overcome adversity, and most importantly, to deliver the performance of their lives.

Same passion, different motivations
Kiocho and Hachero clearly had the gift of voice, and their agencies knew it.

Tere Adao, Partnerships Director of IPG Mediabrands, told GMA that they asked people who they knew had the talent to sing. Ultimately, Kiocho was chosen for the task. “She’s proven her craft way before during Ad Agencies’ various singing contests,” Adao said. “She has a very good voice quality.”

Interestingly, Kiocho’s foray into the contest was a last-minute decision, and also a practical one. “I really wanted the younger colleagues to take the opportunity to join,” she said. “But I’m not gonna lie, it’s the cash prize that motivated me because I have an upcoming big milestone to spend on—my overdue wedding.”

While Kiocho didn’t exactly set an expectation, she nonetheless sought to make the most out of the experience. “Win or lose, nakaka-miss yung ganitong kind of excitement”.

At OMD Philippines, Hachero was man for the job. Hachero recalled he was skeptical when invited by his team, because he thought it was a joke or a mere casual office event. “I hesitated to confirm until they assured me face-to-face that it was genuinely The Clash on GMA”, he said.

With the unwavering support and encouragement of his colleagues, Hachero embraced the challenge. That he had been a fan of The Clash since the first season, and that he had friends who participated in the show only added fuel to his fire. “I never imagined I would have such an opportunity,” he said. “I reminded myself that I could do this, supported by my friends from OMD.”

Both contenders would later prove, not only to GMA executives and The Clash judges, but most importantly to themselves, that they had what it takes to soar to greater heights.

Powering through
Come performance day, Kiocho and Hachero defied all odds; their grit and star power on full display.

Kiocho beautifully sang “Till My Heartaches End”, giving justice to the timeless classic by the original Philippine Queen of Soul, singer Ella May Saison.

“You can do it, Kobie,” he told himself before stepping onto The Clash’s grand stage.

His nervousness was palpable, yet in his moment of reckoning, Hachero delivered a soulful rendition of “I Believe I Can Fly” by R&B singer R. Kelly. And fly, he did. By the end of the tourney, it was he who soared highest.

The “wow factor”
Hachero’s sweet victory was a series of firsts—the first time OMD PH participated and sent a representative in a competition like The Clash Agency Edition; his first time joining a singing contest; and most importantly, his first ever win.

Those who saw his journey up-close, however, knew they had a winner in their midst.

Gigi Santiago Lara, VP for Entertainment Group and Executive in Charge of Production of The Clash, said Hachero “showed the biggest improvement” among the finalists. “He looked very shy during rehearsals, but during the actual performance, he owned the stage and gave it his all,” she said. “His song resonated with everyone in the studio, and that was very impressive.”

“[He] delivered!” Coach Jai said of Hachero. She zeroed in on his ability to absorb and execute her pointers during their coaching session, and complemented his "beautiful, strong, high baritone voice.”

The judges, meanwhile, acknowledged that he not only had the talent, but also the stage presence to boot.

According to Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, Hachero’s wow factor was his “huge and striking execution”.

Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, for his part, credited his “charm” and praised him for his heartfelt performance. “Talagang yung pag-pursue mo ng iyong dreams, na-feel ko sa song mo, bro”, Bautista said.

Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, on the other hand, commended his ability to “deliver a strong, emotive performance”. “It would be fun to see Ervin perform for us again,” she said.

When asked what makes one deserving to be called the Grand Champion, the diva said they must “not only possesses exceptional vocal talent, but also demonstrate versatility, stage presence, and the ability to connect with the audience.”

She further explained: “A true Grand Champion stands out by bringing something new and memorable to every performance, showing growth throughout the competition, and leaving a lasting impact on all who witnessed the performance.”

On that fateful day, Hachero showed that he was all that, and perhaps even more.

One for the books
The Clash Agency Edition was a one-of-a-kind experience for all participants—from the GMA family, the partner media agencies, down to the Top 7 media Clashers and their supporters.

“God has a strange way of helping me with my troubles through this talent that He has given me. I couldn't ask for more than winning first runner-up, and I'm filled with gratitude that He granted my prayers,” Kiocho said about the experience.

Hachero, likewise, was very thankful. “It was truly touching to feel such overwhelming support and pride from my OMD family,” he said. “I am immensely grateful for my time on The Clash, and hope there will be many more opportunities like this in the future. It provided a refreshing break from our hectic agency lives, and we truly savored every moment.”

Watch Hachero and the other finalists' performances here!