COMING from different professions, the semfinalists dream of becoming known singers and living a better life.

It has been a weeklong spectacular vocal showdown as four hardworking singers, a teacher and a former nurse belt their way into the grand finals in the Quarter 2 semifinals of Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT).

Four aspiring singers from Luzon and one each from Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila have impressed viewers and the hurados (judges) since Monday, 21 January, with their vocal prowess as they clash for two coveted spots in the grand finals.

From being a sampaguita vendor, Armando Mandapat of Parañaque persevered to finish his studies and eventually became a music teacher. Equipped with determination, he imparts to his students the lesson of not giving up on their dreams and continues to fight for his ambition to become a renowned singer.

Former nurse Emil Sinagpulo of Cavite turned his back on his medical profession to pursue singing as a full-time job. The challenges he faced as he continues to reach for his dreams honed him to become a force to reckon with in the competition.

A testament to the power of determination is the life story of Cavite’s John Mark Saga, the second TNT Record Holder who won the daily round 10 days in a row. His persistent self-doubt temporarily crushed his ambition after he failed to make it to the grand finals of TNT’s second year, but he is now ready, more than ever, to prove himself after having been given a second chance to fight for his dreams.

Once a cruise ship singer who traveled the world, Rose Ganda Sanz of Pampanga never felt fulfilled as a mother because of her inability to bear a child. But everything changed after her adopted child came to her life — her biggest inspiration to continue her battle and become the TNT’s newest champion.

Music almost went out of tune in the life of Cebu’s Girlie Las Piñas after her husband got diagnosed with diabetes. But with her family’s support, Girlie is ready to take down every opponent and carry the Cebuano flag all the way to the grand finals.

John Michael Dela Cerna of Davao almost gave up on his dreams after failing to pass several auditions, which even affected his studies. Now that he is in the semifinals, he will pull all the stops to make his parents proud and win the competition while achieving his dream of earning a college degree.

Just like in Quarter 1 semifinals, 50 percent of the total scores will come from the hurados’ scores, while the remaining 50 percent will come from public votes. To vote, type in TAWAG (space) name of semifinalist and send to 2366.

The two contenders who will advance to the grand finals will be announced today, 26 January. They will be judged based on their idol’s songs, songs about change, Filipino pop hits, fight songs and life songs.

Meanwhile, netizens may watch the semifinals live on Showtime.abs-cbn.com/Livestream.

Don’t miss the fun and good vibes in It’s Showtime, on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (Sky Cable channel 167). Follow TNT on Facebook (fb.com/TawagNgTanghalan) and on Twitter (@tntabscbn) for updates. For the program’s past episode, login to iWant TV or on skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.