SM Cinema Crowns its First Cinekada

SM Cinema's first Cinekada, UBE composed of Marko Romero, Ariane Astorga, Clarence Arreza, Kizia Beredo, and Jed Zareno.

Last August 14 at the SM Centerstage (Mall of Asia) was the culmination of SM Cinema's search for the ultimate barkada—Cinekada. The search first launched last May as barkadas of 5 hurried up and uploaded their photos in SM Cinema's facebook together with a creative explanation as to why they deserved the title. SM Cinema pushed the program further by holding a Cinekada caravan which went around different SM Malls and universities together with today's top bands Chicosci and Tanya Markova. (more below)

Thousands of barkadas were trimmed down to the Top 20 who spent time getting to know each other during a corporate social responsibility story telling activity together with SM Foundation at Pasay City Hall and Taguig City Hall. Semi Finals were held a week after as the Top 20 was narrowed down to the Top 7 who will compete at the grand finals—the cute cosplaying friends called the Cosmix, writers from San Beda College dubbed as Bedakada, a group of buddies from Davao named Loyal Pal, UBE which stands for Ultimate Bonding Experience, the talented nurses from Tarlac tagged as Code99, young pals called Blacksheep, and the sassy and sexy ladies, S Dolls.

The Top 7 went all out with their respective performances from movie inspired song numbers, a magic show, and even a glow in the dark interpretative dance.

After the question and answer portion paired with a back to back talent showdown, it was down to the ultimate decision—who will be the first Cinekada to take home P100,000.00, a trip to Boracay, HTC phones, spa gift certificates, watches, a leadership program, become the brand ambassadors for SM Cinema, and an appearance in a GMA movie? It was a difficult decision left up to judges Ms. Annette Gozon-Abrogar (GMA Films President and GMA Entertainment TV Consultant for Drama), Ms. Regie C. Bautista (GMA Network Vice President), Ms Maan Lopez (Ads and Promo Manager for SM Cinema), Ms Haidie Esmero (Events Manager for SM Cinema), and Mr Allan Florendo (Sales and Marketing Head).


Prior to the winner announcement are special awards like the Fan Favorite Award taken home by Blacksheep and the Abonne award given to the S Dolls. Ranking in ascending order--Cosmix (5th runner up), S Dolls (4th runner up), Blacksheep (3rd runner up), Code 99 (2nd runner up), BedaKada (1st runner up), UBE (Grand Winner).