Arzen Rose Dulzura

“TNT 9” champion Kent Villarba says he will donate part of his winnings to fellow Cebuanos affected by Typhoon Tino

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762608440701TNT9 Kent Thumb.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>They say what’s meant for you will always find its way, and wow, did the universe prove that for Kent Villarba. After facing elimination more than once, the singer from Dalaguete, Cebu made an epic comeback and snatched the crown as the Grand Champion of “Tawag ng Tanghalan Ika-9 Na Taon&quot; on &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/itsshowtime" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>It&#x27;s Showtime</em></u></strong></a>,&quot; Saturday, November 8.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/11/8/kent-villarba-itinanghal-na-tawag-ng-tanghalan-9-grand-champion-it-s-showtime-1442" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>WATCH: Kent Villarba, itinanghal na Tawag Ng Tanghalan 9 Grand Champion! | It’s Showtime</u></strong></a></div><p>Just a quick recap, back in the Pangkatapatan round, where the semifinalists were divided into three groups—Pula, Bughaw, and Luntian— Kent failed to save his group, Pangkat Pula, in a three-way duel after all three teams tied in points.  </p><p>Since Pangkat Pula had the lowest total score, they were automatically eliminated from the competition. But, in a plot twist, mentors Mark Bautista of Pangkat Bughaw and Bituin Escalante of Pangkat Luntian were given the chance to ‘adopt’ two members each from the eliminated team. And one of Bituin’s choices was Kent. </p><p>Fast forward to the weeklong Grand Finals, Kent lost to Jude Albert Tangkion on Thursday, which meant Jude Albert secured a spot in the “Huling Tapatan” (Final Showdown) held on Saturday. But fate had another twist waiting—the four previously eliminated finalists were called back for a wildcard round on Friday, giving them one last chance to catch up. Kent tied with Aaron Lao, so both of them advanced to the finale. </p><p>In the &quot;Huling Tapatan,&quot; Kent was one of only two finalists (the other being Lucky Nicole Galindez) who received a standing ovation from the judges in the first round after his emotional performance of “Before You Go,&quot; which even moved &#x27;hurado&#x27; Yeng Constantino to tears.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/11/8/hurado-yeng-naiyak-sa-ipinakitang-performance-ni-kent-it-s-showtime-1342" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>WATCH: Hurado Yeng, naiyak sa ipinakitang performance ni Kent | It’s Showtime</u></strong></a></div><p>As he advanced to the Top 3 alongside Angelica Magno and Lucky Nicole, he went full concert mode with his IV of Spades medley. In the end, he scored a combined 98% from the judges and public votes, beating Lucky Nicole’s 92% and Angelica’s 56% to officially become the new “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Grand Champion.  </p><div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABrPJ1wY5nXZuq1l"></script></div><p>ABS-CBN Studios caught up with Kent right after his winning moment. He stood there in disbelief, as if still trying to process what just happened, as he honestly didn’t expect to win, saying he thought the title would go to one of the early favorites, Lucky Nicole.  </p><p>&quot;Kasi magaling siya, eh. Idol ko &#x27;yon, eh,&quot; he said of Lucky, admitting that he barely had time to prepare his songs for the &quot;Huling Tapatan,&quot; which is understandable, since he had just come from the wildcard round the day before. The most practical thing he could do was to choose songs that he knew would fit his voice and style. Kent also opened up about how hectic their Grand Finals schedule was, &quot;Wala ka ng time para linisin talaga &#x27;yung performance mo. &#x27;Yun ang pinakamahirap.&quot;</p><p>&quot;Si Lord na lang talaga &#x27;yong sinandalan ko no&#x27;ng time na nag-perform ako,&quot; reflected Kent, who expressed his gratitude to his mom, the first person who ever believed in his talent. His first order of business after winning, he said, is to give her the warmest hug. Apart from his mom, Kent also drew strength from his supporters, friends, and his girlfriend, who all became his source of motivation throughout the competition. </p><p>Although he’s overjoyed by his victory, Kent’s heart remains with his fellow Cebuanos who were affected by Typhoon Tino. His first plan for his P1 million cash prize is to donate a portion of it to help them rebuild their lives. &quot;Nasasaktan ako na nakikita kong maraming nawalan ng bahay, nawalan ng anak, asawa, kapatid. Gusto kong tumulong sa mga kapwa ko Cebuano,&quot; he said tearfully.  </p><p>Looking back, faith was the only thing that kept him going through all the eliminations, wildcards, and plot twists that &quot;TNT&quot; threw his way, &quot;Tumaya lang talaga ako sa kompetisyong ito.&quot; When asked about the biggest lesson he learned from his “Tawag ng Tanghalan” journey, Kent imparted the importance of being kind to others and staying true to yourself. As a contender, he also learned to value the mentors who guided them and the &quot;It’s Showtime&quot; staff who took care of them behind the scenes.</p><p>And now that the competition is over, there’s so much to look forward to for this newly crowned champion. Kent dreams of one day collaborating with his favorite OPM acts—IV of Spades (which totally explains his medley choice!) and Ben&amp;Ben.</p>

<p>Post-winning moment, Kent Villarba reflects about his unexpected journey in "Tawag Ng Tanghalan Ika-9 Na Taon."</p>

Post-winning moment, Kent Villarba reflects about his unexpected journey in "Tawag Ng Tanghalan Ika-9 Na Taon."