The stage of “Pilipinas Got Talent” Season 7 dazzled with a celebration of world-class Filipino talent and stories of grit and dreaming big as the grand finale unfolded over a two-night spectacle last June 21 and June 22 at The Theatre at Solaire. In the end, 55-year-old construction worker Ricardo Cadavero aka Cardong Trumpo from Cavite won the hearts of the judging panel and viewers, earning a near-perfect 99.5% combined score from the judges and public votes and taking home the ₱2 million grand prize.
For his Grand Finals performance, Cardong Trumpo came out seated on what looked like a throne, a fitting start for the new 'Hari ng Trumpo,' someone who has truly elevated the traditional game into an art form. He launched his trumpo and balanced it on a single finger high up, before moving on to a spinning disc platform where he kept the top gliding smoothly.
Using the tip of a pen, he guided his spinning top across a thin wire line, letting it travel steadily from end to end without losing balance, before moving on to another prop where he balanced two inverted tops inside a metal hoop, keeping both in motion as he held the hoop mid-air. He then let his trumpo spin on top of a small disc platform floating midair, adding an element of magic into the act. And for the finale, he balanced a giant top on the palm of his hand with such control that it drew a standing ovation from the judges and loud cheers from the entire theater.
“You’re a star,” Judge Donny told the trumpo spinner, who crafts his own props from construction scraps, joking that “PGT” now stands for “Pilipinas Got Trumpo.” Judge Eugene praised Cardong Trumpo’s talent as one-of-a-kind and something every Filipino can proudly showcase to the world, while Judge FMG described it as the most unique performance he has seen in seven years of the competition. And, deeply moved, Judge Kathryn asked, "Handa ka na bang umikot sa buong mundo dala-dala ang talentong Pilipino?" saying they had finally found the heart and skill they had been searching for.
ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes was called in to announce the grand winner. The entire theater erupted with deafening cheers as Cardong Trumpo was declared the “Pilipinas Got Talent” Season 7 Grand Winner, earning an almost perfect 99.5% combined score from the judges and the public.
Golden confetti rained down as Cardong Trumpo, the humble construction worker and loving father, grew emotional over the overwhelming blessing he had received, saying, “Pangarap ko lang 'yung isang kilong bigas magkasya tatlong beses sa isang araw. Pero ito, sobrang sobra ang binigay n’yo sa akin,” as he thanked the Lord above and everyone who had supported him throughout his journey.
The entire theater, including his fellow finalists, shared in his joy, celebrating the victory of a man who inspired many with his dedication and 'talentong Pinoy.'