On Aug. 14, Star Search 2017 wrapped up the second day of the 69th Ateneo Fiesta with Trixia Pearl Ebita from Humanities and Letters (HumLet) cluster hailed as the new champion.

A third year Mass Communication student, Ebita managed to join the Top 3 along with Ranz Carampatana of School of Engineering & Architecture (SEA) and Ma. Angelica Jasmin Diaz of Natural Science & Mathematics cluster. Carampatana and Diaz placed 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.

Behind the victory, however, the champion shared her struggle as she joined Star Search. Ebita had trouble with her voice for the past weeks and worried that it might affect her performance.

“One month ako walang boses. So nag-prepare kami on July 3. Then matapos ang pagkapagaw ko one week na lang natira before mag Star Search. ‘Yun pa na time ako naka-practice,” she told Atenews during the backstage interview right after her performance as a champion.

Nevertheless, Ebita was overwhelmed and expressed her happiness and thanked the HumLet.

“Nabawi ulit [ng HumLet] ang Star Search na title. Thank you sa inyong support. Thank you for trusting me sa pag-represent ng cluster sa Star Search 2017,” Ebita exclaimed.

While promoting original Filipino artistry, this year’s theme was Original Pinoy Music (OPM). The competition had two categories: Slow English and Upbeat Tagalog OPM. Ebita sang her own rendition of ‘Alapaap’ by Eraserheads. During the clash for the championship, the Top 3 contestants sang ‘Pero Atik Ra’ by Jacky Chang.

Star Search is an annual singing competition held during Ateneo Fiesta with participants coming from nine different clusters.