Cardong Trumpo victorious as “PGT” Season 7 Finale celebrates diverse Pinoy talent, pride and dreams

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. 

Here’s a look at the highlights that made this season's “The Final Showdown” truly one for the books. 

After 13 weeks of searching for the most exceptional talents, all roads led to the finale battle of the eight acts who were all determined to continue fighting for their dreams and for the rare chance to make history as “Pilipinas Got Talent” grand winner. 

Hosts Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros opened the Grand Finals by welcoming everyone to a promising first night, followed by the parade of the eight contenders as they proudly carried their own flags on stage. The finalists joined D'Grind in a production number, which was followed by the entrance of the Power Judges Freddie “FMG” Garcia, Eugene Domingo, Donny Pangilinan, and Kathryn Bernardo. 

The ultimate battle opened with a bang as NDDU GNRLS took the stage, ready to prove that they could match the bar they set during the Judges’ Auditions and semifinals.  

Dressed in khaki combat-style jumpsuits with black gloves and protective masks, the team delivered an intense, high-concept routine set to Rico Blanco’s “Yugto.” Their performance was packed with creative visuals, using props such as large movable panels and swords. If their Judges’ Audition routine had them performing atop a platform with water, this time they incorporated sand, which added texture and visual punch to their already electrifying number.  

The act closed with the members bowing together in front of the Power Judges, drawing standing ovation from Judge Donny, who said that there's no other place for the group than big stages. Judge Eugene commented, "Kung magkakaroon talaga ng giyera na pagalingan ng talent, kayo talaga ang unang dapat sumugod." And Judge Kathryn remarked, "You came here to win the war."  

Ody Sto. Domingo returned to the “PGT” Grand Finals stage, eager to show just how much he had grown since finishing as Season 5’s second placer. His performance was a tribute to his late father, who loved watching his magic tricks even during his battle with dementia.  

He started with small illusions using just his hands, while a voice-over played, with Ody talking about how he and his dad used to stargaze together, and how that inspired his dream to become a magician. He shared how his father’s illness made him realize that memories stay alive in the mind and heart, and that the present is a gift we should cherish. As he spoke, Ody’s cards transformed in his hands, magically changing patterns in sync with his story.  

Next, Ody stood in front of an LED screen that showed a rotating display cube. One side featured a photo of Judge Eugene, then with a wave of his hand, it turned to reveal a gift box. He handed Eugene a real-life version of the gift, and did the same for Kathryn, FMG, Robi, and Melai. He mentioned that he made each gift by hand, with a connection to the judges’ past, present, and future. Inside was a frame with a lenticular screen where an image appears when you look at it from a certain angle. 

Donny’s gift was a light-up wristband. Ody explained that he asked the audience for help in completing Donny’s present. When Donny raised his hand and waved, the entire audience waved back, their wristbands lighting up in sync and creating the illusion of a sea of stars inside the theater.  

But Ody wasn’t done yet. He turned to Donny once more for his final gift and asked for his zodiac sign, which turned out to be Aquarius, the same as Ody’s father’s, which is why he chose Donny for this special part of the act. From a small gift bag, he pulled out a card showing the Aquarius constellation. And with his command, a section of the audience’s wristbands lit up and formed the same constellation, bringing the performance to a meaningful close. 

Aside from his magic skills, Judge Eugene praised Ody’s gift for storytelling, for the way he presents his acts so thoughtfully that it draws the audience in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. Judge Kathryn added that she watched Ody’s past performances from Season 5, and she could see how he kept improving through the years, which is why she’s sure his future will be bright wherever life takes him next. Judge Donny shared that what makes Ody stand out is the uniqueness of his style, something he hasn’t seen in other magicians, and that he had never witnessed magic presented on such a grand scale. While Ody described his act as a gift to his parents, Donny said he felt that Ody’s parents had also given them judges and the audience a gift, because they were able to witness Ody’s incredible talent. 

Next up on the Grand Finals stage was Manza, the batch's aerial drag performer who soars high in her every routine but stays firmly grounded in the dream of representing drag artists in the country.  

Manza opened the act standing on a cliff-inspired set piece as “Lipad” by D[AI]L played. In a powerful moment, she took out an LGBT flag and raised it high. From there, the routine built up with a series of lifting, and she soon took hold of an aerial strap, soaring high above the stage as she spun, twisted, and hung upside down. As the number reached its climax, she appeared with dramatic yellow wings and glided through the air, with the wings fanning out beautifully as she descended while a backdrop of clouds completed the visual. For the finale, she released her grip and dropped backward into a dramatic upside-down pose, her wings fanned out as if she were falling from the sky. 

Judge Kathryn described Manza’s performance as oozing with sexiness and strength, and that it was nerve-wrecking yet entertaining at the same time. Judge FMG called the act world-class, while Donny said he believes Manza’s career will only soar even higher from here. 

Next on stage was Jessie J from Surigao del Norte, the dancer who’s no stranger to risking it all in pursuit of his dream, determined to give everything he has for this Grand Finals performance set to the song "Mangarap Ka." Jessie had everyone’s attention right from the first stunt as he began on an elevated frame on stage, gripping its edges and smoothly flipping over and around it until he sprang off the frame and launched himself toward the Power Judges’ area. With impeccable timing, his final flip landed straight into a seated position on a monobloc chair. The energy just kept building as he delivered 35 back handsprings in 30 seconds, filling the entire stage twice. For the finale, Jessie climbed onto a small platform marked with the number “1” as stage sparks shot up on either side of him, while the screen behind him read, “Thank you PGT for making the impossible possible.” 

“Hinilo mo ako,” quipped FMG, who was obviously proud of Jessie for beating the world record for most backflips. Judge Donny added that Jessie would probably feel dizzy after the competition because of all the great things coming his way. 

As the second night of The Final Showdown opened, the next four acts geared up to take their turn on the stage. But before the performances began, the Power Judges took a moment to look back on their journey in this season of “Pilipinas Got Talent.” Judge Kathryn shared how much she enjoyed every bit of the experience, saying it felt different being on the other side of the stage and that seeing all the acts bought her inspiration and motivation. Judge Eugene admitted she was often emotional from start to finish, describing it as an honor to be part of the judging panel. For Donny, it was a dream come true to be a PGT judge, expressing his gratitude not just to the contestants but also to the production team and the audience. Judge FMG, who’s been with the show since Season 1, said it was a new and fun experience working with a fresh set of judges, adding that what he appreciates most was how all of them speaks from the heart, and like Donny, he commended the production team for consistently delivering top-quality work. 

Kicking off the second night’s performances was Femme MNL, the Golden Buzzer act of Robi and Melai, bringing both fierceness and heart to the stage as they proudly waved the LGBT flag through their enthralling routine. The group’s dance told a story reflecting the struggles and strength of gays who draw inspiration from their parents. With “MAPA” by SB19 as their choice of music, the number opened with an office setup, the dancers in corporate attire moving around desks as a voice-over played talking about the discrimination gays face in the workplace. From there, the routine built up with emotional choreography, while harsh comments about the LGBT community flashed across the LED screen behind them. 

There was a part of the presentation where the dancers mirrored each other’s movements while standing in front of tall frames, showing different stages of a gay person’s dream and fight for acceptance. From there, they transitioned into a more heartfelt choreography while the LED screen played a montage of messages from their parents expressing their love and support, leading into the finale anchored on the statement that their parents’ love will always guide them like a map.  

The group earned a standing ovation from all four judges. Eugene admitted she was disappointed during the semifinals because she found the performance messy, but said the group showed real excellence in The Final Showdown. Meanwhile, Judge Donny, whom Melai jestingly dubbed as the "inspirasyon ng mga bakla," expressed how honored he felt to witness the group perform. Robi and Melai also shared how proud they were of their Golden Buzzer choice. 

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. 

Carl Quion discovered his love for magic at an early age, drifted away from it for a time but found his way back through “Pilipinas Got Talent.” He opened his "The Final Showdown" presentation carrying a yellow backpack where he said he used to keep his favorite things as a student, and from it he pulled out a plastic bag filled with papers that he said were his old wish lists, asking Donny to pick one and crumple it without looking; then he showed Eugene an old song hits book, asked her to say “stop” at random as he flipped through it, told her to remember the first song title on that page and then he tore that part and handed it to her to keep.  

For Kathryn, he brought out a stack of alphabet flashcards, shuffled them, and let her stop him at any point, and gave her the card she randomly picked. After that, he turned to FMG and asked for a number between 10 and 99, with FMG picking 3. Carl presented a list of celebrity icons, and on the third spot was the name of Comedy King Dolphy. 

Carl asked Eugene what song she had picked and she revealed it was “Handog,” so Carl took out a vinyl record with Florante, the singer of "Handog," on the cover. He played it, and the voice of Dolphy singing “Handog” filled the theater. As the music played, he walked to the center of the stage where there was a vintage black-and-white television set. He asked Kathryn what letter she had chosen, and she said “C for Crown." The TV set turned out to be just a box that held a miniature house with a crown placed in front of it.  

From there, he walked over to a rotating illusion cabinet, opened it, and revealed a man dressed in a white suit wearing prosthetics that made him look like Dolphy. While Dolphy’s song continued in the background, Carl placed the crown on the man’s head before both of them exited the stage, at which point the camera shifted to a door marked “Welcome Home." Smoke was creeping along the floor until the door slowly opened and “Dolphy” emerged again. As the camera moved back to where the miniature house had been, the audience saw that it was no longer small, but had transformed into a full replica of the Cosme family’s living room from “Home Along Da Riles,” where seated right there on stage were the sitcom’s original cast–Claudine Barretto, Nova Villa, Vandolph Quizon, Boy 2 Quizon, Smokey Manaloto, Gio Alvarez, Maybelyn dela Cruz, and Jenny Quizon. 

Following the cast members' exit, the LED screen played a tribute video honoring icons of Philippine cinema, with Carl saying he wanted to pay homage to the King of Comedy. Back on stage, "Dolphy" took the microphone and asked Donny to reveal the crumpled paper he’d kept, which had the word “legend” written on it, just as the same word appeared on the LED floor. And for the finale, “Dolphy” removed the prosthetics, showing that it was Carl himself all along.  

Judge Kathryn called it Carl's best performance, saying that for a few minutes everyone truly believed in magic, the kind you don’t overanalyze but just enjoy, while Judge Eugene added that it was a wonderful surprise to see the “Home Along Da Riles” cast reunite onstage. 

JB Bangcaya took his performance outdoors for safety, opening with a flaming wheel that he used to ignite a large arc bearing his initials, setting the tone right away for a fiery showcase that would only grow more intense as he went on. He juggled flaming wheels with ease, at one point wearing a headpiece that sparked like a crown of fireworks while spinning fire poi in both hands. And for his finale, he balanced a giant metal cube set ablaze while blindfolded, with fireworks lighting up the sky behind him. It was a nerve-wracking yet mesmerizing display that left the audience in awe. Judge Donny said JB literally had that fire in him, while Judge Eugene expressed how happy she is to have given him her Golden Buzzer, telling him, “I believe in you.” 

After all eight acts had delivered their final performances, public voting officially opened through joinnow.ph, with each contender’s final ranking determined by a combination of the judges’ scores and the public votes. 

While voting was underway, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano took the stage for a powerhouse performance, also inviting everyone to watch out for the first edition of “Idol Kids Philippines,” where he serves as one of the judges alongside Regine Velasquez, JK Labajo, and Angeline Quinto. Gerald Anderson also made a special appearance to promote his new series "Sins of the Father." 

After a long and intense journey filled with passion, grit, and world-class talent, the moment of truth came. Carl Quion was named third placer, taking home ₱100,000, while Femme MNL secured second place, earning ₱150,000.  

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.'