The Tawag Ng Tanghalan: All-Star Grand Resbak 2025 has cemented its reputation as one of the most exhilarating and fiercely competitive editions of the iconic Philippine singing competition.
With a stellar lineup of returning contenders, a revamped format, and the addition of OPM icons Pops Fernandez and Lani Misalucha to the judging panel, this season promised—and delivered—a spectacle of vocal prowess and emotional intensity.
However, despite its undeniable highs, the season also left some fans and critics grappling with a sense of disappointment, particularly in the grand finals, dubbed Ang Huling Tapatan. The final six—Marko Rudio, Ian Manibale, Charizze Arnigo, Ayegee Paredes, Raven Heyres, and Rachel Gabreza—represented one of the most dynamic and unpredictable mixes in the show’s history, yet certain elements fell short of expectations, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste.
A Star-Studded and Unpredictable Final Six
The Huling Tapatan showcased a fascinating blend of celebrated frontrunners and unexpected resbakers, making it one of the most intriguing finales yet. Marko Rudio, a consistent favorite from Pangasinan, entered the finals with an unblemished record, having won every battle leading up to the grand showdown. His electrifying SB19 medley of “Mapa,” “Gento,” and “Dam” earned him a commanding 96.15% combined score, securing his place as the Grand Resbak Champion.
Ian Manibale, the soulful powerhouse from Parañaque, was another anticipated frontrunner, whose vocal control and emotional delivery made him a judges’ darling. Yet, the inclusion of resbakers like Charizze Arnigo and Ayegee Paredes added an element of surprise. Arnigo, in particular, defied expectations by reaching the final three, her gritty performances resonating with audiences. Paredes, a fan favorite from Bukidnon, brought her signature intensity, proving her third-place finish in Season 5 was no fluke.
This mix of seasoned veterans and dark horses fueled excitement, as fans speculated on whether an underdog could upset the frontrunners. Social media buzzed with predictions, with posts on X calling the finale an “Avengers Endgame” of vocal battles. The diversity of styles—Rudio’s pop versatility, Manibale’s soulful depth, Arnigo’s raw energy—promised a clash of titans, elevating the stakes to unprecedented heights.
Why It’s the Most Exciting Edition Yet
Tawag Ng Tanghalan has long been hailed as one of the toughest singing competitions globally, a sentiment echoed by judge Ogie Alcasid, who called it “the toughest singing contest in the world.” The All-Star Grand Resbak 2025 amplified this reputation by bringing back 48 of the best non-champions from past seasons, divided into four houses—Team Alab, Agimat, Alon, and Amihan. The format, inspired by a dramatic “Encantadia”-like concept, pitted these vocal gladiators against each other in a marathon of battles, with only the top performers advancing. The inclusion of international success story Sofronio Vasquez, a former TNT finalist who won The Voice USA in 2024, underscored the competition’s caliber, inspiring contestants to aim for global recognition.
The judging panel, bolstered by Fernandez and Misalucha, brought fresh perspectives and heightened scrutiny, ensuring only the most exceptional performances survived the gong. The combination of judges’ scores and public voting added unpredictability, as fan favorites like Rudio and Manibale faced off against resurgent talents like Arnigo. The season’s narrative of redemption—contenders seeking “revenge” for past defeats—resonated deeply, making every performance a testament to perseverance.
The Disappointing Undercurrents
Despite its brilliance, the grand finals left some fans underwhelmed, sparking debates about what went wrong. Posts on X described the finale as “underwhelming,” pointing to lackluster song arrangements, questionable song choices, and subpar sound quality. Rudio’s SB19 medley, while impactful, was criticized for its complexity, with one user noting it was “madumi” (messy) due to the challenge of soloing a group’s harmonies.
Manibale’s performance, though technically flawless, was seen as safe, lacking the explosive energy expected of a grand finale. Arnigo’s medley, meanwhile, was deemed a “wrong choice” for the high-stakes stage, failing to showcase her full potential.
Sound quality issues further dampened the experience, with some fans lamenting that the mix failed to capture the singers’ vocal nuances. The energy of the audience and judges also seemed subdued compared to previous seasons, where medley performances were iconic crowd-pleasers. These factors combined to make the finale feel less engaging than anticipated, despite the immense talent on display.
The Bittersweet Tale of Ian Manibale
Ian Manibale’s second-place finish was a poignant moment, marking his second time as a runner-up in TNT history. His polished performance and emotional depth likely won over the judges, but Rudio’s public appeal tipped the scales. Fans expressed heartbreak on X, with one user lamenting, “Hindi si Ian Manibale ang Grand Champion,” reflecting the sentiment that he was “almost” there yet again. However, Manibale’s undeniable talent suggests a bright future, with potential recording and management deals on the horizon, much like past TNT finalists who found success post-competition.
A Legacy of Brilliance and Lessons
The Tawag Ng Tanghalan: All-Star Grand Resbak 2025 was a thrilling rollercoaster, showcasing the Philippines’ unparalleled vocal talent and reinforcing TNT’s status as a global benchmark for singing competitions. The final six’s diversity and the season’s redemption-driven narrative made it a standout, but the finale’s shortcomings—song choices, arrangements, and sound issues—left room for improvement.
As TNT gears up for its ninth season, the lessons from this edition will likely shape a stronger, more electrifying future, ensuring that the “toughest singing contest in the world” continues to captivate and inspire.
