MANILA -- Three young contestants from rocker Bamboo Mañalac's team battled it out for a slot in the Sing Off round to open Sunday's episode of "The Voice Kids."

Kenneth Bardinas, Ahron Cabalona and Aiken Ramos performed Sugarfree's "Hari ng Sablay," earning praises from the coaches.

Sharon Cuneta chose Cabalona, while Lea Salonga chose Bardinas as the best performer of the group.

Mañalac agreed with Salonga and chose to bring Bardinas to the next round.

"Mahirap ito, which is good. 'Pag nahihirapan ako, I'm happy. So sa inyong tatlo, head up high because you all did very well," he said.

"Ang pipiliin ko, parang napaka-effortless ng performance niya para sa akin," he added, before announcing his choice.