By Becky Maxedon

For some people, the number 13 is bad luck, but for one Lake Havasu City entertainer, it was nothing but lucky.

Mac Macalino, a 16-year resident of Lake Havasu City, competed for the 13^th time at the 23^rd Talent Quest International Karaoke Championships at the Tropicana Laughlin. And he won.

“Yes, yes. I won. I am the champion. I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

According to its website, Talent Quest International is the longest-running international karaoke contest in the world.

“Talent from all over the globe come to TQ to prove they are the best of the best,” the website states.

And so, Macalino has proved that he is the best of the best.

“This was a big accomplishment in my life. Singing is my passion. I cover Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Engelbart Humperdinck,” he said.

Macalino received a big trophy and many prizes for his win.

Photo courtesy Mac Macalino

“The biggest thing is the recognition from Talent Quest. It’s a big deal,” he said.

Havasu radio personality Roger Galloway has known Macalino for a long time.

“He’s just a wonderful entertainer. Every year at GraceArts Live, I MC the Follies and he’s in it every year,” Galloway said.

“One of the things that he does that I admire so much is that he goes to nursing homes in Lake Havasu. Sometimes there may only be three people in the room, but he entertains them.

“I’m so happy he won this award,” Galloway said.

Macalino said he’s been entertaining once a month at assisted living facilities in Lake Havasu for 14 years.

Macalino, originally from the Philippines, settled in Portland, Ore., in 1976. He retired to Lake Havasu City 16 years ago.

When asked what it felt like to come from nothing but rain to almost no rain at all, Macalino said, “You know what, I love it. I just love it.”