MANILA — "Tawag ng Tanghalan," the hit ABS-CBN revival of the iconic singing competition, opened its third year Monday with a new judge, a former champion of the original, as well as new twists.

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On "It's Showtime," where the contest airs as a daily segment, Year 1 and Year 2 champions Noven Belleza and Janine Berdin took the stage with performances to kick off the fresh season.

They joined music veteran Dulce, whose career was launched in 1975 after she won "Tawag ng Tanghalan." 

In past years, the "Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi" hitmaker has appeared on ABS-CBN's noontime revival as a special guest. But this time, she was not just that.

Dulce, "It's Showtime" hosts announced, is now a "hurado" herself, joining the likes of Rey Valera, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya, and Louie Ocampo in the panel of judges.

Two new mechanics were also detailed. "Tawag ng Tahanan" will give TV viewers, who correctly guess the daily winner, a chance to win a cash prize.

The "Instant Resbak" flag, meanwhile, can be waved by each judge, once per season, to signify giving an unseated defending champion a chance to join a "Resbak" week, which would then determine the crop of contenders returning for the "Ultimate Resbak" at the end of the year.

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