MANILA - Young crooner Rhap Salazar is set to represent the Philippines at the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, California next month.

"Sobrang saya ko na nakasama po ako para mag-represent ng bansa natin. Excited na po ako para sa laban," Salazar told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

The young Filipino singer was the grand winner of ABS-CBN's Little Big Star's Little Division. He is competing in the junior division and is set to perform songs from five different genres.

WCOPA is an annual international meet held in Hollywood in which selected countries are represented by their respective excellent aspiring performers and entertainers. At least 40 countries are expected to participate in this year's contest, which will be held from July 11 to 18.

The competitions include dance, vocal, modeling, acting, instrumentalists, and variety arts. In this Olympic-style competition, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded plus $50,000 in scholarships to the Conservatory for Film and Television in New York.  

Salazar  will be at the grand opening ceremonies pre-show at the Universal City Walk, Universal Studios on July 12.  He will lead the Philippine delegation at the grand parade of nations.

The grand finals nights will be held on July 17 and will be televised all over the United States.