Outpouring of support greets PDA scholars

Scores of adoring fans showed up at the first-ever provincial visit of the scholars of ABS-CBN's reality talent search Pinoy Dream Academy in SM City Cebu's Entertainment Plaza last Sunday.

Scholars Yeng Constantino, Yvan Lambatan, Chad Peralta, Eman Abatayo, together with expelled scholar RJ Jimenez and Cebuano bets Jay-R Siaboc and Panky Trinidad performed their hit compositions. Yeng sang "Hawak Kamay," while RJ performed "Miss Kita Pag-Tuesday," Eman with his "Arigato Tomodachi" and Chad with "Sunshine." Yvan sang his piece entitled "Babalik Ka Rin," while Panky performed her composition "Behind Those Eyes" and Jay-R moved to the beat of his Bisrock hit "Hilot." The FREEMAN Entertainment was in the scene and managed to catch up with the scholars for a quick chat in between their performances inside their dressing room.

Our Bisrocker Jay-R was grilled about the real score between him and co-scholar Iya Ginez, who was expelled from the academy. He confessed that their relationship was, indeed, for real. He strongly denied rumors that the latter was only using him to gain popularity. "Wala ko'y na-feel na gigamit rako... Sa akong kaugalingon happy jud ko kay tinood akong na-feel para niya. Since naanad ko na kami pirmi magkuyog-kuyog sa balay, medyo lisod para nako nga nigawas na siya. Pero sugod pa lang sa PDA kahibao naman ko nga moabot gyud na nga naay matang-tang so nadawat na lang nako." Aside from himself, Jay-R's top six bets include Yvan, Eman, Irish, Joan, and his fellow Cebuano, Panky.

Right after her performance, Panky entered the dressing room teary-eyed not only because she saw her mom and siblings again after a long time, but also because she was overwhelmed by the all-out support of her fellow Cebuanos. "Hapit jud ko nabuang kadyot kay wa ko nag-expect nga daghan kaayo nagsuporta nako... Daghan ko nakit-an nga nagdala og streamers na naay suwat nga 'we love you Panky!' So, dako gyud akong pasalamat sa mga Sugbuanon kay kung dili tungod ninyo dili ko makaabot dinhi. Ako gyud paningkamoton nga dili ta mo ma-fail," Panky said.

She also shared her thoughts about the expulsion of her pal, Chai, from the academy last week. "Naguol jud ko... Kay kami ni Chai, magkapareho mi'g wavelength maong nagka-close mi sa balay pero competition man gud ni; so, naa jud mohawa." She bets that aside from her, Jay-R, Joan, Yeng, Eman and Yvan, will make it to the final six.

Yvan, on the other hand, shared that he actually enjoy mall shows more, wherein they get to have the chance to be closer to supporters, as compared to Gala Nights, where the pressure really becomes too intense.

Ilonggo rocker Eman reflected on his nomination, the second chance that his co-scholars gave him and how his family and fans motivate him to continue reaching for his dreams. "Gagawin ko ngayon lagi yung best ko kasi sayang naman kung ngayon pa ako mag give-up. Hindi ako dapat mawalan ng pag-asa kasi I'm half way there, nakikita ko na ang finish line kaya talagang gagalingan ko para sa future ko at para sa mga nagmamahal sa akin."

Crowd-charmer Yeng also shared her thoughts on how she's seemingly turning into a singing sensation. "Swerte lang talaga ako. Hindi ko akalain na maraming tao ang sumusuporta sa akin, maski nga po dito sa Cebu kahit hindi ako Cebuano ang ganda ng pagtanngap nila sa akin. Kaya masaya ako na marami yung nahihilig sa kaugalian ko at tanggap yung kakulitan ko at natutuwa sila sa akin."

Yeng also revealed how thrilled she was to be reunited with her buddy RJ, who proved to be quite happy despite being expelled from the Academy because ABS-CBN's Star Magic is already preparing to launch his first solo album. Yeng and RJ's closeness inside the Academy has roused interest and curiosity. After RJ's expulsion, Yeng unabashedly admitted that she terribly missed him. "Sobrang bigat po sa akin nung umalis na si RJ. Apat na araw nga akong natulog lang sa loob kasi nasanay po talaga ako na lagi kaming magkasama. Ang saya nga namin, sabay kaming kumain ng breakfast, lunch at dinner. Pero naisip ko din pagkatapos na magkikita pa naman kami sa labas."

She shared that the Cebu trip actually marked the first time they got to talk again, even excitedly showing us RJ's gift, a necklace that bares the letter "R". "Ngayon pa nga lang kami uli nagkausap at dito niya binigay sa akin ito (showing her necklace)." But before we had the chance to prod Yeng to reveal the real score between her and RJ, the scholars were called back to the stage for a group performance.

With fans growing frantic, the scholars had to forego the album signing and were pulled out earlier than scheduled for security reasons. Many of the fans got disappointed, though many remained happy for seeing their favorite scholars in person.

Continue watching Pinoy Dream Academy and vote for your favorite scholars. Their songs, which are included in their recent album entitled "Pinoy Dream Academy Volumes 1 and 2," are exclusively played on MOR 97.1 Lupig Sila.