The boys of StarStruck’s ‘Survivor 6’

Let’s get to know these three young lookers, who are sparing no effort to survive GMA 7’s pioneering artista search. Not only are they inching towards the judgment day of "StarStruck: The Next Level," but they’re also on their way to realizing their showbiz dreams.

Mart Escudero shared during a recent mall tour and presscon at SM Entertainment Plaza and Krua Thai Restaurant-SM, respectively, that he has "¼ Fil-American blood" since his father is half-American. Born on April 11, 1990, this 16-year-old already stands at 5’11. It is no wonder that at the age of 14, he became a model for ramp and popular clothing brands. He was also with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic before joining StarStruck.

Mart observed the audition process of the past two seasons of StarStruck but he never really attempted to audition. But this year, encouraged by friends, he joined the search. Passing the auditions, let alone making it to the top 6 was the least of his expectations. "Akala ko hanggang Top 100 lang po ako sa auditions, hanggang sa naging 30 at talagang nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng nag-text at nag-vote sa akin kaya nakapasok ako sa final 6," Mart said.

He was also asked by The FREEMAN Entertainment if he had a girlfriend before joining StarStruck. "Aso ko po," joked Mart, "Wala po akong girlfriend at hindi ko pa po naranasang magka-girlfriend kasi natatakot po akong ma-busted."

But is there someone close to his heart right now? Mart said "Yes!" albeit reluctantly, reasoning that the girl likes another. As he requested this writer not to put her name in print, he said, "She’s included in the final six, kaso lang parang wala akong chance kasi may ka-love team na siya at best friend ko po yong ka-love team niya."

He added, "Gusto ko po siya, pero hanggang doon na lang po."

Mart idolizes Dennis Trillo as an actor, "Kasi lakas po siya sa chicks, magaling umarte at mabait pa."

Another StarStruck survivor Aljur Abrenica of Pampanga is already campaigning for their love team with Kris Bernal, "Sana po tangkilikin po ng mga tao ang movies na pagsasamahan namin ni Kris."

When The FREEMAN inquired about his real feelings toward Kris, he said, "Interesado po ako kay Kris. Masaya po ako pag kasama ko siya, gusto ko siyang ma-please everytime na magkasama kami."

He however added, "Pero kutob ko po, may gusto rin si Mart kay Kris, okey lang po yon sa akin. Kung ano ang magiging desisyon ni Kris sa kung sino ang pipiliin niya, don din po ako, basta sa kung saan masaya siya."

In a text message sent last Tuesday by Kris to The FREEMAN about the love triangle emerging among them, she reacted: "Medyo kinikilig nga ako. Pero I’ll stick with Aljur pa rin kasi sa kanya talaga ako close ngayon. And wala na ring tensyon sa kanila ni Mart."

She continued, "Alam na ni Mart na nagustuhan ko siya. Sinabi niya din na nagustuhan niya ako. Kaso di ko alam kung totoo. Sa dami na ng nangyari hanggang sa lumabo na. Nagkainitan na. Sa ngayon ok na ata."

Meanwhile, Aljur proudly shared he is a Bosconian. In a recent visit to his hometown, he visited the priests of his alma mater, Don Bosco Academy, in Pampanga and sought their advice. He said that being Bosconian taught him the values of being prayerful, and he sure is praying a lot that he would fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an actor.

Iloilo bet Prince Stefan, on the other hand, revealed that he is close to Bol-anon survivor Rich Asuncion because they are both from the Visayas.

Prince joined StarStruck because he believes that by doing so, he can find a way to connect with his biological father who is a Prince in Saudi Arabia.

Given the chance, he would like to do suspense and action movies like his Hollywood idol Keanu Reeves.

Interestingly, Prince had not set aside his studies despite the grueling schedules of StarStruck. In fact, he brought with him to Manila his books. He also took the final examinations recently and passed! "Nakapasa po ako sa exam at sa wakas ga-graduate ako ngayong March 30 at a-attend po talaga ako sa graduation day namin, excited na po ako!" Prince enthused.

Prince thanked the school administration of San Agustin University in Iloilo for supporting him in the search and affording him some considerations regarding his absences.

"StarStruck: The Next Level" is set to culminate this Sunday night live with the selection of the top four winners: the "Ultimate Survivor Pair" for the male-female love team, and the "Ultimate Hunk" and "Ultimate Sweetheart," who will be developed as individual talents. As in previous years, winners will receive a one-year exclusive contract with GMA 7 and P1 million each.

You can still vote for your favorites by sending StarStruck [name of Survivor] to 367 for Smart and Talk N text subscribers, and 2344 for Globe, Touch Mobile and Sun subscribers. Or log on to www.StarStruck.tv to vote online.