Apple Abarquez is not giving up on showbiz dream

When the new season of "Pinoy Dream Academy" started, this lady star dreamer from Cebu had the necessary arsenal-looks, self-confidence, and potential of a star performer-to fan expectations of making it to the top 6.

So, when Apple Abarquez was "expelled" some weeks back following her first nomination, it was thought to be premature. Apple, in an interview with the local media last Friday, said she had gotten over her disappointment by taking consolation in the immediate reaction of the show's staff and crew. She also received the same reaction from people who randomly approached her in malls and other public places.

"They told me, 'Why you?' 'This is a mistake.' 'You don't deserve the boot'," the articulate 19-year-old told The Freeman in an interview. "At least, I know that people knew I had something more to give."

Apple made the exit because she had the lowest votes compared to her then fellow probationary scholars Miguel and Laarni, who's beginning to be perceived as an "underdog." (Remaining scholars should be afraid, be very afraid, when pitted against Laarni for the text votes.)

And Apple made the exit with the most number of intrigues. But the worst (and you can say, ridiculous), according to Apple, was being accused of being a "social climber" just because she likes to speak in English! "This was what the Manila press asked me. But I had to explain myself that I'm not comfortable speaking in Tagalog. I'd rather speak in Bisaya and English, but we were discouraged to speak in Bisaya inside the academy."

Anyway, Apple turned more introspective when asked about the whole PDA experience. "I never wanted to leave the way I did. But God willed it, and I think I've learned enough.

"Foremost, I've learned independence because I've never been away that long from my family in my entire life.

"In PDA, it's like you're being put in a gilded cage but with the best people in the industry to look after you. But it's still a cage. But the beautiful thing about this cage is that a lot of people want to be in it, and so I feel fortunate to have been given the chance to be part of it."

As for showbiz, she is deadest on pursuing it. She doesn't see her exit as a deadend. "I will always be reminded of what Direk Joey (Reyes) said that the journey doesn't end here. It begins here." 

Apple may be out, but fellow Cebuano Van is still in the running for a slot in the Top 6. He is however in danger of expulsion being on probationary status this week. According to Mario Colmenares, both Apple and Van's discover-manager, fans and supporters are doubly working hard to get that "solid Cebu" vote for him to remain in the academy.

For Apple, Van deserves it not only because he's Cebuano, but because she has seen that he has really taken his training to heart, showing the most improvement. According to an average grade ranking, Van is currently in fourth place, with Zhel, Bugoy and Laarni in the first, second and third spots, respectively. 

In last Wednesday night's episode, Van, who got an emotional visit from his father and brother, was caught on TV repeatedly and unabashedly saying he wants to make it to the top six. You can help make that happen by texting PDA VAN, send to 231 for smart, TalkNText and Addict Mobile or 2331 for Globe and Sun Cellular. Voting ends this Saturday, August 30. —NMT