18 hopefuls including 3 from Cebu battle it out on TV5's "Star Factor"

CEBU, Philippines - How does one achieve teenage stardom? For the 18 Star Hopefuls who made it through the rigorous audition and screening process of STAR FACTOR, TV5’s first-ever reality-based star search, it will be an intense but exciting and fulfilling journey as they take on the biggest challenge and the toughest competition to become the stars they have always wanted to be.

After an extensive nationwide search, STAR FACTOR presents its 18 Star Hopefuls, one of whom will emerge as the lucky star bagging the grand prize of P1 M cash, a P1 M management contract with TV5, and a 3-bedroom, 2-story house and lot at the end of the program’s three-month run.

Selected on the basis of good looks, personality, talent, charm and overall star potential, the 18 Star Hopefuls are Christian Samson, Christine Serrano, Claire Ruiz, Clint Gabo, Eula Caballero, Gail Garcia, Jazz Ocampo, John Uy, Kevin Francisco, Krissha Viaje, Kyru Sri, Mav Lozano, Miguel Estenzo, Morissette Amon, Nikita McElroy, Paul Montecillo, Rico Dela Paz, and Ritz Azul.

It will depend on whose star will shine the brightest as the Star Hopefuls battle it out in the various stages of the competition and try to earn the nod of the Star Makers: Talent5 head and highly acclaimed theater actor and director Audie Gemora, multi-awarded TV and movie scriptwriter and director Joey Reyes, ace photographer Raymund Isaac, music maestro Ryan Cayabyab, and popular talent manager Annabelle Rama.

With Star Host Ruffa Gutierrez guiding viewers throughout the various stages of the competition and providing glimpses of what the young Star Hopefuls go through to survive the grueling challenges that help hone their talents and star potential, Star Factor is bound to be the best star search ever produced on Philippine TV. It has the right combination of production creativity and innovation, the expertise of the resident judges, the glitz and glamour exuded by the host, and a unique batch of good-looking, talented and charming contestants who are out to captivate viewers’ hearts.

Star Factor premiered last September 12 and garnered impressive viewership ratings. The show elicited positive feedback for its exciting content and the straightforward comments of the Star Makers, who are also shown deliberating on who they think deserve to be included in the list of finalists. TV5 has also flown in renowned director Al Quinn from the States to personally helm the show.

Star Factor airs every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., after Aksyon Weekend on TV5.