TV5's 'Brightest Star' plans Cebu homecoming

CEBU, Philippines - I remember Eula Caballero very well during TV 5’s “Star Factor” audition held at the Marriott Hotel last August. Among the auditionees waiting for their turn at the lobby, she easily stood out with her fresh and pretty face.

She was also the one who cried in front of the panel of judges aka Starmakers when casually asked by director Joey Reyes if the young lass had a boyfriend. Eula explained that the question made her weep because she remembered the hurt when her parents commanded her to break up with her first boyfriend so she could concentrate on her studies.

She proceeded to impress the judges—Audie Gemora, Ryan Cayabyab, Annabelle Rama, Raymund Isaac and Direk Joey—with an acting monologue where she managed to produce real tears. Performing in front of the camera seemed natural for this teenager who at four years old asked her mom how she “could go inside the TV.” It was clear early on what this child wanted to be.

That interrupted puppy love she talked about turned beneficial, for it’s what Eula looks back to when acting challenges demand of her to shed tears. “Sometimes I find it hard to cry. But I really look back at past hurts like family problems and my first heartbreak. Those make me cry because the wounds are still fresh.”

After going through months of artista challenges and workshops, it came down to two Cebuanas at the “Star Factor” grand finals held Sunday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Eula was declared Brightest Star and Grand Winner of the Kapatid network’s reality talent search which first aired last September.

Her closest competitor was promising singer Morissette Amon, who was declared 2nd Brightest Star. Lone male finalist Christian Samson of Bulacan was the 3rd Brightest Star, while Ritz Alzul of Pampanga was named Flawless Shining Star and 4th Brightest Star.

She won P1 million in cash, a four-year college scholarship from AMA Computer College, house and lot, and a TV 5 contract. Asked what she plans to do with the prize money, Eula told The Freeman in a phone interview she’s planning to buy a car in an installment basis to help her get around for showbiz commitments and invest in things she needs for work such as a new wardrobe.

The 15-year old garnered praises from the Starmakers for her final production number wherein she did an emotional interpretative dance of Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life.” Ace photographer Raymund quipped that Eula was “leading-lady material.” Director-screenwriter Joey Reyes said that Eula’s advantage was that the camera loved her face and that she possessed an admirable personality. Annabelle, Cebuana talent manager, seconded his statement by saying that she found in Eula everything that she looks for in a prospective talent. “Malakas ang dating niya. Lahat ng hinahanap ko sa artistahin, nandiyan na sa kanya.”

Eula was beside herself with happiness upon hearing Annabelle’s compliment. “All this time, I’ve been wanting nga madayeg ko niya since there were many instances that she had negative comments about me. One time, she said, ‘Para kayong tuod magsayaw lalo na ikaw Eula.’ Uwaw kaayo ko ato but that was the time that I promised myself I shouldn’t be afraid to dance and must learn it everyday. That’s why I’m planning now to enrol in dancing workshops.”

A native of Boljoon in southern Cebu, Eula was in her senior year of high school at the University of San Carlos when the opportunity to audition for “Star Factor” came. She initially planned to take up Accountancy then proceed with Law studies, but might check out the offered courses under her AMA scholarship that will suit her interests.

Her father works as an engineer in Qatar while her mom manages a general merchandise and eatery business in Cebu. Luckily, her dad got five days off from work abroad so he was able to witness his daughter’s victory. “He told me he’s proud of me and he realized it was okay that I quit school for a year. But he also said I really must go back to school next year.”

From the hundreds all over the country who auditioned, the hopefuls were whittled down to 18, and from them emerged the remaining four finalists. “Star Factor” host Ruffa Guiterrez was joined during the grand finals by star couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres, John Estrada and Amy Perez.

“I felt happy and really honored because I never expected to one day share the stage with them. I used to just watch them on TV, now I’m working with them,” said Eula, who picked TV 5’s male flag-bearer JC de Vera and reality star search product Rainier Castillo as the leading men she wants to be paired with.

She shared further how she really admires Ruffa who served as their big sister during their entire “Star Factor” journey.

“On our first taping day, na-starstruck gyud ko. She was very kind. She felt for us, and I could really see how she would mourn with us kung naay matangtang. With her pakikitungo, we really felt that she cared.”

TV 5 hasn’t outlined yet what specific projects await her, but she surmised they might first assign her in a comedy series, as most of the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned network’s shows are of that genre. While she’s guaranteed priority status, the newbie is aware that her win does not assure long-term showbiz success.

“The judges have told us that it’s not all about winning. It’s about gaano ka mamahalin ng mga tao at kung magtatagal ka ba sa industriya. I hope to be not just an artista who came and went, but as an inspiration to the youth, someone that they want to emulate. If I see anyone from the youth who is inspired by me, that alone will make me very happy.”

That reminder from her mentors to not rest on their laurels after winning, but to further improve their craft for longevity in the industry was one of the pieces of advice that stuck with her the most. The other lesson she’ll always remember was what one Starmaker said about how an actor doesn’t have to play a heavy role to prove that he/she is good.

“We were told, ‘You just have to let us see yourself since what’s real matters.’ That advice stood out because it proved that even in acting, I don’t totally have to be anybody else. Being true means happiness to me, it’s when I feel free.”

Eula is planning a homecoming soon. She wants to gather her fellow Boljoanons at their town’s Baywalk for a simple thanksgiving show. In the meantime, she left this message for all Cebuanos: “Thanks to you all! Ang inyong support and prayers ang nagtabang gyud nako ug dako to succeed. To the youth, dream big! Don’t be afraid to discover new things. Share your talents and put God in the center of everything you do. Salamat gyud!”