Erich Gancayco: Fit to be a star

The Grand Questor’s Night of ABS-CBN’s Star Circle National Teen Quest (SCQ), which was held last Jan. 29 at the Ultra proved to be a victorious night for Davaoeños as the Star of Davao Erich Gancayco, 14, was named SCQ 2’s Grand Questor.

"I am so grateful my kababayans from Davao have always been supportive of me since the beginning," 14-year-old Erich expresses. "I share my victory with all those who believed in me, especially the Davaoeños."

In an interview on The Buzz the day after she won, Erich, who has not seen her father for about a dozen years, paid tribute to her mom "for being both mother and father to all of her children."

Asked about her message to her dad, a tearful Erich said, "I’m not angry at you. I’m just looking for the true love of a father right now. I miss you a lot and I love you very much."

Paula, Erich’s sister who works in Japan, surprised her younger sister with her presence in what may be the biggest night in Erich’s life and gave the message, "Be a good girl."

Descending from a harness, Erich, radiant in a pink ensemble, performed Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful in her princess-inspired production number, complete with a continuous shower of red and white rose petals. It was indeed a fitting number for someone as gorgeous and regal as Erich. More than dancing to the upbeat version of the Aguilera hit, she also did a number of liftings to cap this enchanting spot, where she was joined by professional ballet dancers.

After Erich’s number, SCQ juror and director Lauren Dyogi agreed that the Star of Davao is really beautiful. "You (Erich) are destined to be a star," direk Lauren said. Meanwhile, Gloria Diaz, also a quest juror, expressed how proud she is of how Erich transformed beautifully "from a 14-year-old kid to a 14-year-old lady."

SCQ juror Boy Abunda revealed that while they were auditioning in Davao, the show’s judges had their reservations about Erich’s inclusion in the quest. However, after about four months of rigorous training and numerous workshops, Boy declared, "Kung hindi ka (Erich) nakasama dun sa grupo,it could have been one of the biggest, if not the biggest oversight in this talent search."

Asked about her plans after being named SCQ 2’s Grand Questor, Erich said it is time for her to "prove her worth as an actress." She added that she wants the whole country to see that she is "more than just a product of a talent search and that I am really a part of this industry." She is now part of ABS-CBN’s newest variety show M.R.S hosted by Roderick Paulate, Amy Perez, Marvin Agustin and Toni Gonzaga.

Hero Angeles, SCQ 1’s Grand Questor, gave this "special" message to his "friend" and successor: "It’s hard to reach your status now. You think things will be easy. Just be strong and focus on your work. You deserve it."

Other questors also showed, through their solo production numbers, that the "magic" of Star Circle has definitely brought the stars out of them.

The other Star of Davao, Charles Christianson, was featured in a revue of hip-hop moves and tunes that highlighted his impressive dancing skills. Charles, whom Gloria considers the dancer of the group, got the nod of all his jurors with direk Lauren quipping, "Lumabas uli ang pagka-Totoy Bibbo mo!"

Paw Diaz, Star of Laguna, bared her sensuality as she confidently danced to a medley of Beyonce’s hits. Gloria, who was surprised with Paw’s performance, noted, "Because of your talent, I’m sure you will never stop surprising fans." Boy, meanwhile, remarked, "You owe it to yourself that you are here."

The number that brought the Ultra down was Star of Bulacan DM Sevilla’s Masculados turned hip-hop dance spot. DM, who celebrated his birthday at the venue, gamely, confidently and bravely gave in to the demands of the number even if it meant stripping down to his red, shiny boxers. With the deafening cheer from fans, the number proved how strong DM’s mass appeal is. Gloria lauded DM for his sunny personality while Boy singled out his "abilidad." Direk Lauren congratulated DM for ultimately enjoying his "novelty" number.

Playing with the fact that he looks like Japanese comedian Ya Chang of MTB: Ang Saya-Saya fame, Arron Villaflor, Star of Tarlac, dished out an Animé-Ya Chang inspired dance number. Everyone in the audience was in awe when they saw Arron, lifted through a harness, doing his aerial fighting routine. For fusing dance, comedy and action in his spot, direk Lauren complimented Arron for his great transformation from shy kid to confident guy. As Gloria puts it, "you’re like a worm that turned into a butterfly."

SCQ 1’s Fab Five texter’s choice Sandara Park, Roxanne Guinoo, Joross Gamboa, Melissa Ricks and Hero Angeles joined SCQ 2’s Fab Five in the show’s spectacular opening number. Other ABS-CBN stars Piolo Pascual, Bea Alonzo, Diether Ocampo, Kristine Hermosa, Angelica Panganiban, Carlo Aquino, Jericho Rosales, Phoemela Barranda and Carlos Agassi were present at the culmination of the talent search.

Gary Valenciano also performed a well-applauded upbeat number with son Gabriel. Maricel Soriano dished out the Moment medley as SCQ 2’s Fab Five gave their respective "farewell walk."

ABS-CBN officers were in the venue that night – president Cito Alejandro, executive vice-president Charo Santos-Concio, Evelyn Raymundo, Joanna Gomez-Santos, Jeffrey Remigio, Deo Endrinal and Cory Vidanes.

Aside from the show at Ultra, ABS-CBN, with its advanced technological capabilities, aired live feeds from Tarlac and Davao with Nikki Valdez and Desiree del Valle as hosts, respectively.

Euphoric at the success of the show, hosts Luis Manzano and Jodi Sta. Maria said, "We would like to believe that, for at least 30 minutes a day, the show has been instrumental in uniting the whole country, because the entire Philippines is represented here."

Erich’s victory as SCQ 2’s Grand Questor is proof that aspiring stars, more than just having good looks, should first be willing to take on many challenges, face numerous competitions before being part of showbizlandia’s constellation of stars, where the rivalries are stiffer and its jurors, the public, are fiercer judges.