Dreaming, believing & surviving all over again

ILOILO – It’s said that success is much sweeter when hard-earned. Young Ilonggos know this by heart as they open wide the door of opportunity that will lead them to bigger things as one of the chosen ones in GMA 7’s reality-based artista search StarStruck The Next Level.

The two-day event, which started Saturday morning of Sept. 16, made the city sizzle with excitement as young Ilonggos trooped to the third floor activity area of SM Iloilo City. Contestants came not only from Iloilo but also from nearby provinces like Antique and Guimaras.

The high energy and lively spirits of 369 hopefuls filled the venue as each contestant was keen in passing the audition. All of them patiently waited for their turn to show their acting, singing and dancing talents. Some brought musical instruments while others readied their CDs for a dance number. Still others did not mind seeing the crowd laughing at the funny way as they delivered their lines, complete with regional accent.

The aspirants were perseverance personified. Some borrowed transportation money and traveled four hours just to get to the venue. You can’t help but empathize with and admire them.

A young hopeful was even accompanied by a much younger sister with a rosary around her neck. The younger sister held her elder sibling’s things and appeared to be praying for her Ate’s success.

Poverty pushed some of the hopefuls to summon all their guts to audition and aim for stardom. But not all are sob stories. Other contestants have what it takes to be a star, like a young reigning beauty queen who joined the search. Still others danced up a storm and sang their hearts out.

Iloilo is the home of StarStruck winner Gian Carlos, the inspiration of Ilonggo contestants who joined the search and hope to follow in his footsteps.

Ultimate Survivor Marky Cielo and LJ Reyes were present in the search to tell televiewers how the auditions went on for Startalk. The two gave inspiring messages to aspirants – urging them to be confident and remember the saying "No pain, no gain."

StarStruck batch two winner LJ made her star shine and appeared on TV shows like S.O.P. Gigsters, Love to Love, Now and Forever and Maynila.

Being a star is not all money, as big challenges go hand in hand with success.

"I had to make a big adjustment when I won in StarStruck. I became more responsible and careful in all the things I do," LJ says.

She adds, "I now spend less time with my family because of my busy schedule."

LJ used to be so busy, she and her older sister hardly saw each other even if they study in the same school (De La Salle University). That’s why everytime LJ is free, they would hie off to a restaurant or the mall for some sisterly bonding.

Although busy in her acting career, LJ, now a second year college student, exerts extra effort in finishing her course in Economics and Finance.

Marky, on the other hand, takes his job as a role model seriously.

"A celebrity like me has a big influence especially on kids who watch me on TV," Marky says. "They imitate my character, thinking that the show is for real. They even dress up the same way as I do. That’s why I try to be a good example to them."

He is one of the lead characters in GMA 7’s Fantastic Kids which airs every Saturday.

He advises StarStruck 4 aspirants to give their best and be determined to achieve their goals as they still have a long way to go if chosen to be in the finals.

Applicants should be 16 to 21 years old and are required to submit along with the application form, a photocopy and certified true copy of his or her birth certificate, one close up and full-body shot photos and audition materials. The search is also open to those with managers.

StarStruck The Next Level will be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, Jolina Magdangal and Raymond Gutierrez when it airs in November.

Aside from a pair of Ultimate Survivors, an Ultimate Hunk and Ultimate Sweetheart will be chosen. Each winner will receive P1-M cash and a P2-M management contract.

Auditions are held every Saturday and Sunday at the GMA Network Center simultaneous with regional auditions on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in SM Davao; Oct. 7 and 8, CSI Mall Dagupan; Oct. 14 and 15, LCC Mall Legazpi; Oct. 21 and 22, SM Clark; Oct. 23 and 29, SM Bacoor, and Nov. 4 and 5, SM Lipa,

With hope, guts, talent and personality, it’s much easier to dream, believe and survive.