For the past three batches of GMA 7’s StarStruck, the stories and reasons why aspiring actors join the reality search have never changed. They are the same goals that brought Mike Tan, Dion Ignacio and Yasmien Kurdi to the fore.
But as GMA 7 VP for Entertainment Wilma Galvante puts it, the contestants’ dysfunctional family background or dire economic condition should not be the only reason to make anyone of them win the title. After all, StarStruck, she adds, is a talent search.
Top 16 contenders Dex Quindoza of Manila, Mart Escudero of Cavite and Prince Stefan of Iloilo are three of those who consider the artista search a springboard to bigger and noble causes.
"I can dance, sing and act," says 18-year-old Dex of his edge over other 15 aspirants. His being well-rounded is what this Philippine Marine Institute Customs Administration student can offer the televiewers. His Mark Herras moves and Marky Cielo acting flair, will hopefully carry Dex to the finals. Dex says it took him not just overnight to polish his performing arts skills. He started to dance and choreograph in high school. He is also a member of a college theater group. Performance-wise, Dex is someone to watch out for.
If ever he makes it, Dex will finance his mom’s medical needs and younger sister’s education. She is a college student taking up Computer Science at Adamson University.
"My sister also wanted to join StarStruck," reveals Dex. "But we decided that I should be the one to try first. And I did."
Aside from the dream of entertaining people, Prince joined the artista-talent search to look for his father, a prince of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Prince hasn’t met his father yet and would love to know his dad at this stage of his life. The only piece that links Prince to his dad, he says, is the picture he left before returning to his country. Prince thinks he and his dad share the same physical features – elongated face, deep-set eyes and prominent cheek- bones.
Whether or not the male stunner will be successful in piecing his life together, Prince is happy that at least he tried to find his dad, even if he might not acknowledge him (Prince).
Mart, on the other hand, is no neophyte in the biz. He attended acting and performing workshops in another station. He even graced a reality loveteam search show and an afternoon drama series. Spending more time on the sidelines was the reason why this St. Jude high school student took a breather from showbiz and cut his career shortly .
"I want to be cast in drama and be part of a loveteam," says Mart of how he plans to start his second outing to showbiz right. He wishes to work with fellow StarStruck contestants Stef and Lizzy.
Perusing his resumé, Mart has the showbiz advantage. He, Dennis Trillo and Marian Rivera share the same manager Popoy Caritativo.
"They remind me to work hard, be patient and take everything seriously," recalls Mart of the pieces of advice Dennis and Marian offer him.
Mart also has plans to enter politics. This is not surprising since he is the nephew of Rep. Francis "Chiz" Escudero.
"Showbiz will help someone create a name and be recognized," Mart shares his thoughts. "From there, the road to politics or to serve people is a bit easier."
Whatever the causes the latest batch of StarStruck hopefuls is fighting for, they should remind themselves that the reality search is all about the survival of the fittest and not the survival of the prettiest.