PDA: Only the tough survives

Yes, Virginia. Some people with half the talent do become stars who shine brighter than those brimming all over with talent. They go on to mount sold-out shows, release gold records, even do a hit movie or two.

That’s why a talent search judge’s usual problem which bears more weight: talent or good looks?  Between a candidate oozing with talent and another who looks smashing but can’t even carry a tune, who do you choose?

Director Joey Reyes, one of the mentors on the soon-to-pilot Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) Season 2 (opening night is on Saturday, June 14, to be aired live from the PDA Concert Hall) ) has a quick reply: star quality. Remember, he explains, television is the medium.  It’s as visual as can be.

Will you, for instance, sit through an entire five minutes watching an uh, unattractive face give all  she’s got in a song when you can easily switch channels and admire a more beautiful girl with one push of the remote control button?

That doesn’t mean talent is out, of course. PDA headmaster Ryan “Mr. C”  Cayabyab will never allow that. For this, he is introducing voice workshops (care of voice master Kitchie Molina and voice mentor Monet Silvestre) for the candidates. 

“We’re looking for performers while developing the person,” Mr. C says.  A good voice is still the priority.

That’s why the revered maestro will squeeze in jamming sessions with the PDA candidates now and then. The object is to sing for the sheer love of singing — sans pressure, sans inhibitions.

Hopefully, the second season will develop another Ronnie Liang, who developed his talent through PDA, and another Yeng Constantino (last year’s grand winner).

But then, who can tell?

Direk Joey admits he only realized Yeng would win the minute she composed a hit song (Hawak Kamay)  while she was still in the running. Ronnie, on the other hand, didn’t shine until he showed sheer grit and a cheerful outlook to go with it.

Aspiring dreamers — screened from an initial 10,000 candidates, whittled down to 32, then 25 and 15 on the June 14 opening night — are in for a tough time, warns direk Joey.

They will not only go through the scrutiny of the four mentors. More importantly, each one will pass through the eye of the needle as a-yet-unnamed board of judges will pronounce the verdict that could change their lives forever.

Even aspiring kiddie candidates (aged six to 10) will go through fire — the same kind their older counterparts will experience. But they will only do so on weekends — when classes are out.

The final casting will be unveiled until tomorrow in Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2: The Dream BIGins. Toni Gonzaga will host the primetime version, Nikki Gil will deliver updates and Billy Crawford will cover the Uberture starting June 16, 5:30 p.m.

The new batch of scholars — much like incoming students all over this country — are ready, hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. Let the classes begin!