MANILA, Philippines - The Kapuso network has new stars in Steven Silva and Sarah Lahbati after winning StarStruck V last Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Ultimate Male and Female Survivors Steven and Sarah topped the text voting combined with the council’s scores edging out First Princess Diva Montelaba, First Prince Enzo Pineda and Second Prince Rocco Nacino, who are now also GMA artists.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” shares Steven of his thoughts before the results were announced. “I just said my prayers.”
“I didn’t get it,” recalls Sarah when her name was called as the female winner. “I didn’t realize that I won. (Diva) told me, ‘It’s you.’ And I said, ‘It’s me. It’s me!’”
How do Steven and Sarah plan to spend their P1.5-M each?
“I will help my family in Davao,” answers Steven.
“I can’t believe that I have such big amount,” says Sarah. “Part of my winnings will be used for the construction of the house. I will work hard so my dad won’t work abroad and settle here in the Philippines.”
The opening of StarStruck V: The Final Judgment saw Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana and Raymond Gutierrez with pioneering hosts Dingdong Dantes and Nancy Jane. Winners and avengers of the previous seasons also took the stage singing and dancing.
Then, the Final 5 were revealed as they sang, “We are the now generation.” Yes, they could be local tinseltown’s new vanguards.
Season 5 avengers reminisced the dreaded elimination night in a segment and reminded themselves in song, “Don’t stop believing and hold on to that feeling.” Like the Top 5, the end of the StarStruck V was just the beginning for the avengers as they received their management contracts.
The audience at the Big Dome applauded Top 5’s solo performances. Enzo was an adorable performer, as council member Iza Calzado put it, in Down and Do You Remember, while Diva lived up to her name as she sang Bad Boys and Bad Romance. Steven was charming in Replay and Sexy Chick. Sarah was a chanteuse in the This is My Now-The Climb number. Rocco ended the showdown with his high-energy take on Live Like Were Dying and For Your Entertainment.
At last, the final judgment was revealed and the search was over. But the real artista challenge for Steven, Sarah, Enzo, Diva and Rocco has just begun.