Longevity is the name of the game

In the entertainment business, longevity is the name of the game. A star has to make the right moves and decisions because the road to the big time is filled with deadly landmines that can mercilessly kill dreams. You can be famous today but no one may remember your name tomorrow. No more roaring applause and ear-shattering screams, no one asks for your autograph, no one is interested with you anymore. Someone said that fame is both toxic and tragic.

What is the secret of Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, Concert King Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano? Why do until now their stars glitter and they snugly sit on their thrones? Is it because of their immense charisma, pure talent, good looks, hundreds of thousands of devoted fans or an amalgamation of all?

In this exciting, crazy and intriguing world of showbiz, all want to be loved and adored. Today, the industry teems with young boys and girls who all aspire to be stars. In showbiz, only the fittest survives.

I asked some people who they think among our young stars today will become superstars and who will endure the rigorous journey. Here are their answers.

Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson. They started out without any knowledge in acting but they can act very well. — Erika, mother, 36 years old, Mandaluyong City

Among the young actors, John Lloyd Cruz has depth. He has evolved into a serious actor from the first time I saw him as Rovic in Tabing-Ilog. Throughout the years, John Lloyd only gets better as an actor. Among the female stars, I choose Toni Gonzaga because she is multi-talented. She is really versatile because she can sing, dance, act and host. She acts naturally in drama or comedy. — Claire, writer, 25 years old, Quezon City

JC de Vera because he acts very well and Glaiza de Castro because she is a Cherie Gil in the making. — Kimi Diego, teacher, 34 years old, Cavite

I believe Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales will become more famous and will last longer in showbiz. Although they are a love team, they can stand alone in acting projects. Both are brilliant actors and are versatile performers. Enchong is also a champion swimmer. — Myka, government employee, 30 years old, Marikina

Enchong Dee and Empress Schuck. Enchong is humble even if he is rich, educated and a good swimmer. He knows how to act. Empress has a sweet face. She is never linked to any guy so she has no playgirl image. She is very good in Rosalka. — Grace, student, 22 years old, Quezon City

Chinese cellist at Philamlife Theater

Young Chinese cellist Qin Li Wei and Singapore-based Filipino pianist Albert Tiu perform in a concert titled Duo Concertante on Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Philamlife Theater.  The concert is part of the MCO Foundation’s Great Performances Series 2010 in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Hailed as the next Yoyo Ma, Li Wei has established a formidable reputation on the international concert scene for his brilliant virtuosity, refined musicality and sincerity of interpretation. He won silver medal at the 11th Tchaikovsky International Competition, the 2001 Naumburg Competition, New York (first prize) and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Violoncello in 2001.

Described as “an artist of uncommon abilities,” Albert Tiu has performed in five continents, appearing as soloist with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Hamburg Symphony, Finnish Radio Symphony, Northern Sinfonia England, Calgary Philharmonic, Winnipeg Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Michigan Chamber Symphony, Johannesburg Philharmonic, Cape Town Philharmonic, Guangzhou Symphony, and Juilliard Symphony, to name some. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Albert studied with Jerome Lowenthal, as well as with Michael Lewin at the Boston Conservatory, John Winther, Nita Quinto and Nelly Castro.

The presented by Hyatt Grand Hotel, BusinessWorld, High Life, Lyric Piano, Novellino Wines and MCA Music, Inc.

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999, MCO Foundation at 750-0768 or 0920-9540053 or Allan Andres at 535-5915 or 0918-3473027.