Starcamp: Which Fil-Am wannabe will make it?

MANILA, Philippines - Getting that showbiz break is no longer that easy even for Fil-Am boys and girls. The competition has gotten so tough that having a stateside accent and mestizo looks are now mere extra points to the whole celebrity package. 

The recent conclusion of the reality show Starcamp emphasized such glaring truth as the nearly dozen Fil-Am talents featured in the Jersey Shore-patterned series expressed their willingness to stay in the country to try their luck in local showbiz. 

“It’s hard enough for us Filipinos to break in abroad. But we realize the challenges are similar here as in the US,” expressed Matthew Wong, one of the participants in the “reality show for aspiring Fil-Ams” entering Philippine showbiz. 

Created by Grand Slam Productions, Inc., Starcamp documents the weeks-long star quality enhancement-journey of the wannabes spread out in 13 episodes. It shows photo shoots, skills training, guestings, makeovers, among others, as the participants familiarize themselves with Pinoy culture. 

The camp is scheduled for airing abroad on MYX TV, though director Ronald Unico revealed an intention to have it broadcast locally. “Mahirap naman talaga makahanap ng break sa America kaya nandito sila to show what they got. One thing I assure magagaling sila,” he stated.

The Starcampers, which recently held a concert at A-Venue Mall in Makati, include a 17-year-old singing talent named Karen Cabrera who had initial exposures in Little Miss Philippines and X-Factor. The Australian-born daughter of a Cebu native couple is set to collaborate with rap sensation Abra. 

“The good thing about Starcamp is that it is not a competition but an opportunity for us to develop ourselves and be the best at what we do,” she said. 

Auditions were done in Los Angeles and San Francisco, USA.

Camper Tommy Esguerra from Long Beach, California shared some kind of discrimination tales back home. “You can notice situations wherein almost everyone is picked while talented Filipinos never get the chance to advance for no clear reason.” 

The 6’1” tall model is expected to hit the catwalk donning some Rajo Laurel outfit. 

The rest of the field are Renzo Vergara, Rhobbyn Concepcion, Jennifer Habana, Ian Baclig, Jemimah Garcia, Nathan Concepcion and Allen Mendoza. 

Meanwhile, Amanda Griffin, who has made it herself here, is recently seen in an event promoting an organic wear collection presented by SM Babies. 

The celebrity mom shared her view on keeping her figure intact. She pointed out, “I eat not too much and do regular exercise. Research is important. It’s what drove me to support things that are organic.”

She added, “Organic is always best for clothing. It’s important because you don’t want any of these chemicals getting absorbed by your skin.”

Available under brands St. Patrick and Tiny Tummies, the clothing is said to be composed of 100 percent organic cotton, meaning, non toxic residue usually obtained from plant pesticides or processing compounds.