Singing their way to stardom

There are people who love to sing; unfortunately for some, singing does not love them back. But no matter how your singing prowess may be, or however high or low your scores come out of a karaoke machine after you belt out a song, this new show from TV5 may just be the tune for you. Trenderas, which had its initial telecast last Sept. 13, promises to liven up your weekends through the power of music.

Trenderas brings together TV5’s newest trio of up-and-coming stars: Isabelle de Leon, Katrina Velarde and Lara Maigue, who play the role of three best friends who make ends meet by selling trinkets on the street while at the same time sharing their shared passion for music. Their dream of one day becoming professional singers has kept them together but their daily struggles have somehow slowly been eating into their friendship.

Trenderas will tug at your hearts as the lead characters  recreate and weave their life stories through popular and well-loved songs as the lyrics become the dialogue of the various characters. Feel free to sing along as you listen to the most memorable tunes like those in the show’s pilot telecast last Saturday with renditions by the various cast members of favorite OPM songs such as Minsan (originally by the Eraserheads), Saan Na Nga Ba Ang Barkada (Apo Hiking Society), Luha (Aegis), Beer (Itchyworms), Ako Ang Nag-wagi (Dulce) and Dito Ba (Kuh Ledesma).

The new show chronicles the trio’s roller-coaster journey toward their ultimate dream as they transform from ordinary tinderas to the country’s newest trending sensations — which all begins when a candid video by a random pedestrian capturing the girls’ unique musical performance in the marketplace goes viral. The dynamics in the program are further made intriguing with the underlying subplot involving Dingdong Avanzado, Ara Mina and Tina Paner, which brings a dramatic edge to the musical. Trenderas also features hunk stars Carl Guevarra (as EJ) and Edward Mendez (as Benjo), whose antics with the singing tinderas are poised to bring viewers their weekly dose of kilig.

Other members of the impressive cast include sassy and outrageous comediennes K Brosas (as Katy), Cacai Bautista (as Miley) and Kitkat (as Lady), who collectively play the role of the notorious Tres Malditas, the trio of vendor-villains who will do anything to hinder Isabelle, Katrina and Lara from reaching their dream. Rounding up the ensemble are seasoned TV stars Francine Prieto (as Viveka) and Rez Cortez (as Mother Pearl). Making a very special guest appearance in the musical program and marking her return to TV is the country’s one-and-only Superstar, Nora Aunor, who portrays the character of a famous singer who will ultimately serve as the mentor and inspiration of the three Trenderas girls.

Before Trenderas, which is their biggest break in showbiz, lead stars Isabelle, Katrina and Lara have all actually set their mark in the local music industry. Isabelle is a multi-awarded child actress who has played notable roles in various movies and TV shows, most notably as the daughter of Vic Sotto in a sitcom and as a singer and composer had released her debut album LoveZone early last year.

Music has always been Lara’s forte as her original composition, Sa’Yo Nalang Ako, was a Top 5 finalist during the Philpop 2013 competition. The same song was also personally chosen by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid to be included in the singer’s latest album.

Katrina, for her part, rose to fame when she decided to upload a YouTube video of herself singing in front of a mirror using a hairbrush as the microphone — thus, earning her the nickname Suklay Diva. She was also part of two girl groups, the first of which was the Newborn Divas, hailed as the 11th Talentadong Pinoy Hall of Famer that also competed in the show’s grand finale. Her second group, called AKA Jam, was chosen by Gary Valenciano to be the opening act of his 30th anniversary concert.

Overall, Trenderas is a family story revolving on friendship, love and passion for music. It also underscores a truly aspirational theme that reminds everyone to dare to dream, because one day that dream will eventually come true.