Looking for the next big stars

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands auditioned for the sixth season of StarStruck, GMA 7’s reality talent search which returned after a five-year absence. The show premiered last Sept. 7 and airs daily as a pre-programming to the network’s early evening newscast, 24 Oras.

As early as last year, auditions were held nationwide to look for hopefuls who will embrace the “Dream, Believe, Survive” mantra of StarStruck. From Manila, auditions went to Dagupan, Pampanga and Batangas in Luzon; Cebu, Iloilo, Naga and Bacolod in the Visayas; and Davao in Mindanao.

However, a batch of only 35 hopefuls made it and was made to undergo rigid workshops to prove their talents. The first stage of competition was the Talent Showcase, where the hopefuls got to display their respective talents.

The Workshops followed, where the hopefuls were observed, tested and criticized by different coaches. Resident acting coach was award-winning actress and director Gina Alajar, who led the grueling acting workshops.

The singing workshop was handled by mentors Christian Bautista and UP professor and voice coach Jai Sabas-Aracama, while Douglas Nierras took charge of the dancing workshop. What followed was the Screen Test.

Rounding up the semi-finals was the Director’s Night, where the hopefuls got to face respected and well-known directors such as Bert de Leon, Joyce Bernal, Louie Ignacio and Mark Reyes, who sat through the test and gave pointers to the young participants.

This year’s StarStruck batch included children of showbiz stars who were dauntless enough to prove their lineage and innate talent. Some successfully made it through The Door and advanced to the next phase of competition. Others, unfortunately, said goodbye to the competition.

Faith da Silva is the daughter of former actor Dennis da Silva. She already made her acting debut in an indie film and also did a drama anthology. Frederick Fructuoso is the son of erstwhile “Gwapings” member, Eric Fructuoso. Mariam Al-Alawi is the older sister of child actress Mona Louise Rey.

There were also hopefuls who came from abroad. Kyle Manalo was born in Phoenix, Arizona, while Migo Adecer was born in Bacolod but grew up in Australia. The latter even became part of the cast of Glee (Australia) in 2012. Camille Torres was born in Finland, but now resides in Dumaguete. April Scott used to be based in London and now stays in Taguig.

An unexpected, big twist was announced in the first StarStruck live show last Sept. 11. Fourteen hopefuls were originally chosen to advance in the competition. They made up the “Dream” group — Kevin Sagra, Kyle Vergara, Carl Cervantes, Joemari Nielsen, Marion Garcia, Elyson de Dios, Avery Paraiso, Liezel Lopez, Analyn Barro, April Scott, Klea Pineda, Koreen Medina, Ayra Mariano and Mariam Al-Alawi.

However, last Sept. 11, 14 more talents were added to comprise the “Believe” group — James Teng, Arian Jimenez, Nikki Co, Prince Clemente, Chat Bornea, Jay Arcilla, Migo Adecer, Princess Guevarra, Beatriz Imperial, Camille Torres, Claire Vande, Arra San Agustin, Alyssa de Real and Faith da Silva.

Dingdong Dantes returns as host of StarStruck daily and joins The Council as judge every Friday. As host, Dingdong is joined by StarStruck alumni — Megan Young (Season 2) as main host, with Journey hosts Rocco Nacino (Season 5), Mark Herras, (Season 1) Miguel Tanfelix (StarStruck Kids) and Kris Bernal (Season 4).

Meanwhile, The Council members who will be seen judging the hopefuls in the live show every Friday are Joey de Leon, with StarStruck’s first Ultimate Female Survivor Jennylyn Mercado and Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.