The StarStruck Ultimate Survivors

MANILA, Philippines — Amidst the heavy rains last Sunday night, new stars dazzled in the bright showbiz sky when GMA 7’s seventh edition of StarStruck announced the ultimate winners in the nationwide grand artista search live on national TV.

Kim de Leon of Batangas and Shayne Sava of Rizal emerged as the Ultimate Male Survivor and Ultimate Female Survivor, respectively, after beating two other finalists, Allen Ansay of Camarines Sur and Lexi Gonzales of Manila, by only a slim percentage of combined total votes from StarStruck council Heart Evangelista, Jose Manalo and Cherie Gil, and the voting public. Kim garnered 97.4 percent score over Allen’s 95.2 percent. Shayne, on the other hand, received 96.9 percent of votes against Lexi’s 94.8 percent.

Their 14 weeks of acting tests, personality development and harnessing of talent proved fruitful for Kim and Shayne who truly worked hard to clinch the titles. Kim couldn’t help but become emotional while saying that his parents will no longer need to sell the house where he grew up to pay for the family’s long-standing debt. Shayne, for her part, shared that their financial worries will be over. They each received P1M in cash, a GMA management contract worth P5M and a house and lot from Lessandra Homes.

Kim also shared that Mark Herras, the first-ever Ultimate Male Survivor, told him that whatever happens it is best to continue giving his best in everything he does. “I am really inspired to follow in his footsteps.”

Shayne admitted she “promoted” herself on social media and asked netizens to help her get to the top spot after learning her total votes during the pre-judgment episode aired Saturday.

“I know Lexi also excels in acting that’s why I really prayed hard to be the Ultimate Survivor at para na din po ito sa pamilya ko,” she said.

During the competition, Cherie, Heart and Jose were impressed with Shayne’s drama acting. They had nothing but praises for her until the final acting test that was featured last Saturday.

“Shayne is such a wonderful, wholesome little girl. I see a very bright future ahead because this is what we need to see to be an inspiration among the young,” Cherie told Shayne before the audience. “Coming from a solid blank page and then sumabak ka dito at naniwala ka, nag-bakasakaling pwede and here you are, pwedeng pwede and I can really see (that) you will reach the heights of the same stars of the GMA young actresses now. And I believe that if given a chance, a good role, a good director and a good story, you will be a very good actress.”

Heart, on the other hand, told Shayne, “For me, pang bida ka, pang wholesome (projects) and that image will make your career lasting.”

Jose added that Shayne can be likened to ‘80s teen star Julie Vega when it comes to drama. “Malalim ang hugot mo. ‘Yung mga nginungudngod sa lupa na role ang bagay sa ‘yo. You have really developed your acting talent.”

Meanwhile, Allen and Lexi were named this season’s First Prince and First Princess and walked away with P250,000 in cash and a GMA management contract.