Protégé attracts thousands of aspirants at Manila auditions

CEBU, Philippines - An overwhelming number of aspirants stormed the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia last weekend to take their chance on the battle for the big break in the Manila auditions of the country's biggest singing superstar search, PROTÉGÉ.

Throngs of music artists braved the heat and lined up for hours at the event venue armed with sheer talent and determination hoping to make the cut in GMA Network's hottest singing competition. Performers of all ages took moments on the center stage to showcase their talents in front of Mentor Gloc-9.

Rap groups, rock bands, trios, duos, boy and girl bands and musicians of all kinds battled it out for the 3 slots allotted for the prospective Manila protégés.

A 10-year-old girl amazed the Gloc-9 with her powerful rendition of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' Empire State of Mind. She received a standing ovation from the audience along with enthusiastic praises from audition masters Arsi Baltazar and Jojie Dingcong. The girl instantly floored the judges with her confident performance and was hailed as one of the best young singers in the competition.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro mentor Aiza Seguerra was challenged with the number of aspiring protégés from the city. Hundreds of Kagay-anons and music artists from Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte competed for the three Protégé slots allotted for the CDO mentor. Consequently, she found it hard to decide on whom to pick to fill in the available positions for the potential protégés. An exciting turnout of events happened when the Aiza announced her final verdict.

Protégé: The Battle for the Big Break is hosted by Kapuso Network's high-profile faces including singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid as Journey Host, multi-awarded drama actor Dingdong Dantes as Gala Presenter and versatile Kapuso star Jennylyn Mercado as Reality Host.

Catch this September the unparalleled display of singing sensations in Protégé only in GMA.