Picking the next big star

MANILA, Philippines - Many are called, but few are chosen. That’s why, even if you’ve got it all going for you — youth, talent, good looks, you’re not sure if you’ll end up as the next big star. That’s why three hopefuls are crossing their fingers for a crack at fame (an exclusive management contract with GMA Artist Center and a recording contract with GMA Records) and fortune (P1-M cash from SM Supermalls and a condominium from Avida Land Corp.) via the GMA 7 talent search.

Are You The Next Big Star?, which airs Saturdays after Pinoy Records, aims to turn them into big names who will endure the fickle ways of showbiz.

Some, like Zyrene Parsad. is not as wet behind the ears where showbiz is concerned. Zyrene, at 23 the oldest in the group, has lots, if not, the most experience. She was segment host of NBN 4’s One Morning, which also featured Claudine Trillo and Bobby Yan. Two years of on-cam work have taught Zyrene how to project, interview guests, do stand-ups, write, even edit her spiels.

Televiewers noticed how she stands out in the crowd even without saying a word. You see that glint in her eye when this Mass Communication graduate says she won’t quit showbiz even if she doesn’t win and audition as host-singer in GMA instead.

If Zyrene has experience on her side, Frencheska Farr and Alex Castro capitalize on their burning drive to urge them on.

In fact, Frencheska, 16, took a leave from her International Studies course at San Beda College Alabang to focus full-time on the contest. 

“At first I thought I can combine the contest with my studies,” she muses. “That’s why I already enrolled.”

But she was wrong. Now, she listens closely to “my best critics” — her family (especially her musician-grandpa), in choosing the right song, interpreting it well and showing the audience that she has the makings of a star.

Frencheska has the makings of a fighter to begin with. Win or lose, she vows, she will soldier on.

“I want people to recognize me,” she explains without batting an eyelash.

Alex, a former Sangguniang Kabataan president exudes self-confidence when he says he fears no one among his fellow contenders. He argues that he would rather believe in himself than wallow in self-doubt since no one will build him up more than himself.

Fame and fortune, however, are not the only things that push him to give his all. The (Marilao) Bulacan municipal councilor is eyeing a hefty donation to his hometown’s elementary school if and when he wins the grand prize.

“I saw for myself how much the school lacks facilities,” he laments. Now, he’s ready to give back to the province that helped put his life in perspective.

Drive tempered by conscience. That’s a good a reason as any to aim for the top. Let’s hope Alex keeps his promise — if and when.

Now who will stardom bless? Your guess is as good as mine.