MANILA, Philippines - It was almost three months ago when the dream to gain fame, fortune and stardom inspired thousands of young individuals from all over the country to join TV5’s reality-based artista search Artista Academy (AA).
From 300 hopefuls chosen at the Araneta Coliseum during the first round of the selection process, the number was winnowed to a hundred at the Delta screening until only 16 artista wannabes remained. They entered as “scholars” in the show’s partner training school, the Asian Academy of Television Arts, to undergo trainings in acting, singing and dancing under the guidance of its “principal” Wilma Galvante.
Weekly live exams were held to determine who got the lowest and highest grades based on performance, judges’ decision and televiewers’ text votes — until the eighth live exams came last Sept. 29 wherein 10 of the 14 finalists competed to fill in the two remaining slots for the Final 6.
Mark Neumann and Shaira Mae made it to the honors’ list that night. They joined Vin Abrenica, Akihiro Blanco, Sophie Albert and Chanel Morales who already secured the top four slots in past live exams. They say that faith, hope, guts and talent are the best tools in reaching the top spot.
Shaira Mae was in the bottom 10 before the final expulsion night came but it never distracted her from working hard to land in the Final 6. Her dance performance totally impressed judge Lorna Tolentino who told her: “You’re truly a revelation!”
“I’m happy that they (judges) saw how I have improved in my performance,” Shaira says. “I’m determined to do everything because now that I’m in the Top 6, I feel I’m just one step closer to the top spot.”
It’s been Shaira’s dream to be an artista. In fact, facing the cameras is not new to her having appeared in such commercials as Good Day Coffee, Globe and Sun Cellular. But it’s not a guarantee that she’ll easily score the Best Actress win.
“Whatever happens, I’ll be forever thankful to Artista Academy for giving me the chance to show what I’ve got. This early, the competition has given me so much — it boosted my self esteem and honed my skills in acting, singing and dancing. The experience of going abroad for the first time like when (TV5 big boss) Mr. Manny Pangilinan treated us in Hong Kong is indeed worth remembering.”
For Mark, the artista search is not always about being the best but about “enjoying yourself and loving what you do for people to feel the real energy.”
He adds, “Of course, I want to win but you never know the chances so from this day on, I’m going to put my best foot forward. I’m willing to learn.”
The experience of working in a shampoo factory in England for a year made Mark realize how tough it is to be away from his family. He decided to come home after his Croatian mom died four years ago. His Filipino dad, now married to a Polish, inspired him to join the contest.
“It was my uncle who urged me to try (the auditions) and since I want my father to stop from working so hard for me and my step-siblings, I went to Araneta without expecting anything. I thank God for giving me this blessing of staying until the finals.”
The coming days for Sophie are synonymous to facing tougher challenges. “I know each of us will strive more for this competition. Me, I really love to act; I feel good when I do it so I’m hoping to get better at it.”
Truth is, Sophie temporarily put on-hold her second year college schooling as Medtech student at FEU to join Artista Academy.
“To be an actress is what I really wanted. That’s why even if my mom was initially hesitant about this, I proved to her that I can act kaya naiyak talaga sya when she saw me perform during the first live exam. Now, all out na sya in supporting me. She even ordered shirts that they wear every live exam.”
Between Shaira Mae and Chanel, Sophie finds the former as her stiff competition. “She’s good at everything — singing, dancing and acting. Sobrang galing, I better work doubly hard this time.”
Chanel, on the other hand, feels flattered whenever people point out her close resemblance to Lovi Poe. Still, Chanel knows it’s important to create her own identity.
“I’m doing my best in every performance so people would see me as Chanel and not just a Lovi Poe lookalike.”
The 16-year-old lass from Bacolod whose family runs an antique shop promises to build a new house for her parents if ever she wins. Extending help to her relatives in the province and giving financial assistance to a charity institution are also included in her list.
Meanwhile, Akihiro of Pasig City is giving the two other male finalists a good fight as he possesses the qualities of an actor. Perhaps, his uncle James Blanco never ceases in giving him a tip or two in acting.
“This is my first time to join a contest and I’m overwhelmed with the kind of support my family and friends are giving me,” Akihiro says.
The tireless cheering of his supporters during live exams inspires him more to clinch the Best Actor title.
Among the Final 6, it is Vin who seems to be adjusting well to showbiz goings-on and taking things maturely. He knows about the buzz that he’s reportedly riding on the popularity of his brother, Kapuso talent Aljur Abrenica.
“I can’t avoid being identified with him because he’s my brother. Yes, at one point his popularity helps but it’s unfair to compare us all the time. I didn’t use him when I auditioned. I went to Araneta at 9 a.m. and stayed there until 3 a.m. of the following day.”
Besides, it’s been a long-time dream of his to enter showbiz yet he decided to finish his studies first. “In fact, there were acting offers before but I turned them down because of school. My mom and dad were not able to finish school kaya I decided to get a college diploma first for my parents then eto namang gusto ko.”
He was a second year college student at UP Diliman when he went LOA. Vin then took Culinary Arts at the Global Academy where he recently graduated.
“Nato-touch ako every time kuya gives me advice. He’s always there to support me. Mas nangingibabaw yung maturity namin at masaya kami para sa isa’t-isa,” the 21- year-old Vin says.
With a new set of challenges to hurdle, who among the Top 6 will be proclaimed Best Actor and Best Actress in the grand finals and will take home the P20M combined total prizes? Stay tuned to Artista Academy weeknights at 9 and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. It is hosted by Cesar Montano and Marvin Agustin.