Keep your eyes peeled: The 2014 MYX VJ Search

MANILA, Philippines - If being a VJ seems like an easy job, think again. It’s more than just talking in front of a camera. There are long days spent at the studio recording spiels, jam-packed schedules to keep up with, and the pressure to deliver the best that you can when the camera’s rolling. In short, it’s a job.

However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.

MYX VJs get to be on the number one music channel in the Philippines, hosting their own shows along with other VJs who share the same passion for music. Many popular personalities today got their big break at the MYX VJ auditions — Joyce Pring, Chino Lui-Pio and Bianca Roque, to name a few. VJs also get to hang out with the biggest names of the local music scene today.

It takes a certain kind of person with charisma, confidence, and an ardent passion for local and international music to be a VJ, which is why MYX holds the national MYX VJ Search. It’s a contest that gives people a shot at hosting MYX’s many music shows. Hundreds of hopefuls try their luck at auditions, but only the very best get to be among the 12 finalists. Those finalists then go through a series of challenges that hone their skills and test their mettle at hosting. After all of that is through, those who emerge as champions of the MYX VJ Search get the chance to take the spotlight to introduce the hottest hits and top bands of the day.

Here’s the lowdown on the 12 folks who are vying for a spot as a VJ this year:

Gianna Llanes, 18

The MYX VJ Search is Gianna’s shot at getting a break in television. She plays the ukulele to the tunes of The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons, and even mixes music and plays basketball on the side.

Rafa Siguion-Reyna, 23

Rafa tried his hand at professional theater with last year’s Grease and is now crossing over from the stage to the screen. He was a dancer and actor in a few television shows. Clearly, the art of performance is natural to him.

Eunick Nobe, 20

Eunick wears her queerness proudly on her sleeve, saying “I could be the first lesbian MYX VJ!” Her enthusiasm goes hand-in-hand with her sharp wit, and the kind of gusto that makes a terrific host. She’d also love to be Paramore’s official photographer.

Luigi D’Avola, 19

He calls himself shy, but it doesn’t show. With his looks and boyish charm, he could be mistaken for a member of One Direction. He’s also a singer-songwriter, and cites Ed Sheeran as one of his influences. In his spare time, he plays soccer and paints abstract art.

Tey Dela Cruz, 23

She’s an actress who has played roles in ABS-CBN’s Be Careful With My Heart and Ekstra, a Cinemalaya film. Tey was also raised listening to Disney songs, and has recently fallen head over heels for the K-Pop craze that’s sweeping the Philippines.

Mark Thompson, 18

Mark is a half-Australian soccer player who has been to Stereosonic in Sydney, an electronic dance music festival with some of the biggest DJs in the world. He may have his antics behind the scenes, but onscreen, he works hard, and parties harder.

Chuck Espina, 23

Chuck is a self-described “combustion waiting to happen,” with a lot of quirkiness in her petite frame. Her taste in music leans towards indie rock like Arctic Monkeys and Modest Mouse. You’re likely to see her singing along at a Phoenix concert or working on her fashion line.

PJ La Viña, 23

As the drummer of popular alternative rock band Never the Strangers, PJ knows the ins and outs of the local music industry. He’s gone from playing in high school bands to taking the stage as a professional musician in front of crowds of cheering fans.

Becca Sadhwani, 23

Becca is a performer by trade, performing in Miss Saigon and Rent in Australia. Aside from basking in the spotlight with her outstanding singing voice, she assists people with disabilities.

Christian Reasonda, 19

Christian has a lot under his belt: he’s a fashion blogger, a freelance host, and part of Chalk’s Bright Young Manila 2013 as a student leader. On top of that, he has beatboxing chops: he can beat Teach Me How to Dougie, sounding just like the actual song.

Marion Aunor, 21

Marion is a recording artist at Star Records, with her own album out. Lea Salonga is one of her musical heroes. Marion says, tongue in cheek, that to her, the best song of 2013 is The Best Song Ever by One Direction.

Vieo Lopez, 23

True to his appearance, a towering 6’5”, Vieo plays basketball. Though he’s a head above the rest of the contestants, he is quite the gentle giant. He speaks with friendly warmth, without a filter, and those are what he calls his strengths.

Tune in to MYX to see these 12 finalists battle it out and confront all sorts of tasks ranging from the challenging to comical on TV, and watch out for the next top MYX VJ of 2014.