Two Cebuanos among finalists in TV5’s RisingStars Philippines

CEBU, Philippines – Hosted by OPM President Ogie Alcasid and beauty queen Venus Raj, TV5’s newest primetime offering is the competition for the selfie generation—a chance for homegrown talents to rise from phone to fame and become the country’s next musical sensation.

RisingStars Philippines provides a game-changing concept and a refreshing way to engage its audience through the staple of Filipino culture—the karaoke. After searching through 20 cities from across the country, putting up booths in over 200 stops in major malls, barangays and schools, and finding musically gifted individuals with the potential to become a star, they are still looking for more.

The competition puts a premium on showcasing talent, and making their dreams more within reach. Aside from the booths, auditions were held at the comfort of  others’ living rooms through the RisingStars Philippines mobile application. Available on the Google Play store for Android phones, joining is made easy and hassle-free, with no money or time spent in long lines and traveling.

Auditions were also held via the website www.risingstars.ph, where hopefuls could record and submit entries. Any Filipino over the age of 13 is eligible to enter the competition.

After months of screenings, online voting, and eliminations, the semifinalists of each city were pitted in the regional live shows to screen and determine the cast for the televised finals. With 12 live shows held in various malls, thousands of guests and supporters cheered on their favorite contenders.

RisingStars held auditions in Cebu in December last year – putting up a recording booth in Elizabeth Mall and simultaneously in some schools and barangays. Twelve singers were selected to prove their talents live, onstage at the Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces on January 13. The top two finalists, Marichar Labado and Dave Alcano got an all-expense paid trip to Manila to be part of the TV show.

Marichar, 17, is eager to showcase her talents. Having joined some competitions in Cebu, she has always enjoyed the support and encouragement her family has given.  A bout with ulcer had her temporarily sidelined, and the bills incurred became too much to bear. With the help of her sister’s husband, she was able to recover and get her dreams back on track. She aims to repay her family through her performances, and repeating her victory that she first claimed in Mactan.

Meanwhile, Dave of Barangay Pasil, Cebu City, is described as a total performer who maximizes his talents to provide for a very big family. With 10 siblings all living in a small house, Dave sees the use of these talents as part of the solution for their financial woes. Dave’s vocal prowess has helped in developing a career as a comedian. A breadwinner at 21, Dave aims to make them proud by winning this competition.

What makes this competition stand out from all the others is how it reaches out to the entire nation and takes advantage of the digital age. An entirely new degree of audience participation awaits viewers, as they can become part of the show at any given time: through the mobile app or website, anyone can sing; those who didn’t make it to the initial screenings can still record and submit a challenge entry against any of the current finalists, and get a chance to replace their slot on the show. This unique challenge concept presents a more level playing field, providing everyone their own chance to shine by showcasing their talents live on national television.

Center for Pop Music is RisingStars Philippines’ official training school in voice and stage performance. The center’s well-known graduates are Sarah Geronimo, Charice Pempengco, Kyla, Sandara Park, Nina, and Jimmy Bondoc. The finalists’ dance mentor is Anna Feliciano, whose entertainment career spans decades.

RisingStars Philippines’ roving reporter is Mico Aytona. Ogie is excited for the show, and for TV5, as it is one of the few singing programs/contests they have. “There is no doubt that all of them are good, but we are looking for a rising star,” he says. “That is another ingredient we are looking for.”

A music enthusiast herself, Venus says, “The journey is more important than the destination. We all want to win and have the prize, but it is merely secondary. What is important is that you prove yourself, that you overcome the trials within you.”

RisingStars Philippines invited three famous personalities to act as judges: the acoustic singer/songwriter Jimmy Bondoc, the Diamond Soul Siren Nina, and beloved Radio DJ/love guru Papa Jack. Mico Aytona will serve as roving reporter.

The show premiered March 14 and airs until June 6 every Saturday from 10 to 11 p.m. During last Saturday’s episode, Cebu’s finalists Marichar and Dave competed to be the next RisingStars on TV5.

For more contest details and updates, see posters, print ads, log-on to www.risingstars.ph, or follow social media updates via Facebook /risingstars.ph or Twitter @RisingStarsasia. (PR)