After its launching last August 12, spectators and detractors alike have been waiting to see if Pinoy Dream Academy, ABS-CBN's newest talent-based reality search, would fare as phenomenally as its predecessor, the Pinoy Big Brother. And would it also fare better than ABC-5's recently-launched Philippine Idol, the local franchise of the Idol series, which is seemingly drawing growing attention from primetime TV viewers?
Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) is the localized version of the original Endemol production dubbed Star Academy, which happens to be the second biggest reality franchise in the world next to Big Brother. PDA seeks for 16 Pinoy dreamers worldwide, who would undergo a series of rigid musical and artistic trainings-from singing, dancing to songwriting-as they are being developed into becoming not just the next singing sensation, but the hottest total performer in the country as well. According to story editor Aol Rivera, this is the premise of the show that would distinguish PDA from its foreseen competitor Philippine Idol.
Its concept is almost patterned after PBB as the daily lives of contestants would be monitored by viewers through live streaming. However, unlike the PBB housemates, students of Pinoy Dream Academy, as what they are to be called, would not be confined nor isolated in one place at all times. Executive producer Mavic Aducayen said dreamers would be allowed to enter and leave their so-called dormitory and even permitted to use communication equipment such as cell phones and Internet.
Last Saturday, PDA introduced its 15 regional star dreamers that would be joining the 12 NCR and 10 global hopefuls, all vying for the 16 final slots as scholars of the academy. In a press conference held at Neo-Neo Grill last Sunday, the Cebu media had the privilege to interview some of the regional star dreamers before their "Dream Night" this coming August 26 that would be held live in front of the Cebu Capitol Building.
Six out of the 15 regional hopefuls hail from Cebu, all of whom are backed with artistic and musical backgrounds and exposures. Present during the presscon were Charisse Mari "Chai" Fonacier, a theater performer of Edgework and vocalist of world music band Balde Ni Allan and who's also representing her hometown Cagayan De Oro; Rutchell Borbajo, a lounge singer at the Waterfront Lahug; Jay-R Siaboc, vocalist of Bisrock band Scrambled Eggs; Handrew Sincero, a host in the local variety game show Sabado Na, Game Na!; and Panky Trinidad, vocalist of rock band Anino which has regular gigs at Handuraw and Kahayag cafe. Not present was Migs del Socorro who has worked as a customer service representative.
Amidst pursuing their big dreams, the hopefuls consider being part of the 38 students contending for a slot at the academy as already a wonderful learning experience. They'll be trained for 10 days before the "Dream Night" that is taking place this Saturday, when the 16 slots would finally be announced. As they brace for the big night, they are also busy preparing themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. Handrew, for one, who has a daughter, said that he is doing more of the psychological preparation as he inevitably feels burdened to be leaving, albeit temporarily, his daughter behind. For band vocalists Chai, Jay-R and Panky, they are counting on the support of their band mates. They believe that it is time that they put their talents to the test in a bigger field, in their intention to become versatile artists.
Pinoy Dream Academy would also feature Jim Paredes as the Academy headmaster, Maribeth Betchara as dance mentor and Moy Ortiz of The Company as vocal instructor. PDA will be hosted by Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby, plus Nikki Gil, for its primetime slot. Each week, viewers will witness a student getting expelled from the academy. The program will run for four months, with the finals being scheduled December 16. The big winner will take home a Touch Music Video unit, Sony appliances, a condo unit at GA Towers, a brand-new Suzuki Swift car and one million pesos in cash. Video grabs courtesy of ABS-CBN