Will Another Cebuano Make It To Showbiz?

For the past six years, Cebu has been very consistent in sending talents to reality searches, most especially ABS-CBN shows.

We had Star In A Million runners-up Jimmy Marquez and Sheryn Regis, Born Diva Raki Vega, Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) ex-housemates Angela Calina, Budoy of Jr Kilat, Dionne Monsanto, PBB Teens runner-up Nicole Uysieusing, PBB big winners Keanna Reeves and Kim Chiu, Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) Season 1 scholars, Panky Trinidad and JR Siaboc.

Now, we have 18-year-old Van Roxas, one of the Top 6 scholars of PDA Season 2. Does he have what it takes to be the next Grand Star Dreamer? More importantly, does he have what it takes to make it in show business?

Van’s charity choice a nod to roots

With the help of Van’s manager, Mario Colmenares, I had the chance to be part of the Pinoy Dream Academy team for Van Roxas’ homecoming. For his Dream Bigayan charity project, Van chose the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children. The First Lady of Cebu, Ms. Margot Osmeña, and 100 kids were so happy to receive all the bags, pairs of shoes and school supplies.

“We are so thankful to Van that he chose this foundation for his charity. We are so thankful that he has not forgotten his Cebuano roots. The kids are so inspired of him because each one of them has a dream and Van represents that dream,” said Ms. Margot Osmeña.

Van didn’t think twice in choosing the children of Cebu for his chartiy. “Mao nang close kaayo ko sa mga bata, kay sa una mag-drive ko, malooy kaayo ko nila nga manlimos. Nagpasalamat ko sa PDA nga ila kong tagaan og chance na makatabang nila. Dili gyud ni nako malimtan.”

No time wasted for learning

Being away from the academy for a day would mean a day of missing any coaching from PDA’s mentors. So, in between his reunion with his classmates, friends and family, Van didn’t waste any time preparing for this weekend’s big night.

In the car going from one venue to another, Van stayed silent as he listened to the songs on his MP3 which he will perform during the Grand Dream Night. “Kinahanglan gyud mag-double time ko para i-sepra ang kanta, i-memorize ang mga lyrics para akong ma-enjoy ang akong performance.”

A star already

Celebrities and even aspiring stars really undergo lots of physical enhancements for them to look better. They are, after all, paid to look good and are expected to look at their best at all times. In that short span of time that I got to know Van, I wondered what possible enhancement he can still get for himself.

Then I realized that Van doesn’t need any because he has this certain glow that radiates from within. He has also displayed passion to improve his craft, and his kindness and sincerity in dealing with people make him a star already.

Let’s show our support to our fellow Cebuano in reaching his dreams by texting PDA (space) VAN and send it to 231 or 2331.

Who will emerge as this season’s Grand Star Dreamer? Find out tonight after their live performance night at the Cuneta Astrodome and tomorrow night, September 14, 2008 for the awarding ceremony of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Grand Dream Nights.

Editor’s note: The writer is the anchor of “Showbiz Patrol” every weekdays, from 10am-12nn over dyAB.