CEBU, Philippines - When Sharon Cuneta suffered an on-stage mishap during her birthday concert at the Araneta Coliseum last week, Cebuana “Star Power” finalist Akiko Solon and the remaining top five female contenders were seated at the front and center row. They were all jolted out of their seats when their mentor suddenly fell flat on her behind while singing and dancing in a production number with Billy Crawford.
“Nabalaka ug nawala gyud mi. Paghagba niya, nibarog gyud mi tanan,” Akiko told The Freeman in a phone interview. When their shock and worry died down, the 16-year-old aspiring singer said she realized that the incident serves as an important lesson on professionalism for her. Because despite the embarrassing accident witnessed by a sizeable audience and caught by cameras, Sharon found the composure to make fun of herself and went on with the show until its end.
Akiko, dubbed as the Sweet and Sexy Siren, now admires the “Star Power” host even more. Sharon has taken the role of their mother since the ABS-CBN reality singing search for the Next Female Pop Superstar began last October. Aired every Sunday after “Rated K” and co-hosted by TV singing contest discoveries Christian Bautista and Erik Santos, the competition is down to its strongest five with Akiko as the sole Cebuana left. The rest of the young finalists are K-La Rivera of Canada, Monica Sacay of Leyte, Angeline Quinto of Manila and Krissel Valdez of Davao.
The victor will be declared on Feb. 20 in a grand final showdown at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Akiko is now intensively preparing for the big night where all finalists will perform duets with some of our industry’s biggest names.
“She’s not strict at all. I did not expect that she will treat us like her very own children. She’s also very generous, taking time to gather us, have dinner with us or just simply congratulating us for a good performance,” said Akiko of the Megastar. She added that the Final Five were made to choose between a Macbook or Ipad as a gift from Sharon. Akiko picked the Macbook.
Aside from the material perks, she has also been privileged to get pointers from established performers.
Renowned legendary music artists Gary Valenciano, Vina Morales and Zsazsa Padilla were just some of the heavyweights who briefly coached Akiko and her batch. They also underwent intense vocal training with University of the Philippines professor Kitchie Molina and Pinoy Rock Icon Arnel Pineda, vocalist of Journey. King of Talk Boy Abunda helped them develop their personalities while Choreographer of the Stars Georcelle Dapat took charge of their dance training.
Win or lose, Akiko professed she is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a known singer and even an actress like her idol Sarah Geronimo. Throughout her journey in reaching that dream, she will forever remember Sharon’s advice to “Always remember and look back to the people who helped you achieve your dreams.”
A resident of Lapu-Lapu City, Akiko started singing in school events when she was a fourth grader. Her first TV exposure was as a contestant for another ABS-CBN singing tilt for kids “Little Big Star.” She took up AB Masscom at the University of San Jose-Recoletos, and was the school’s grand champion in its “Josenian Got Talent” contest last year.
The chinky-eyed Cebuana will have a homecoming this Jan. 29. She will take time to thank her supporters through a motorcade and a mini-concert in a venue that has yet to be finalized.
“Hinaot ko nga inyo kong tabangan. I’m doing my best not only for myself but for all Cebuanos whom I have set as my inspiration. Since I’m the only Cebuana left, I want to show that naay ikabuga ug dili madali-dali ang mga taga-Cebu,” she quipped.
To vote for Akiko, text SPOWER <space> <name of contestant> and send to 2331 for Globe, TM, and Sun Cellular subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers. For bulk voting, text SPOWER BULK—Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk and Text and Sun Cellular—to 2366. (FREEMAN)