Cebuano 1st runner-up in ‘Starstruck 6’

CEBU, Philippines – A 16-year-old Cebuano varsity player from the University of Southern Philippines was declared First Prince, or first runner-up, in the Final Judgment of GMA-7’s reality talent search “Starstruck Season 6” held Sunday night in Manila.

Elyson de Dios, who put on hold his studies for his showbiz aspirations, was among thousands of auditionees who tried their luck in the Season 6 auditions – and now, he’s the second to the last guy standing.

In a previous interview with The Freeman columnist Ricky Calderon, Elyson said his dad was disappointed about his decision to join the reality show, since he wanted his youngest child to pursue a career in basketball instead.

“It was dad’s dream to be a basketball player before but he was not given the chance to pursue that dream,” said Elyson of his father who works as a card dealer at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“But I joined StarStruck to prove to my family, especially to my dad, that I can do more than just playing basketball.”

Calderon had also noted in his column that upon meeting the Final 14, Elyson came out as among the press darlings because of the boy’s oozing charm.

In the same column, Elyson was quoted as revealing that among his celebrity crushes are Kris Bernal and Jennylyn Mercado, while he looked up to Joyce Ching and Alden Richards.

Meanwhile, Migo Adecer of Bacolod and Klea Pineda of Pampanga nabbed the Ultimate Male and Female Survivor titles, respectively. They each took home one million pesos in cash, a house and lot from Camella worth two million pesos, and a five-year exclusive contract with GMA Artist Center.  Both will also be cast in the much-anticipated remake of the hit fantaserye “Encantadia.” Ayra Mariano was named First Princess.

“StarStruck ” – which produced the likes of Jennylyn Mercado, Cristine Reyes, Megan Young and Alden – returned in 2015 after a five-year hiatus. — VAB