Meet the 8 finalists of MTV Philippines VJ Hunt

MANILA, Philippines — Eight hopefuls are vying to become the next MTV Philippines VJ.

After MTV staged auditions around the country, the eight finalists all come from Manila, with three of them having had some experience hosting events or being involved in the local music scene.

Kito Romualdez is a VIVA recording artist who is trying his luck as a host. After leaving his stable career in Canada in a bank, Kito moved to the Philippines to join the music industry.

RX 93.1 radio disc jock Chris Schneider would like to take his career in the next level, so he decided to join the competitive VJ Hunt.

Though his current profession may give him a huge advantage, Chris believes otherwise saying, "it was a bit of culture shock, seeing how everyone watches you while you speak."

Meanwhile, Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental 2010 winner Carla Lizardo is now a host in a show in PTV channel 4.

Though her job is typically similar to that of an MTV VJ,  Carla said it's really different since she's used to having a tele-prompter as a guide.

The remaining five finalists, on the other hand, are newbies in the industry.

Student-athlete Erika Westly, who loves to sing, albeit in the shower.

There's also student-blogger Aryanna Epperson, who says that if given the chance to be an MTV VJ, she will do her best to balance her work and studies.

She may be petite, but don't underestimate Sarah Edwards' capacity to light up everyone's mood with her bubbly personality. She also says curiosity is her tool to appreciate music from every genre.

Who would have thought a management graduate would like to enter showbiz? Anton Mercado couldn't answer as well, but he surely would like to be in the entertainment business, and being an MTV VJ will take him one step closer to his dream.

His background as a Judo fighter has nothing to do with his interest to try hosting, yet Mickey Regala believes that winning the competition can lead him to the career he wants to grow in.

The eight finalists all have their own strengths and weaknesses, which will be tested in different challenges prepared for them. In a three-episode program, MTV Philippines viewers will see how much the young, aspiring personalities are willing to give to become an MTV Philippines VJ.

Aside from passing the challenges, their chances of winning will be decided as well by the public through text votes that will commence right after the the first challenge episode is aired tonight, Wednesday, September 17.

Find out who among the eight finalists will be joining Yassi Pressman, Josh Padilla, Sam Pinto, Andre Paras and Shy Carlos as MTV Philippines VJ.

Find out on October 3, at the Le Pavillion. There will be performances as well from Erik Santos, Spongecola, Matteo Guidicelli, and Sarah Geronimo.