Star Circle 9: Meet 28 new hopefuls

He dreams to be the next Martin Nievera. She dreams of becoming the heiress-apparent to dance diva Vanessa del Bianco. He wants to gain more friends, she wants to practice her "P.R." skills. All of them want to be rich and famous. No one seems to want to be himself.

Meet the members of Star Circle Batch 9, the latest group launched by the ABS-CBN Talent Center. The group is composed of 28 young wannabes namely Alwyn Uytingco, Angelene Aguilar, Michael Agassi, Abigail Cruz, Lloyd Zaragoza, Cherry Lou (yup, no last name like Madonna, Cher and Mystica), Pascal Greco, Hazel Ann Mendoza, Daniel Reyes, Heart Evangelista, Janus del Prado, Princess Schuck, Khalil Kaimo, Monique del Mar, Rafael Rosell IV, Diohanna Rios, L.A. Mumar, Rex Agoncillo, Marvin Lanuza, Julie Ann Lee, Nico Garcia, Enid Reyes, Ethan Javier, Pia Lopez, Timmboy Santamaria, Nina Mercado, Ryan Ramos and Dominique Laurel.

In forming this batch, Junjie Banat, ABS-CBN Talent Center scout says that the first thing they look at in a potential talent is the face. "Siyempre dapat maganda o guwapo. Talent can be developed." He also reveals that there were more than a thousand applicants from all over the world who wanted to be part of the latest Star Circle Batch. "But we had to trim it down to a manageable list, and then we presented them to Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) who further shortlisted it. And now, we have the final 28."

David Fabros of the ABS-CBN Talent Center enthuses, "They’re all very promising. They’re all good-looking, smart, articulate and very talented. And now since there are a lot of casting possibilities open in ABS-CBN, I think the future of this group is very exciting."

Star Circle Batch 9 was introduced recently to the press in a media launch held recently at the Virgin Cafe. During the open forum, everyone gushed at how privileged they are to be part of the ABS-CBN family. The representatives of Talent Center gushed that they are lucky to have found such a talented batch. Everyone gushed that night. While the word for the night? It was "po." It was "po this" and "po that." Even the balikbayan talents of the batch were injecting "po" in all their answers. "Okey naman po ang treatment namin dito." "Ang hirap po ng mga workshops namin po!" "I auditioned three times po..." "Studies will always be my priority po." A tabloid columnist commented, "O, di ba? Showbiz na talaga sila?!?! Puro ‘po’ ang naririnig ko!" Damned if you "po" and damned if you don’t "po." Well, such is show business where the level of reason and tolerance go up and down depending on the weather.

Seventeen-year-old Daniel Reyes, speaking in behalf of the group, dispelled the notion that "showbiz na sila." "I don’t think we’re that already," explained the charming comedian and matinee idol wannabe. "We don’t think we’ll be jarred by the showbiz system. Like for myself, my values are intact and I have a great support system with my family and friends. I’m sure they’ll be the first one to hit me on the head pag lumalaki na ang ulo ko! Ha, ha!" I hope they do, Daniel. Sometimes it’s hard to find a steel rod especially when fame starts to creep in and when your first hard-earned million arrives.

Showbizness is a magical world. You can be Darna in the morning and a cigarette vendor at night. Such is the power of the klieg lights. But at the end of the shoot, sometimes it’s hard to remember who you are – a human being who was born tiny and naked.

God bless all of you and may you be good actor-citizens of this country.

Robin’s knock-out new flick

Get knocked-out by Viva Films’ latest flick, Buhay Kamao, starring Robin Padilla which is now being screened in your favorite theaters.

Buhay Kamao is the story of Pepe (the role portrayed by Robin), a boxer who has turned his back on the sport after it caused the death of his brother. Instead, he opted to help his father attend to their vegetable business. However, circumstances force Pepe to go into boxing once more and earning the ire of his father. Pepe then seeks comfort from his bosom buddies Abdon (Bobby Andrews), Badong aka Scarlet (John Lapus) and Dek Dek (Kristine Mangle), the youngest daughter of the former boxing coach of Pepe’s brother who looks up to him like a big brother.

The movie, shot mostly in Baguio City, revolves around the hero-worship relationship between Dek Dek and Pepe and how their lives change in the process. It is a depiction of life’s realities and how fate can sometimes be too tough on a person.

Adding spice to the movie is Rica Peralejo as Vilma, Robin’s next-door neighbor who is always fighting with her boyfriend (Raymund Bagatsing).

Catch Buhay Kamao. Because sometimes, you have to face life’s adversaries with an uppercut or a left jab. And I’m sure you’ll get from the movie a boxing tip or two.