He found love in the Academy

He gained knowledge and found love inside the Academy. He is Ryan Jay "RJ" Jimenez, fifth evictee among the 20 scholars of ABS-CBN’s reality talent search Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) whose meaningful 49-day stay in the Academy proved to be rewarding.

Although his eviction made him lose his chance to be the reality search’s star dreamer, his hope of making it big in showbiz did not falter any single bit.

The 22-year-old knows no one is indispensable in a reality talent show where nomination counts.

"Don’t take it personally is what master Jim (Paredes) keeps on reminding us. He said nomination is part of the process in choosing the winner and after that real competition begins as we step up another door of opportunities after the Academy," the would-be singer-composer says.

With this in mind, RJ does not think he is a loser but he has a chance to be a winner as he embarks on showbiz’s survival of the fittest race armed with more knowledge gained from the Academy masters.

Rules in performing from master Jim are what RJ took by heart. He absorbed every detail of the lessons from Jim as both are into singing and songwriting. Playing the guitar and piano helps RJ in putting melody to his compositions. Back in 2003, RJ won in a radio station acoustic competition for an arrangement of All My Life. This proved his deep inclination to music. Although his logistics director dad is not that in favor for his fondness for music, RJ’s mom showed her support by buying him a guitar. He considers Jason Mraz, Eraserheads and Francis M his musical influences.

Inside the Academy, RJ has composed several songs like You’re So Mushy, Another Love Song, Please Naman which he dedicates to co-scholar Yeng Constantino who made his heart beat faster. His song Miss Kita Pag Tuesday is included in Pinoy Dream Academy Vol. 1.

"I never thought I could compose a rock song (Another Love Song) because I’m into pop. Master Jim really helped in bringing out the best in me as he encouraged each of us to do what we thought is hard to do," RJ says.

The Electronics Communications Engineering graduate of University of Sto. Tomas also appreciated the dancing skills he learned from teacher Maribeth (Bichara).

What RJ missed about the Academy is his bonding with other scholars as he was only focused on the lessons and on Yeng whom he became close to since the auditions. He promised to visit Yeng every Saturday where performance night is being held as he believes in the latter’s talent.

"Yeng is my top choice because she really has a talent. She is a total performer. I will support her," he proudly shares.

His special feelings for Yeng are evident in his words and actions.

Now out in the Academy, RJ is determined to pursue a singing career while doing compositions on the side. He has guested in shows like Homeboy, Wazzup, Wazzup, Blog and PDA on Studio 23. RJ would also like to give acting a try and reveals Toni Gonzaga is his celebrity crush.

With so much to offer, RJ will surely not be missed on Tuesday as he will be visible every day as soon as he carves a niche in showbiz.