From 38 hopefuls, 20 were chosen to stay in the Academy as scholars to undergo a series of trainings in singing, dancing and fitness with the guidance of Academy masters and teachers.
Weekly eliminations were held via judges’ decision, nominations from scholars and televiewers’ text votes – until final expulsion night came and there emerged the Final 6 – Yeng Constantino, Irish Fullerton, Chad Peralta, Panky Trinidad, Ronnie Liang and Jay-R Siaboc vying for the title of Grand Star Dreamer.
Yeng is the voice behind Hawak Kamay which became the theme song of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo’s starrer Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, Star Cinema’s entry to the Manila Filmfest this month.
The good composer that she is, the brains behind PDA decided to adopt another composition of Yeng’s, Awit ng Pangarap as their show’s theme.
"I think my edge over the other finalists is my ability to compose songs, but still I cannot tell how great my chance is to be the grand winner. Text votes really count," she says.
The 18-year-old high school graduate of Eastern Valley High School plays the guitar well and admires Mariah Carey, Kyla and Alanis Morisette.
Irish and Chad are global representatives of Pinoys from US and Australia, respectively. Though they both grew up abroad, Pinoy values and culture were instilled in them. Their fine singing voice and ear for music made them decide to join the reality talent search.
Irish, a biritera, is a nursing student from California who is family-oriented and speaks good conversational Tagalog.
"Whenever my mom talks to me I have to answer in Tagalog even if we are in the US. Mom has been strict about that and wanted me to be comfortable with Filipino ways," she says.
As one of the Top 6, she has prepared herself for whatever will happen and believes PDA is not just about competing singers, but also personality development and learning to deal with different people from different places as well. She will be singing Sana’y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan on Grand Star Night tomorrow.
Chad, on the other hand, originally auditioned for Pinoy Big Brother (PBB). But his singing talent overpowered his acting ability. He was chosen as one of the contestants who filled the four slots added to the supposedly only 16 scholars.
The 21-year-old lad finds singing rock a breeze and admires Eraserheads and Parokya ni Edgar.
Chad remembers Elvis Presley’s Diana as the first song he ever sang. He thinks one needs talent and self-confidence to become a Grand Star Dreamer.
Meanwhile financal reasons made Jay-R and Ronnie try their luck on PDA, where their singing talents made them land slots in the finals.
Ronnie’s dream of giving his family a comfortable life and a decent place to live in Angeles City, Pampanga pushed him for a singing career.
He got into hot water several months back when he joined a singing tilt and someone found out that he has a manager. It disqualified him from becoming a grand contender.
PDA is helping Ronnie learn not just styles in performing, but how to get along with others as well.
"Before, I was stiff and quiet. Now I’m starting to loosen up and enjoy bonding with my co-scholars," he says.
He believes each of them can become the grand winner and he’s crossing his fingers that he would make it as he is not only talented but good-looking as well.
Ronnie played a bit part in Mano Po 4 as John Prats’ lover.
Meanwhile, Jay-R, vocalist of the Cebu-based Scrambled Eggs, is giving other finalists a good fight as he is a total performer. He can do everything – from pop, R ’n B to rock. He thinks his edge over the other finalists lies in his performing style.
"I know how to internalize and deliver a song in a better way," he says.
Aside from singing, the 19-year-old also knows how to play the guitar and drums.
Jay-R will sing Rivermaya’s Kisapmata tomorrow as his solo performance number.
The last but not the least who made it to the Final 6 is 20-year-old Panky Trinidad. Although a rocker at heart, she can dish out ballad, pop, R ’n B and other musical numbers.
"I learned a lot in the Academy. I thought I cannot depart from rock but now I myself is amazed," she shares.
It also amazes Panky to know she now weighs 16 pounds below her pre-Academy weight of 217 lbs. Self discipline, she says, is one great thing she has learned in the Academy.
So who will be "it" come grand finals night? Who will win the condo unit, a car, a Belgian Waffle franchise, a recording contract and P1-M cash in store for the Grand Star Dreamer? Your guess is as good as mine.