The StarStruck challenge: Stiffer and tougher

As the number of finalists in the fourth edition of GMA 7’s StarStruck The Next Level gets smaller, the competition becomes stiffer and the challenges tougher.

However, success comes to those who dare and act. That’s why even if the contestants commonly say "it’s not easy" (the battery of tests), all are eager to battle it out to achieve their dream of becoming the next young stars.

An acting stint with some members of the Bakekang cast, a test in convincing people to vote for them, doing their own makeup and a trial in power dressing were some of the challenges the survivors went through in the previous episodes.

But greater tasks loom for the artista search finalists after two of the 14 survivors, Fil-Am Dave Valentino and Renee Lascuna of Davao, were recently eliminated in StarStruck’s VoteStruck Special.

Paulo Avelino, Prince Stefan, Dex Quindoza, Mart Escudero, Jan Manual, Aljur Abrenica, Stef Prescott, Jewel Mische, Rich Asuncion, Kris Bernal, Hazel Uy and Jesi Corcuera are the 12 remaining survivors who have successfully stepped up to another level of challenge.

Since Monday, the 12 finalists are into another challenge dubbed as Kiss Flicks, directed by Rico Gutierrez. It is their first real acting test and on-screen challenge after attending an acting workshop with Gina Alajar.

Although Mart of Cavite and Paulo of Baguio already know what it is like to be in showbiz, they are still muddling through with the tests given them.

Mart has played a role on the GMA 7 soap Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat and appeared on three shows with the rival network. The 16-year-old high school student of St. Jude Academy has a soft spot for sick kids. If he wins, he will donate part of his prize money to PGH.

Paulo, on the other hand, who has an Igorot lineage like Ultimate Survivor Marky Cielo, has starred in digital film, Puso3, last year. He finds the workshop with Gina Alajar the most challenging he had so far.

Even if the two have already tasted what it is like in front of the camera, the other finalists are giving them stiff competition. All are feisty and will do everything to get the judges’ nod and televiewers’ text votes.

To prove his winnability, Jan of Laguna has tried to overcome his shyness and shown his best in previous challenges, while Kris of QC keeps on raising the bar to what she can offer the local tinseltown.

"Even if I lack sleep, I still attend classes whenever possible before call time. I’m trying hard to achieve my dream to be an actress without neglecting my studies," the nursing student says.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time Aljur of Pampanga joined in the search. He was not included in the search’s second batch but giving up is not in his vocabulary. This time he proves that luck seldom comes to the timid and weak. He is even considered a big threat by most of his co-survivors.

"It’s flattering that they see me as a threat but a big pressure on my part to do my best in every challenge we will take because I know everybody is talented," he says.

Speaking of talent, Stef of La Union, Hazel of Cebu and Jewel of Bulacan are ready to show what they’ve got for a chance to be a star.

Even son of royalty, Stefan of Iloilo, wants to taste the sweetness of stardom.

While some of the contestants join the search aiming to show their talent, it is also a fact that some want to secure their future and help their families.

Self-confessed lesbian Jesi of Pasay now wears high heels. She likewise underwent a complete makeover to show that she could be another teen star.

"My mom, an entertainer in Japan, is not getting any younger. That’s why I’m really trying my best to win," she says.

Rich of Bohol worries for the education of younger siblings. She knows that her bank messenger cum janitor dad and fish vendor mom have a hard time financing their education.

"I join every contest there is. I hope people will see my talent," Rich says.

Likewise, Dex of Tondo wanted to use his talent for his mom’s medication.

With hope, guts, talent and a dream of making it big in showbiz, who among them will clinch the titles Ultimate Sweetheart, Ultimate Hunk and Ultimate Loveteam?

Airing weeknights after Jumong, StarStruck will have a Red Carpet Special on Sunday after Mahiwagang Baul.