StarStruck's Final 14: The making of a star

MANILA, Philippines - “Watch out, I’m gonna be a star!” is what every StarStruck hopeful says with confidence as each of them aims to reach the top spot of GMA 7’s reality-based artista search.

But what really makes a star? Talent alone will not. Good looks won’t work out either. Discipline may do wonders but the totality of a person is a must. Thus, a choice between the worthwhile and worthless recently took place on the StarStruck stage after weeks of undergoing personality tests and talent improvement. Only 14 out of the 10,000 artista wannabes who auditioned in Manila, regional areas and some parts of the US, Japan and Middle East were chosen to go on to the next set of challenges by council members Lolit Solis, Iza Calzado and Floy Quintos. 

Steven Silva, Sef Cadayona, Piero Vergara, Ian Batherson, Enzo Pineda, Rye Burgos, Rocco Nacino, Diva Montelaba, Fianca Cruz, Sarah Lahbati, Princess Snell, Rox Montealegre, Nina Kodaka and Zeryl Lim are the 14 remaining survivors who have been given the chance to prove their worth to become the next big stars.

And while the number of finalists gets smaller, greater tasks loom for the aspirants who are all clueless as to what will come next. This makes Sef of Manila and Diva of Cebu anxious yet eager to try their best in surpassing stiffer and tougher challenges.  

“I admit I’m the smallest among the male (contestants) but God has a reason for everything and though I lack height, I believe there is something in me that will compensate for it,” Sef says. “Besides, it’s up to the person how to make his flaws work to his advantage. Pwede ako sa kiddie roles.”

Yet none of his competitors looks down on Sef’s 5’6’’ height. His ability to act, sing and dance already poses a threat to other finalists. “He dances really well,” is the common comment he gets from the other finalists.

Sef underwent dance training in Ballet Philippines and took time out hip-hopping with the Philippine All-Stars. He, too, is used to acting in front of the cameras, thanks to a number of commercials, the most recent of which is for an ice cream brand that talks about getting the best value for your P20.

“I believe discipline is also necessary to last in showbiz. It’s not just about the talent and looks,” Sef reasons.

Meanwhile, Diva believes dedication and desire will help her muddle through the contest challenges.

“One cannot stand the difficulties if he doesn’t love his work and the passion within inspires one to do his best,” Diva offers. 

Still, she doesn’t hide the fact that financial difficulties propelled her desire to make a mark in the local entertainment scene. She knows she can secure her family’s future if ever she wins.

“As a breadwinner, I do modeling jobs and join beauty pageants in Cebu,” Diva shares. “That’s why when I learned about it (StarStruck), I auditioned without second thoughts knowing my grandma would be extremely happy,” Diva shares.

Perhaps, she says, some might surmise that being a GMA Cebu talent and appearing in Sunday variety show Oi made it easy for Diva to reach the Final 14.

“I fell in line like any other aspirant and waited for my turn. Naghirap ako kaya patas lahat,” she reveals. “I guess until now I’m having a hard time competing especially with Sarah whom I consider my toughest competition.”

Fortunately, a lack of confidence is the least of Diva’s worries. With StarStruck’s way of putting everything to a test, she can possibly show what really makes a star.