Not quite yet, but... Almost Famous

There are talent searches (both here and abroad) and there are talent searches. And then, there’s Artista Academy (AA), the talent search of its kind not only on the TV5 Kapatid Network but probably anywhere in the world.

So what makes Artista Academy a few notches above the rest? (See below the explanation of Kapatid special consultant Wilma V. Galvante who is behind AA.)

Last June 19, more than 12,000 hopefuls showed up at the Araneta Coliseum for the auditions. From that number, 300 passed, 140 of them got the much-awaited “callback.” Then, 75 of them were presented during the pilot airing when the Final 16 was announced. They were schooled at the Asian Academy of Television Arts, which was put up by Wilma who patterned it after similar academies in Japan and the US.

Next Saturday, Oct. 27, the grand finals will be held also at the Araneta Coliseum where the Best Actor and Best Actress awardees will be known. A total of P20M  is at stake, making Artista Academy the talent search with the biggest prizes that also include a Kapatid exclusive contract.

“The Final 6 is already cast in a forthcoming teleserye,” assured Wilma (who also sat as one of the judges).

Meet them (at random):

Mark Phillip Neumann. Nickname: Mark. Birthday: Aug. 23, 1994 (Leo). Educational attainment: High school and college (Travel and Tourism), both in England. Religion: Catholic. (He’s half-German and half-Filipino.)

Vin Abrenica. Nicknames: Vin or Vim. Birthday: May 29, 1991 (Gemini). Educational attainment: Culinary Arts graduate (Global College) and English Studies (sophomore, UP Diliman). Religion: Catholic. (He’s a younger brother of Aljur Abrenica.)

Akihiro Blanco. Nickname: Aki. Birthday: July 7, 1995 (Cancer). Educational attainment: High school. Religion: Catholic. (Half-Japanese and half-Filipino, he’s a nephew of James Blanco.)

Chanel Morales. Nickname: Chanel. Birthday: Oct. 30, 1995 (Scorpio). Educational attainment: Nursing (freshman, UST). Religion: Catholic. (She’s an only child.)

Sophie Albert. Nickname: Sophie. Birthday: Aug. 3, 1990 (Leo). Educational attainment: Business (on leave, FEU). Religion: Catholic. (She’s a niece of Kris Aquino and Mikee Cojuangco.)

Shaira Mae. Nickname: Ira. Birthday: May 3, 1995 (Taurus). Educational attainment: Marketing & Management (on leave, San Beda Alabang). Religion: Catholic.

How has Artista Academy changed your life?

Mark: It made me more confident and less shy. Now, I am comfortable in front of many people and of the camera. Sobra akong mahiyain noon. Now I enjoy performing on the spotlight even if still a bit nervous. I have learned to enjoy the applause. Now I feel more positive in what I do.

Vin: For one, my schedule. Before, my routine was from school to house, and back and forth. Nagdyi-jeep. It was my Kuya Aljur who’s sending me to school. Medyo spoiled ako sa kanya. He lets me use his things, and vice-versa. I live with him in the city while our parents are in the province (Pampanga). My parents and I are surprised that now I can perform in public, that I can dance and act. It was Artista Academy that brought our family back together. Before Artista Academy, medyo hiwalay na ang parents namin…hmmm, hindi naman talagang hiwalay pero hindi magkasundo…but every Saturday they get back together and the whole family is in the studio giving me moral support.

Akihiro: I still cannot believe that I would end up in the Final 6 kasi throughout the airing, I was among those with low grades. I can sing and dance but I must admit that in the beginning, hindi ako marunong umarte. But during one of the episodes, I showed that I could and that’s when my grades started to improve.

Chanel: Artista Academy has brought my dream closer to fulfillment. Performing is really my passion. I’ve been performing (singing and dancing) since I was, I think, two years old. I realized that the fans are a big factor in our journey as aspirants. Artista Academy has changed me totally.

Sophie: I’m super-shy and AA had changed that. Now, I can talk to people and look at them in the eye and not be super-nervous. Artista Academy has changed my lifestyle. Before, I used to stay at home lang. I seldom went out. Now, I’m barely home but I’ve never enjoyed anything more than what I’m doing now. I meet great people. I used to be super-sheltered, over-protected by my family. I’ve learned to grow up and to stand on my own two feet, thanks to Artista Academy.

Shaira: I became responsible. Dati, wala akong pakialam kung ano ang nangyayari. I was always late. But inside Artista Academy, I learned how to value time. Artista Academy taught me discipline. As far as my family is concerned, naging sweet sila sa akin. They have shown how proud they are of me at kung gaano nila ako kamahal. After our “live” exams, my parents would hug me and kiss me and say “I love you!” to me. It wasn’t like that before. They were not as demonstrative as they are now. Artista Academy made my world very colorful.

What’s the best lesson that you learned inside the academy?

Mark: That you cannot please everybody. Whatever happens, you have to be serious about it and enjoy what you’re doing. Just do your best and don’t expect too much. Otherwise, you will put undue pressure on yourself. Think positive. Take your failures as lessons.

Vin: Give much more than what they give you, not only what they want to see but what more you can show them. If you really aim for something, you have to make a lot of sacrifices — sa time, sa family at sa sarili mo. Give your all. Girlfriend? I don’t have any.

Aki: Discipline, such as waking up early, never be late for appointments and have everything that’s needed for the day ready. I also learned pakikisama. Even if it’s a competition, there are times when we have to help each other.

Chanel: Be open, learn as much as you can and to appreciate people especially those who help you. And, yes, just enjoy!

Sophie: Nothing comes easy. When you realize that things may be hard, it actually makes them easier. I learned to interact with people and to always be grateful for all the blessings.

Shaira: I learned to trust myself. I used to be shy. Now, I can walk and talk and perform in front of many people. I also learned to accept criticisms in a positive way.

Are you ready for showbiz (with all the intrigues, competition and temptations)?

Mark: Yes, I’m ready. 

Vin: Yes, I’m ready. I’m ready for the comparison (to Kuya Aljur). Even before I joined Artista Academy, nilalait ako pero okey lang. Kuya Aljur is always around to give me pointers. This is the life that I want and there’s no turning back.

Aki: Of course, I am. Pinasok ko ito kaya dapat harapin ko lahat ng pagsubok na darating. My family is always there to support me. I’ll just enjoy it and never forget to pray.

Chanel: I’m ready to make people happy and to entertain them, and to show them that I love doing this and this is my passion.

Sophie: Super ready! I know myself, my values are intact, so I’m prepared for whatever happens.

Shaira: Of course, I am! It has been my dream since I was a kid and now that I am in it, I will do my best.

Describe yourselves in three words.

Mark: Determined, happy and thankful.

Vin: Motivated, disciplined, excited.

Aki: Sweet, gentleman, blessed.

Chanel: Fashionista, lovely, determined.

Sophie: Clumsy, free-spirited, happy.

Shaira: Strong, passionate, positive.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)