Meet the class of 2012

MANILA, Philippines - True to the conventions of 21st-century warfare, reality talent competitions have gone from a meager cornucopia of hopefuls into a full-blown talent-making machine. Shows like Artista Academy and Protégé not only let competitors showcase their arsenal of talents for viewers to enjoy, they also put them though a series of tests that closely resemble 20 years (or more) of industry experience — working with high-caliber directors, mentors, actors, actresses and other coaches.

Leading the pack today are the final six from Artista Academy and Protégé. Supreme shines the spotlight on champions Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert from Artista Academy and Jeric Gonzalez and Thea Tolentino from Protégé. Are they future household names? The next big things? Or mere footnotes in the weird and wonderful history of Pinoy showbiz? Time — and talent — will tell.

SUPREME: What do you think is the toughest challenge for a newbie in the showbiz industry?

Thea Tolentino (Protégé): To adjust to the new environment I’m in and to adapt to the culture and ways of showbiz.

Jeric Gonzales (Protégé): To adapt to the environment at makisama sa lahat ng tao dito sa industriya since bago pa lang kami. Para kaming mga freshmen na bagong pasok sa school na willing to learn and to know the things here.

Sophie Albert (Artista Academy): To be loved and accepted by the audience, the people in the industry and the co-actors. There’s a fine line between fitting in and getting along with people and staying true to who you are.

Vin Abrenica (Artista Academy): Making a distinct and excellent mark and at the same time, keeping your core values of discipline and goodness at all times. Sounds basic, but it’s really tough.

Mikoy Morales (Protégé): The toughest challenge for me is dealing with the changes and accepting the new reality that I am facing. I was happy with my old life, but I never thought that it could still get any happier.

What’s the most important thing you learned during your stay in the show?

Jeric Gonzales (P): Siguro para sa akin yung pinaka importante is mas nakilala ko ang sarili ko, mas nalaman ko yung mga dapat baguhin at i-improve. Those lessons I learned will help me as an actor or even in real life.

Chanel Morales (AA): Have love and determination in everything you do.

Elle Ramirez (P): Keeping the values, friendship, self-discipline, and learning to be independent.

Akihiro Blanco (AA): Discipline at pakikisama sa mga tao.

Marc Neumann (AA): Respect all people, enjoy and focus on your work. You should also be able to follow instructions, be mabait, magalang and have passion in all you do.

What kind of role do you want to be remembered for?

Mikoy Morales (P): As an actor, I’d like to be remembered as an artist who thinks out of the box. A sci-fi Anakin Skywalker-like role would be awesome. (Laughs)

Shaira Mae (AA): I’d like to be known as the versatile actress, yung pwede sa comedy, heavy drama and feel-good movies.

Thea Tolentino (P): Gusto ko yung role na inaapi kasi maraming viewers ang makaka-relate sa character na ganun. May mga pinagdaanan yung role na siguradong makakapukaw ng atensyon ng viewers.

Sophie Albert (AA): Heart-piercing memorable dramatic roles. I really love drama because I am very sensitive so I easily feel and relate to people’s emotions.

Zandra Summer (P): Remarkable kontrabida role. Yung kinaiinisan na character. Kasi once maraming naiinis na tao sa ’yo dahil sa ginagampanan mo masasabing epektibo ako bilang aktres.

Do you think you’re equipped to handle all the chismis and negative comments?

Chanel Morales (AA): Yes, because I have my family to support me all the way.

Elle Ramirez (P): Yes, I will just take those negative comments and improve my craft. As long as I know myself, hindi ako magpapaapekto sa mga tsismis.

 Akihiro Blanco (AA): Hanggang nandiyan ang supporta ng pamilya at mga nagmamahal sakin kaya ko ang kahit ano mang intriga na dumating.

Ruru Madrid (P): Of course. Kasi ganyan na ang buhay sa showbiz, maraming intriga kaya dapat handa kang i-handle yung mga negative issues na ibinabato sa ’yo. At the end of the day, mas kilala mo ang sarili mo.

Shaira Mae (AA): With my faith in God and the support and love of my family, I will take the chismis in a positive way.

If you were to copy someone’s career path, who would it be?

Zandra Summer (P): Cherie Gil. Until now ang galing niya, nothing has changed.

Akihiro Blanco (AA): Robin Padilla.

Vin Abrenica (AA): I look up to Tito Eddie Garcia, for excellence, diversity, collegiality and longevity.

Elle Ramirez (P): Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo.

Ruru Madrid (P): Zac Efron because he can do anything. He can dance, sing, and act very well.

Name some of the things you look forward to doing in your career.

Thea Tolentino (P): I’m looking forward to having a successful soap opera role.

Sophie Albert (AA): I am really looking forward to the time when I will be starring in movies and TV shows. I’m looking forward to experiencing it all and learning along the way. I am very excited about it all.

Marc Neumann (AA): Since I’m new in the showbiz industry, I will be looking forward to all the things such as different roles, meeting new people, etc. Doing new things is really exciting for me.

Jeric Gonzales (P): I want to have my own soap or teledrama. Also, I want to continue my love for music by composing songs. Gusto ko ring maipamalas yung singing ability ko and my skill in playing the guitar.

Mikoy Morales (P): To make a difference, to touch hearts and transform lives.

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For Protégé

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Styled by ASH AQUINO

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