Take part in the ABS-CBN Studio Experience

Have you ever dreamt of being a “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate, wondered who among “The Voice” judges would turn if you audition, or wanted to try the Fast Talk questions in “Tonight With Boy Abunda”?

You now have a chance to experience what it is like to be in your favorite TV program as the country’s leading media and entertainment network opened the ABS-CBN Studio Experience, or Studio XP, at the Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City last Sunday (September 16).

We tried out FastTalk with Boy Abunda and if you happened to choose the SPG questions (which we did) be ready to answer the “naughty” and sometimes “tricky” questions of the TV host as you go through the experience.

That was what we experienced when we were invited to the press confernce of Studio XP and for P375, that is quite a bargain for a one-of-a-kind experience that you can have with your family and friends.

According to ABS-CBN Themed Experiences Inc. head Cookie Bartolome, the new Studio XP is divided into three parts—Reality, Fantasy, and Retail Studios—with 15 attractions and full scale set reconstructions crafted to present a jam-packed ABS-CBN experience in a one-stop site.

“We took inspiration from Kapamilyas who are curious and eager to feel what it’s like to be inside the network’s studios. The vision was really to bring ABS-CBN closer to the people,” Cookie shared.

Inside the Reality Studio, visitors get to be a participant in various Kapamilya shows such as a housemate doing tasks in “Pinoy Big Brother” Breakout under Kuya’s guidance, and a contestant beating the time at “Minute To Win It”: The Experience to become the Last Man Standing.

More delights awaits visitors at the “The Voice” Open Mic. Find out who among the virtual coaches—Bamboo, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, and Sharon Cuneta—will turn as blind auditionees sing their hearts out.

Star Lab visitors will take the spotlight as they dabble in singing duets and perform dramatic scenes with Kapamilya artists, throw punchlines with the cast of “Goin’ Bulilit,” and take the hot seat in “Tonight With Boy Abunda’s” Fast Talk.

The Fantasy Studio, meanwhile, provides more thrilling attractions for the adventure-seeker, such as the Action Academy, an obstacle course offering stunt trainees a chance to compete in speed and strength ala Cardo Dalisay or Darna.

The ARX—an augmented reality game—allows group of participants to beat out virtual monsters together in an exciting match, while guests 12 years old and below will enjoy the expansive Superheroes Playground, along with other select Studio XP attractions.

Visitors of the sprawling, 1,400 sqm-studio city are all welcomed at the Walk of Fame leading to the Heritage Hall where they get to see vintage memorabilia and broadcasting equipment, including the Millennium Transmitter, one of the network’s most recognized symbols.

If the Studio XP becomes a hit, Ms. Bartolome said they might bring said attraction to other key cities in the Philippines.

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Bullet Dumas said he dreamed of becoming a doctor. But he recalled writing in his high school yearbook that he aspires to be the greatest musician in the world.

He loves music and it has become his passion. Just like his friends, Bullet loves playing the guitar. Wherever he goes, his guitar is a constant companion. But he never thought that one day that he will pursue a career as a singer.

He first worked as a folk singer although he didn’t really understand if he was one. “I guess the people just put me there or labeled me as such. That was how I was able to hone my talent,” said Bullet.

Bullet’s love for music never wavered. He first received major critical attention when he joined the first ever Elements National Music Camp in 2010. His unique style captured the attention of camp mentors like Ryan Cayabyab, Trina Belamide, Francis Reyes, and Joey Ayala.

Bullet was given an advice by Joey Ayala that he never forgets.

“He told me that it would be better if my speaking voice is similar to my singing voice. That it shouldn’t be that different,” he said.

So when he sings, he just does.

“My voice is not perfect; my guitar playing is not perfect. But people have told me that when I merge the two, they produce great harmony,” he said.

Bullet will headline his very first solo concert “Usisa” presented by Stages Sessions on Oct. 5, 8 p.m. at Music Museum. Among his many compositions, “Usisa” is his favorite because the word means “to search for truth.” That, he believes, is what he stands for as an artist.