ALL ABOUT THE FINAL FOUR
Yasmien Kurdi:
Doing what she enjoys most
When she made it to the Starstruck Final 4 last Friday, Yasmien Kurdi realized that shes only a step closer to reaching her goal that whatever she would be doing in the next few days would determine her fate.
It was then that I told myself that this is not just all about having fun. I have to take this competition seriously if I really want to win. Its about time that I start using the valuable knowledge I gained from my Starstruck experience and let it work to my advantage, she shares.
Only turning 16 this January 25, Yasmien has already learned to appreciate every bit of knowledge that comes her way be it from criticisms or from her personal observation of her own flaws or shortcomings. She admits that Starstruck has taught her how to become her own person, to carve her personality from the very traits that are unique to her. Imitating someone else will not do me any good. Ive vowed to just be myself and let the people like me or at least accept me for who I truly am and what I can offer them. I want them to see the real Yasmien who is a kalog person who always gives her best, she adds.
Yasmien discloses that the main reason why she wants to pursue a career in showbusiness is because it is what she enjoys doing most. Its not really all about the money, but more of following your heart and doing what you love to do most. I love to perform because its self-gratifying for me and at the same time I am able to make other people happy, she says.
As part of Starstrucks reality-based format, Yasmien and the other three survivors are each handled by professional and renowned talent managers to give them a taste of the actual life of a superstar. Find out how Yasmien will fare under the tutelage of Wyngard Tracy.
Jennylyn Mercado:
For the love of singing
Jennylyn Mercado is first and foremost a singer. At sixteen, she has already set her mind on being a singer even if she doesnt become the ultimate Starstruck survivor. She knows that her strength is in singing, thus it is the field she knows she can really excel in.
If ever I win as ultimate Starstruck survivor, I would want to be included in GMA shows like SOP and perhaps in a talk show because singing and hosting are what I believe I do best. But if I dont win, I would most likely take a rest, continue my studies, and go back to singing in bars like I used to before I joined Starstruck. If I get lucky, I would want to sign up for a recording company someday. One thing is for sure, though that whether I win or not, I would still try to continue my studies, Jennylyn shares.
She admits that Starstruck is the best thing that ever happened to her because the experience taught her the value of perseverance. She has learned to work very hard for the goals she sets for herself and realized the importance of remembering past mistakes to make self-improvement worthwhile.
Now that their number is down to four, Jennylyn and the other survivors are placed under the guidance of some of the most sought-after talent managers in the industry. For a week, the survivors will get a taste of the actual life of a superstar by living on their own pads, having their own cars and personal assistants, and experiencing other perks and peeves of showbiz stardom. See how Jennylyn will fare under the management of Manny Valera.
Rainier Joseph Castillo:
Following Gods will
When he stood on the Starstruck stage awaiting the announcement of the Final 4 last Friday, Rainier Joseph Castillo admits that there were two similar questions running in his mind: what would happen to him if he got eliminated and what would come next for him if he got included in the surviving group?
Rainier discloses that he least expected himself to survive this long because he thinks he didnt fare well in some of the tests given to them. But he is thankful that he managed to survive through the inexorable support of so many people, especially the legions of fans who cheer and pray for him.
I still cant help but be overwhelmed every time Im informed about or actually see my supporters. I still find it hard to believe, but I tell myself that if it is Gods will for me to win this competition, then it will be given to me. The overwhelming support I get from fans is enough for me to keep on improving myself. Each time I am faced with difficulties, especially in the many tests we have to go through, I draw strength from the thought of having so many people praying for me to succeed, he shares.
Rainier admits that he prepares himself for the stiffer competition ahead by starting each day and each test with a prayer. He also conditions his mind to be ready for anything that may come that even if he has had a taste of what actual celebrity life is like, he knows that more difficulties await him. And from this, he lifts his advice for those youths who aspire to make it in showbusiness and share the same dreams of stardom: We must prepare ourselves for so many surprises ahead. Whats important is that we put our heart in what we are pursuing and never forget to pray and ask for Gods guidance and blessing.
For Starstrucks Week 12, where the Final 4 survivors are made to experience actual celebrity life, Rainier will be under the tutelage of renowned talent manager Douglas Quijano.
Mark Angelo Herras:
Sincerity in his chosen career
Now that he made it to Starstrucks Final 4, Mark Angelo Herras admits that he tries not to answer the question of whether or not he will win as an ultimate survivor. Instead, he just focuses on doing his best in every test he has to go through and just hope that people would sense the sincerity in his actions and make them decide for themselves if he truly deserves to win.
Mark attributes his having gone this far to the unrelenting support of those people who believe in him. He is flattered that there are countless fans who cheer for him, and he tries to reciprocate by treating them nicely and acknowledging their presence. According to him, if theres one thing that he can promise his fans and the other people who have been following him throughout the competition, its that of not becoming arrogant. He promises to remain the same person and keep endearing himself to people by being sincere in everything he does and say.
He also wants to be a testimony of the power of prayer and the reward of keeping a strong faith in God. Despite the hardships he and his family had to endure when they lost all their fortunes in a pyramid scam, they held on to their faith and believed that God had something better in store for them. True enough, the opportunity for him to break into showbusiness came via his inclusion in Starstruck.
And now that he is a step closer to becoming the star he has been hoping to be, he vows to give his best and let God determine his fate. He admits that he feels strongly about breaking into showbusiness, but also accepts the fact that he may not be hailed as the Starstruck winner. Nevertheless, he is determined to pursue other avenues to stardom because he believes that the knowledge and popularity he gained from his Starstruck experience would not come to nought.
Mark gets a taste of actual celebrity life under the expertise of well-known talent manager Lolit Solis for Starstrucks Week 12 test.
HOSTS
Dingdong Dantes and Nancy Castiglione
DINGDONG DANTES got his start when he joined TGIS and has since been seen on hit shows like Anna Karenina, Text, Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga and SOP. His latest on-screen project is Twin Hearts.
One of the biggest difficulties that he has had to overcome is going to school and working in show business at the same time. His father is his inspiration and helps him to overcome the challenges in his daily life.
Even if he is already a big name and the co-host of Starstruck, Dingdong is not immune to being starstruck himself. He remembers that seeing Sharon Cuneta up close for the first time as one of the moments he was in awe of a major star. And he dreams of one day meeting Kiefer Sutherland.
His tips for the aspiring stars? Have a goal, work hard and be patient.
NANCY CASTIGLIONE has been gracing our television screens in numerous shows, most recent of which were Kool Ka Lang, Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga, Love to Love and Kahit Kailan. But Nancys first appearance on-screen was through commercials.
Her biggest challenge when she was first starting was speaking Tagalog, something that she has learned to overcome.
Vilma Santos and Amy Austria are her role models. Lorna Tolentino is another talented lady who makes Nancy feel starstruck.
In the future, Nancy would like to play a lesbian in a movie and she hopes to one day work with Robin Padilla.
Her tips for the aspiring stars? Dream, believe and aspire!
The Man Behind The Camera
Director, Lino Cayetano
An upcoming star himself in the entertainment industry , Lino Cayetano is the man behind the camera for "Starstruck". He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman (U.P.) and is currently taking his Masteral Degree at U.P.
Lino earned a degree in Filmmaking from New York Film Academy and attended several film workshops. The young and dynamic director has also directed, written and produced four short films that further honed his filmmaking abilities in New York City.
Currently he showcases his talent as the Director of Starstruck, the first reality based "artista search" on Philippine television. Endowed with creative genius and intense passion for his craft, this filmmaker on the rise combines entertainment and reality as he helps potential talents make their dreams of being future personalities come true.
Educational Highlights:
- Graduated Bachelor of Arts in Film and Audio Visual Communications, University of the Philippines
- New York Film Academy, June- August 1999
- Cinematography for Directors, Film Video Arts New York, NY. Summer term 2000
- Master Workshop with Gordon Willis, Cinematographer of the Godfather held in the School of Visual Arts, New York, NY. Summer 2000
Challenges
February 1, 2004
It all boils down to this one night for your favorite final four. Yas, Mark, Rainier and Jen are joined by guests Jaya, Lani Misalucha, Regine Velasquez, the Sex Bomb Dancers, and Ogie Alcasid. February 1, 2004 (Sunday) at 7:00 p.m. ARANETA COLISEUM. To be aired at 9:30 pm only on GMA!
If you werent able to get tickets during the motorcade on January 28th, simply watch Unang Hirit, SiS, Eat Bulaga, Startalk, SOP, S Files, Saksi, Frontpage and listen to DWLS for details on how to win free tickets! Remember, although tickets are free, you will need a ticket to get into Araneta Coliseum.
January 26 to 30, 2004
"Starstruck - The Philippine Tour"
The four Starstruck survivors go on a nationwide tour as they meet their loyal fans from the South all the way to the North.
January 19 to 23, 2004
"The Survivor Show"
Its down to four RAINIER CASTILLO, MARK HERRAS, YASMIEN KURDI and JENNYLYN MERCADO have survived challenges and trials. Now its time to allow them to show their real talents.
Monday (January 19) - A drama anthology for Yasmien Kurdi.
Tuesday (January 20) - A dance show for Mark Herras. Title: MARKs WORLD
Wednesday (January 21) - Jennylyn Mercado, unplugged.
Thursday (January 22) - A kilig drama show, which originally should be a horror adventure show for Rainier Castillo.
Friday (January 23) - Presenting the peoples choice award.
January 12 to 16, 2004
"The Starstruck Life"
This is the Starstruck life. The Starstruck survivors get to be Superstars for one week as they experience the life of a real star as handled by real and professional talent managers. With guests Douglas Quijano, Lolit Solis, Wyngard Tracy and Manny Valera.
January 5 to 9, 2004
The survivors come at par with the big stars! The week starts with a kilig moment with a male heartthrrob and a female sexy actress. Tuesday is time to show their mettle as they perform with popular stars before a live audience. Wednesday, the survivors greet the day with the Unang Hirit gang. Thursday is personal assessment time as they look back and see how far theyve come. Friday night looms with a double-edged shocker.
December 29, 2003 to January 2, 2004
"Popularity Week"
This week measures the survivors popularity. Monday sees them invading the mall unannounced and testing the crowds reaction. Tuesday, the survivors capitalize on their charisma as they sell T-shirts and other Starstruck souvenir items. Midweek, the survivors make good use of their earnings as they hold a special day for the elderly. Thursday is a grand treat for all supporters as they hold a special day with the fans. The week culminates with each survivor basking in his/her shining moment.
December 22 to 26, 2003
"The Ultimate Battle Week"
The Ultimate Battle follows their Ultimate Challenge Week as the remaining survivors battle it out in the last week of 2003. Monday, a different kind of team building as friendships and relationships of the finalists are put to the ultimate test. On Tuesday sees a Bida vs. Contrabida challenge - a different kind of acting experience. Midweek the finalists go through the Starstruck survivor Test. And on Thursday, we give you a different kind of gift giving among the finalists on Christmas Day. Rounding off the Ultimate Battle week is a different showdown on Starstruck, Live!
December 15 to 19, 2003
"The Ultimate Starstruck Week"
This week as the survivors face put all that they have learned to the test. Douglas Nierras and Powerdance return on Monday for the definitive dance test. A crucial singing challenge comes on Tuesday with Regine and Ogie. Midweek finds the survivors host their own talk show, followed on Thursday with one more acting trial gusted by Jacklyn Jose and Gladys Reyes. The end of the week is the ultimate live show
December 8 to 12, 2003
"Facing your fears / TV Hosting"
On Monday, the finalists face the best in the industry, Lolit Solis, a respected talent manager, Manny Valera, a successful movie producer and talent manager and Butch Francisco, credible host and columnist in a very different question and answer session. On Tuesday the survivors undergo an extensive speech training to prepare them as hosts. Midweek, two controversial showbiz personalities face the finalists in a different one-on-one interview. And then on Thursday finalists get to host their own Starstruck Entertainment Show! Capped off with a very special Q&A session on Friday and the elimination of one challenger.
December 1 to 5, 2003
"Acting Week"
Its time for the remaining survivors to try their hand at acting! They start the week of with Gina Alajar and a real acting workshop. On Tuesday we are treated to a taste of Filipino movies as the finalist re-enact some of the local industrys most memorable scenes. Wednesday and Thursday brings a different kind of immersion as the finalists get to act with real actors and actresses on the set of real GMA shows. The elimination on Friday brings a live acting extravaganza.
November 24 to 28, 2003
"Singing Week"
Its all about singing this week. The Starstruck survivors go through a different kind of singing assessment om Monday as they come face to face with Eat Bulagas Videokray. They also get to perform in front of an audience as they also experience K!s K! Kantahan Karavan. Tuesday finds them with The Company in a professional training session. Regine Velasquez meets the survivors midweek and shares her tried and tested techniques. Thursday provides an intimate acoustic session with Nyoy Volante and Louie Ignacio as the contestants sing songs closest to their hearts. At the end of this grueling week is the live Starstruck concert. And the elimination of another contestant.
November 17 to 21, 2003
"Work Ethics Week"
The remaining 12 survivors are in Baguio this week learning all about work ethics. Being a professional actor means always being on time, something they will have to prove on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, the long hours during a commercial shoot tries the twelves patience. A bonfire and some bonding on Thursday night leads into Fridays live stand-up comedy challenge and the elimination of one more survivor.
November 10 to 14, 2003
"Dance Week"
Douglas Nierras guests on Monday to teach the finalist the proper principles and techniques for dancing. Regine Tolentino checks out how they fare when they attend a dance events in discos and bars on Tuesday. Mid-week, the Sex Bomb Dancers take over as they take the finalists to Calamba Laguna for an out-of-town show. The dance week draws to close on Thursday with Hotlegs, Kidz at Work and the Abztract Dancers help the challengers prepare for Fridays Dance Fever show. Afterwards, yet another of the final thirteen is given the boot.
"Ganda Week"
Meet the fourteen finalists as they go through the first series of tests to determine their star quality. Sunshine Dizon and Kenji Marquez guest as the finalists find our how they register on print photos; KC Montero and Tanya Garcia take the reigns for the personal style test on Tuesday. A fitness test on Wednesday is guested by Paolo Villaroel. A gaggle of beauties take charge in a different make-over challenge on Thursday. And on Friday a live fashion show culminates in the elimination of one of the fourteen.
Judges' Corner
Joey de Leon
When we asked veteran actor Joey de Leon who he would trade places with and why, he answered God! Why? You have no right to questions God! proving that he is not only funny but witty as well.
Hes taken some time to let us in on some of his personal thoughts about making it in the spotlight as well.
The best advice he can give to aspiring actors and actresses is to be on time. In fact, he can't stress that enough. And while he has had a lot of exposure in different mediums of the media, he says that it will always be Eat Bulaga Forever!
Who will he choose as Starstrucks final two? Watch and find out.
Ida Henares
Ida knows about the ins and outs of being in showbiz having worked in the industry for so long. The ability to contribute to a persons betterment and advancement is one of the many things she loves most about her job. She has had her fair share of ups and down as well citing that her worst experience as a talent had to be when she felt that unscrupulous people tried to take advantage of her since she didnt have a professional manager.
Given that, Ida has the credentials to give tips to the aspiring Starstuck survivors. First of all, she says, one must prepare for the entry into showbiz. Understand all the facets of it. If you can, enroll in a few workshops and get a manager to represent you as well.
Her best piece of advice though is this: Concentrate on your own skills and style. Dont try to be someones clone. Offer something new. Study trends. Recognize the giver of your talent and purpose to glorify Him with it. Remember that professionalism is what keeps clients happy. Stick to the hat size you started with, keep the ego in check. Work hard.
Seems like Ida has a very high list of criterion for her choice of the Final Two. Who will they be? Watch and find out!
Joyce Bernal
Oprah inspires Joyce Bernal and even if she has been in the industry for quite some time she still claims to become star struck when she meets her idols. She loves everything about her work from the people to the projects to the technical aspect of moviemaking and its end product.
Her best advice to the aspirants is for them to be open. Open to everything criticism, ideas, suggestions because listening to them will make them better actors and actresses. She also believes that originality is a key factor in ones success. Isa lang ang Nora Aunor, isa lang ang Robin Padilla, isa lang ang Regine Velasquez is how she explains it.
Who will Joyce think has the most star potential? Watch and find out!
News & Updates
- After 14 weeks of challenges and trials, Mark and Jennylyn have emerged victorious - the two Ultimate Starstruck Survivors at the Final Judgement held at the Araneta Coliseum last February 1, 2004.
Congratulations to Mark and Jennylyn from your Kapuso family!
- The voting for Starstruck is now officially closed. But you can still text your way to P100,000 by
answering this final trivia question.
- Missed a show? Catch a rerun of Starstruck on Monday nights only on TxTube, at midnight!
