Rising Stars Philippines: From phone to fame

MANILA, Philippines—Hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Venus Raj, TV5’s newest primetime offering is the competition for the selfie generation—a chance for homegrown talents to rise from phone to fame and become the country’s next musical sensation.

A revolution is coming to your television screens this summer, March 14 to be exact.

“RisingStars Philippines” provides a game-changing concept and a refreshing way to engage its audience through the staple of Filipino culture—the karaoke. After searching through 20 cities from across the country, putting up booths in over 200 stops in major malls, barangays and schools, and finding musically gifted individuals with the potential to become a star, they are still looking for more.

The competition puts a premium on showcasing talent and making dreams more within reach. Aside from the booths, auditions were held in the comfort of living rooms through the RisingStars Philippines Mobile App. Available on Google Play store for Android phones, the app made joining the contest easy and hassle-free, with no money or time spent in long lines and traveling.

Auditions were also held via the website (www.risingstars.ph), where hopefuls could record and submit entries. Any Filipino over the age of 13 is eligible to enter the competition.

After months of screenings, online voting and eliminations, the semi-finalists of each city were pitted in the regional live shows to screen and determine the cast for the televised finals. Thousands of supporters cheered for their favorite contenders during the 12 live shows held in various malls.

What makes this competition stand out from the others is how it reaches out to the entire nation and takes advantage of the digital age. An entirely new degree of audience participation awaits viewers, as they can become part of the show at any given time.

Anyone can sing through the mobile app or website, but those who didn’t make it to the initial screenings can still record and submit a challenge entry against any of the current finalists and get a chance to replace their slot on the show.

This unique challenge concept presents a more democratized playing field, providing everyone his or her own chance to shine by showcasing their talents live on national television.

“Rising Stars Philippines” is hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Venus Raj, with Mico Aytona as roving reporter.

A former pageant contestant herself, Venus said, “the journey is more important than the destination. We all want to win and have the prize, but it is merely secondary. What is important is that you prove yourself, that you overcome the trials within you.”

Ogie is excited for the show. “There is no doubt that all of them are good, but we are looking for a rising star,” he said. “That is another ingredient we are looking for.”

The show premieres March 14, 10 p.m. on TV5 and airs until May 17 every Saturday.

For more contest details and updates, see posters, print ads, and log on to the Rising Stars website (www.risingstars.ph), or follow social media updates via Facebook /risingstars.ph or Twitter @RisingStarsasia. ADVT