“We can’t produce just clones of Western or Korean groups,” said acclaimed composer Ryan Cayabyab, who is the main judge of “To the Top,’ GMA 7’s coming reality-based boy band search.
While the contestants will undergo an intensive training program similar to that implemented by the K-pop industry, Cayabyab pointed out that the future winners should eventually develop something unique. “For now we’ll focus on molding them, honing their performing skills. But they need to have a Filipino identity and sing original songs,” he told reporters at a press conference.
After a series of auditions plus a wild card round, “To the Top”—which scoured schools around the country for promising male vocalists—ended up fielding 18 finalists. They are AJ Ajrouche, Lance Busa, Mico Cruz, Ken Carpena, Cholo de la Cruz, Martin de Vera, Luis Gragera, Joshua Jacobe, MJ Magno, Bryan Olano, Seph Manlapaz, Miko Manguba, JP Palanca, Adrian Pascual, Louie Pedroso, Lharby Policarpio, Chris Yumang and Edric Ulang.
“I’ve noticed that most of the viewers of entertainment programs are girls. It’s good that we’re building up a group of new faces for that target market,” said Cayabyab, who worked with vocal groups like Smokey Mountain and Tux and now handles the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.
RYAN Cayabyab: “No to clones.”
The boys will be housed together and train under vocal coaches Moy Ortiz, Sweet Plantado and OJ Mariano of The CompanY; and dance instructors Jesse Gotangco and Philippine All-Stars alumni Madelle and Prince Paltu-Ob. The aspirants will work with a group of arrangers and sound engineers, led by Jonathan Ong. Teen star Julian Trono, who trained in South Korea, is online host.
The competitors will be divided into three groups, each one preparing its own song-and-dance number for the weekly showdown. Each team’s weakest member could get the boot.
“The bands will be evaluated on how the members move, sing and complement each other,” Cayabyab said. “I’m excited because I’m into discovering and mentoring young artists. I hope the show serves as a platform for a standout talent.”
“To the Top” premieres July 25 at 7:30 p.m.