Perks, pressures of impending fame

FINAL 6 (from left): Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert, Akihiro Blanko, Shaira Mae, Mark Neumann and Chanel Morales

It’s uncanny.

The top six finalists of TV5’s reality talent search “Artista Academy” (AA) have started spewing out the same answers.

It’s almost as if they were just one mammoth aspirant—even though these boys and girls come from various parts of the country.

It must be because of the rigorous training they’ve been getting in the “Academy.”

Or, is it because Vin Abrenica (Pampanga), Sophie Albert (Tarlac), Akihiro Blanco (Pasig), Shaira Mae (Las Piñas), Chanel Morales (Bacolod/Iloilo) and Mark Neumann (Batangas) are just so like-minded that they think alike?

One thing’s for certain, they are all hungry for fame and have begun feeling the pressures of the competition.

“Before joining the contest, I was kinda lazy,” Shaira Mae admitted. “But with all our tasks in the show, I couldn’t afford to take it easy. I became more disciplined.”

“I learned how to manage my time,” Chanel related. “And to be patient and not to complain even though we are often tired and sleep-deprived. I always need to put my best foot forward.”

“I used to be shy, but with regular practice in the Academy, I became more comfortable onstage,” Akihiro said.

“I gained confidence,” Sophie said. “It helped me find out who I really am as a person. I learned everything I need to know to make it in show biz.”

“I became stronger,” said Mark. “I’m not easily daunted by stress anymore. Physically, mentally, emotionally, I matured a lot.”

Vin echoed his batchmates’ sentiments. “When I joined the show, I just graduated from culinary school and didn’t know how to act, sing or dance,” he owned up. “I am thankful to the teachers for helping me become the performer I am now.”

Their mentors in the Academy include Joel Lamangan for acting, Louie Ocampo for singing and Georcelle Dapat of G Force for dancing.

The current TV landscape is littered with all sorts of talent contests. How can AA help them stand out in the biz after the competition?

They chorused: AA’s educational component spelled the difference for them.

“We really go to school in AA,” Chanel said. “After this contest, we will be secure enough to handle whatever challenges that may come our way.”

Shaira related: “The teachers are totally focused on us. They want us to improve.”

“‘Pinoy Big Brother’ is just about making pa-cute, but in AA we really got to taste the life of an artista: the acting, dancing and singing workshops, the tight schedules, the sleepless nights,” Mark pointed out.

What about the constant scrutiny?

“When I get criticized by the teachers, I take it as a chance to prove myself. I work harder. I rehearse more often,” said Akihiro. “This show helped me realize that I have acting talent.”

Sophie recounted: “From 15,000 contestants, we’re now down to the final six. This is an achievement in itself. AA showed us what we need to work on, to improve as persons and performers.”

Vin quipped: “I really chose AA over other reality shows (in other stations). TV5 is also a new channel. It’s like the network and I are growing at the same time.”

Grand finale is tomorrow night.

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