PROTEGE Unveils Top 20 Aspirants in Its First Gala Night

 P.O.T.G. FEATURE (TV):

Several years ago, I joined a feedback contest in one of the talk shows in the country.  The question was, are stars made or born?  I texted my answer / entry: "Actors are made.  Stars are born.  To be an actor, you need craftsmanship.  To be a star, you need all the luck in the world."  And, I won that contest and I got a bag from Khumbella.  :)

Anyway, that statement I made is very relevant in the recent TV program I covered.  Yesterday, TaDi was invited to the First Gala Night of PROTEGE: The Battle for the Big Artista Break of GMA Network!  And I guess that statement above is something that the show's mentors need to balance well in able for their proteges survive and win this competition.

At the first gala night of the PROTEGE, I was able to witness the preparations and the superb production details of the show.  The lights, the sounds, the dancers, and the crowd made me feel more than excited on seeing the program - its hosts, mentors, judges and aspirants! 

Protege Gala Presenter Dingdong Dantes says hi to the bloggers.

The judges (from left): Direk Bert de Leon, Cherrie Gil, Anette Gozon and Joey de Leon.

From thousands of young dreamers who auditioned nationwide for a chance at stardom, Protege narrows down the list to the coveted Top 20 aspirants who will compete in GMA's original artista search.

This supreme slate of artista aspirants, meticulously selected from 15 cities all around the country, is all set to showcase their talent and star power on the Protege arena and will compete for the judges' and the Filipinos' votes during the weekly performance nights.

It looks like the mentors and proteges will have a hard time convincing the judges!  :)

Sharing his knowledge and insights with the proteges from Mindanao is drama and action film legend Phillip Salvador. His four proteges are David John Llanas, Ruru Madrid, Apple Vega and Steffi Pacheco.

Acting as mentor for the proteges in the Visayas is multimedia icon Jolina Magdangal. Her proteges include Bryan Benedict, Mikoy Morales, Mitch Capili and Zandra Summer.

Mentoring the proteges from Northern and Central Luzon is acclaimed actor and TV director Ricky Davao. His four Proteges are Glenn Roy, Japs De Luna, Reese Tayag and Shelly Hipolito.

Guiding the Southern Luzon proteges is seasoned actress and TV director Gina Alajar. Her proteges are Jeric Gonzales, Mykel Ong, Arny Ross and Thea Tolentino.

Coaching the four proteges in Mega Manila is multi-awarded actor Roderick Paulate. His four proteges are Andres Vasquez, Vien Alen King, Elle Ramirez and Kelly D.

The toughest cuts have been made and all the beautiful faces with outstanding talents have already been picked.

For TaDi, those who caught his attention are Jeric Gonzales, Kelly D., Andres Vasquez, Shelly Hipolito, Mitch Capili, Mikoy Morales, Elle Ramirez, Zandra Summer and Apple Vega.   But it's too early to know who are the strong contenders.  My basis for top choice was audience impact.  :)  How about you, who's your bet for superstardom?   :)

What challenges await the aspirants inside the Protege Quarters? What conflicts may arise among the celebrity mentors? Who will win this tough competition?

Meanwhile, viewers can follow the backstage drama and exclusive inside scoops on the lives of the Top 20 aspirants inside the Protege Quarters through the 15-minute daily updates on "Inside Protege" hosted by Jennylyn Mercado, Mondays thru Fridays after "One True Love."

You can also visit the website www.gmanetwork.com/protege and catch webjock Maxene Magalona for daily updates.

And that has been the TaDi way!  Have a good day!  :)