These guys want to ride their way to fame

THE great thing about local entertainment is that there is always something new that will open the doors for those who dream to be part of show business. Be it reality shows copied from international programs or uninspired singing contests that inculcate a twisted sense of music appreciation, the Filipinos penchant of finding an easy way to get into showbiz is still as big as the great American dream of the hundreds of thousands of nurses making their exodus to foreign shores.

GMA Entertainment Network and everyone’s favorite soda brand Coke recently presented to the

entertainment and lifestyle media the 12 finalists for a new show called Ride to Fame, which is being marketed as Philippine television’s musical reality journey to fame, fortune and instant stardom.

For three months, these dreamy-eyed teenagers will ride the Coke Fame Bus, which will transport them to a musical journey with surprise stopovers that lead to wonderful turns for some, and unexpected humps for the others.

After months of auditions, the final contenders have been chosen. Let’s see whose dreams will come true. Here are the dreamers that will take the bus ride to fame:

Arron Cadawas is the self-proclaimed pretty boy from Quezon City. Dreaming of becoming the next Jay-R, he already sings and moves like the Philippine’s R&B Prince. Giu Comia likes to describe himself as the local version of Johnny Bravo minus the attitude. Beneath the young facade is someone who can give Michael Bublé a fight on any stage.

We were surprised to find Alchris Galura in the contest. Alchris has already received two best actor trophies for his performance in the film Batad and this contest might be a big risk for the promising actor. But then again, he has all the right to find whatever will make him happy while he is still young. Alchris loves the Beatles, the 1960’s music scene and kickboxing. He’s an athlete, an actor and an aspiring total performer.

Filipino-Chinese Alexander “Lex” Uy was born and raised in Davao and had to travel all the way to Manila to audition. “That’s how determined I am to make it!” he shares. Lex was born into a musically inclined family, having a music major for a mom. He gets his allowance from singing and dancing in events and brings his guitar wherever he goes.

The resident rocker is named Daryl Lagos. This tourism student also writes his own songs and plays the drums, besides being a Bamboo avid fanatic. Baguio’s Carl Guevarra dreams of becoming the next Mr. Pure Energy. Perhaps the GMA people should remind him that being a clone will never propel anyone to superstardom. His advantage is that he can play the piano, toy with the drums and compose his own songs.

Rosan Reodica from Cavite has one of the prettiest faces in the batch. She admitted that she has tried several times auditioning for Starsturck but she got stuck out everytime. “ I believe in timing and destiny, “she says, adding, “there is nothing to be ashamed of when you get rejected. In fact, it makes you tougher.” Osan is a Clothing Technology major from the University of the Philippines. Her flair for fashion design is just a step toward becoming a celebrity.

Avejane Jugueta has a string of compositions in her music suitcase. We found out that she loves to read FHM, not because she’s got hots for the ladies in skimpy bikinis but because she’s visualizing herself to be on its cover soon!

Another finalist from Baguio City is Pamela Bondoc who can can definitely accompany herself with the guitar everytime she sings. She can dance very well, too. Forget about the nouveau spelling of her name but Qwyncy Rei might just be the next Cebuano to make it big after Dulce, Sheryn Regis and Verni Varga.

Francesca Lagura has what it takes to be another Barbie Almabis or Kitchie Nadal. This female contestant from Davao is so at home with her guitar that she feels transported to another world everytime she performs.

Perhaps the most noticeable among the lot is a young lady named Musique Cabaltesa. She may not be the looker GMA7 wants but she certainly can be Ride to Fame’s version of Melinda Doolittle. She bangs the drums like a pro, strums the guitar like an expert, romances the keyboards with such fiery passion, and sings like there’s no tomorrow.

Ride to Fame airs every Sunday after SOP with Drew Arellano and Karel Marquez leading these dreamers in their musical ride of a lifetime.
Ricky T. Gallardo
The Manila Times