PINOY DREAM ACADEMY

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2010-01-19T00:07:00.000+08:00

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IF WE FALL IN LOVE by: Yeng and RJ

2006-12-11T22:08:00.000+08:00

ooooohhh...

there will be no ordinary days for you
'cause there is some one that cares like i do
you where no reason to be sad anymore
i am always ready with a smile
with just one glimpse of you

you don't have to search no more
'cause i am someone who will love you for sure

Chorus:
So if we fall in love maybe we'd sing this song as one
If we fall in love we can write a better song than this
If we fall in love we will have that somebody in our heads
If we fall in love any where with you would be a better place

You can watch that movies in a different light
Coz I will be right there beside you
Hugging you oh so tight
Has you never felt so cold empty again
coz i will keep on holding on and wont let go (never letting go)
You dont have to search no more coz I am someone who will love you for sure

Chorus (1x)

Feel so good when you're around
One smile from you (one smile from you) make me feel so right

Chorus (1x)

RJ is OUT

2006-10-20T18:26:00.000+08:00

After forty-odd days of practically living and breathing music inside the Academy, Ryan Jay Jimenez became the fifth member to be expelled. But this doesn’t mean that RJ will stop pursuing a career in music just yet; in fact, the ex-scholar is getting ready to make a name for himself outside of the Academy.

This singer, songwriter and accomplished musical arranger taught himself guitar while in Grade 7. Drawing on his influences, particularly the Eraserheads, Francis Magalona and Jason Mraz (he even had his guitar autographed by this foreign artist), RJ honed his musical skills and won a radio station acoustic competition with his rendition of ‘All My Life’ last 2003. His original composition ‘Miss Kita Pag Tuesday’ was already popular in his alma mater UST and small bars, and was in fact the song he played during the Pinoy Dram Academy auditions.

Life inside the Academy was a learning experience for RJ in more ways than one; between rehearsals and performances, his relationship with co-scholar Yeng became stronger and more apparent. In fact, RJ shared a tearful moment with her before moving out, promising to attend her live performances every Saturday.

And during his press conference, his first major public appearance since his expulsion, RJ voiced out his thoughts on life, love and music:

On his musical evolution:
“Dati nung maliit ako, aral lang ako nang aral, hobby lang ang pagkanta. Tapos nung nalaman naman ng family ko, todo suporta naman sila.”

On ‘Miss Kita Pag Tuesdays’:
“Tungkol sa classmate ko nung college na pumunta na sa States; seatmates kase kami everyday except Tuesdays.”

On his favorite teachers inside the Academy:
“Sina Teacher Moy, Jim, and Maribeth, andami ko pong natutunan sa kanila, grabe.”

On having a love team:
“Kung gusto po ng tao… sila na po ang bahala.”

On plans to court Yeng:
“Oo naman!”

On becoming famous:
“Yung tao lang po makaksagot nun.”

On the press:
“Press-sure!”

On his goal after PDA:
“Gusto ko lang mag-grow as an artist.”

On acting:
“Kung bigyan ng chance, why not?”

On his best bet to win:
“Si Yeng syempre!”

PDA’s 5th probation night!

2006-10-09T14:11:00.000+08:00

After Oona’s departure from the Academy, it was time to reveal who among the remaining scholars are nominated for expulsion this week! Headmaster Jim was present to give the students their class cards wherein a red mark meant that the student is on probation while a black one meant that he/she is safe from expulsion. First up were last week’s Star Scholars Panky and Eman along with the three former probationary students, Yeng, Davey, and Kristoff. Right after watching video clips of their performances, the Headmaster started to hand out their class cards wherein Panky got the highest grade for the 2nd consecutive week! As for the others, all of them but Kristoff are safe from getting expelled this week. Juror Leah Navarro was clearly disappointed with Kristoff’s performance saying, “ayan na naman parang di mo naririnig yung mga nota.”

After getting nominated – again, Kristoff wasn’t that upset anymore and tried to remain positive, “I guess I just have to show the judges what the people see (and) at least nag-improve ang grade ko.” Next up were the remaining group of PDA boys, Ronnie, Jay-R, Chad, Yvan, and RJ. Even though Panky got the highest grade, Ronnie who got the 2nd highest grade of 9.33 from the jurors will be this week’s Star Scholar so that everybody will be given a chance to shine. However, RJ got nominated for the first time! Juror Jimmy Antiporda explained, “Napansin ko nagkakaron ng problema ang pagkanta mo at paghawak ng gitara kaya nawawala ka. Practice lang (and) improve on your singing.”

The last batch of scholars to visit the Headmaster last night were composed of Iya, Michelle, Joan, Rosita, Chai and Irish. Since two boys got nominated already, it automatically meant that 2 of the girls from their group will be on probation as well. Unfortunately, Michelle got nominated for the 2nd time while it was a first for former Star Scholar Iya. Juror Jimmy Antiporda advised Iya to be more adventurous with her singing while his fellow juror Vernie Varga left some harsh words for Michelle – who also got this week’s lowest grade of 6.66. “Ikaw yung weakest performer, ‘di mo na dapat karirin ‘yung pag-awit.” In spite of that comment, Michelle remained steadfast and promised to work harder this week. But the Headmaster also had another important announcement for the students that night, in order to maintain a standard of excellence in the Academy, students who got nominated for the 5th time will automatically be expelled.

Oona out of PDA

2006-10-09T14:07:00.000+08:00

Fresh from their “backbiting issue”, the scholars all had to be at their best at PDA’s 4th Expulsion Night! In order to help them showcase their talents better, all of the scholars had to do a solo performance last night. Host Toni Gonzaga introduced this week’s Jury of Three which was composed of music industry insiders, Leah Navarro, Jimmy Antiporda, and Vernie Varga. The four on-probation scholars, Yeng, Oona, Kristoff and Davey had to draw lots to help determine the order of their performances. Starting off the night’s performances were this week’s Star Scholars, Eman and Panky. PDA’s class clown Eman impressed the judges with his rocking rendition of “Daliri” wherein juror Leah Navarro praised him for having improved a lot in a span of only a week. Meanwhile, Panky showed off the rocker in her through the song “Hard to Handle”. As for what juror Vernie Varga thought of Panky’s performance? “Maganda ang boses mo, alam mo ang ginagawa mo on stage, very good!”

The first on probation scholar that performed last night was Yeng who did a soulful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I will always love you”. While the audience loved Yeng’s performance of such a tricky song, juror Jimmy Antiporda had something different in mind, “madaming pwedeng iimprove sa high notes mo, i-fine tune nalang.” Next up was a love song medley from Iya, Michelle and Joan. Juror Leah Navarro thought all three girls did a great job with their respective numbers particularly Joan who did a wonderful rendition of Celine Dion’s “It’s all coming back to me now”. As for Iya and Michelle, Ms. Navarro gave both of them some advice on how to do better next time. Following that beautiful medley was probationary student Oona who, according to juror Vernie Varga was, “driven at gusto niya ang ginagawa niya.”

The 3rd probationary student who performed last night was Kristoff who sang Bryan McKnight’s “Win”. Juror Jimmy Antiporda liked Kristoff’s attitude and thought his song was “uplifting”, and even though he thinks Kristoff should still work on his high notes, Mr. Antiporda didn’t hesitate to offer to help Kristoff with his career in the future. “I’d be happy to give you a song,” he said. Rounding up the list of last night’s nominated scholars was Davey who definitely impressed juror Leah Navarro. According to her, Davey surely improved a lot and made the right choice of sticking to his comfort zone. The next group of scholars who performed was Chai, Irish, Jay-R, Ronnie, and Rosita who each had a chance at showing the audience their vocal prowess. Juror Vernie Varga thought Chai and Ronnie will have a bright future in the recording industry while Jay-R seemed fit to become the next showbiz heartthrob, and she was simply speechless with Irish’s performance. As for Rosita? Ms. Varga was definitely impressed with her “fighting spirit”.

Before Toni announced this week’s texters’ choice, RJ, Yvan, and Chad serenaded the audience with their medley. Juror Jimmy Antiporda enjoyed the 3 scholars’ performances even though they still had to work on their pitch a bit. The audience’s anticipation grew as Toni announced this week’s texters’ choice, Kristoff who got a whopping 47.63% of the total number of text votes. Following that was the teachers’ announcement of who they want to stay in the Academy. Yeng couldn’t contain her emotion when Headmaster Jim said that they chose to save her from expulsion. This left Oona and Davey who relied on their classmates’ votes. After a close fight, it soon became clear that majority of the remaining students chose Davey to stay in the Academy which left Oona as the 3rd scholar to get booted out!

Scholars expel Geoff Taylor from PDA

2006-10-09T13:57:00.000+08:00

Geoff Taylor will be moving out of the Pinoy Dream Academy after being expelled for receiving only five votes from fellow scholars against Chai Fonacier’s 11 during the reality show's third expulsion night Saturday.

"Maraming, maraming salamat po sa mga happiness na ibinigay ninyo sa akin, mga advices. Maraming salamat," Taylor said.
Headmaster Jim Paredes commented that Taylor had improved his movements and the clarity in singing.

"You’ve gone a long, long way," Paredes said.

Taylor will not leave the academy empty-handed as he has won P200,000 worth of franchise from Belgian Waffle Mall Cart.

Earlier, Yvan Lambatan was saved by viewers, including subscribers of The Filipino Channel, from being expelled by garnering 29.47 percent of text votes, the highest among the four scholars placed under probation this week.

A very tense moment followed Lambatan’s rescue after the faculty opted to choose Rosita Bareng to remain inside the academy, leaving Taylor and Fonacier’s fate at the hands of fellow scholars.

"Let me say, overall, everybody improved so much. You improved in all aspects of performance," Paredes said.

The scholars, some of whom were asked to explain their vote, decided to keep Fonacier in the end.

PDA fans had a fun-filled night watching and cheering their favorite teams while they perform on stage.

Also lending support to the star dreamers during the expulsion night were PDA faculty members Maribeth Bichara, Moy Ortiz and Malou de Guzman.

Gary Granada, Leah Navarro and Kitchie Molina composed the jury that gave constructive feedback to the performers. The jurors will pick the next batch of scholars to be placed under probation for the coming week.

Jun Hirano bowing out of the show

2006-09-24T00:37:00.000+08:00

It has been confirmed that Jun will be having his last performance on Pinoy Dream Academy this coming Saturday . Voting had already been cancelled and its definite that the three other nominees for expulsion will be saved for another week.

Upon master Jim’s visit to the hospital where Jun stayed for the whole day yesterday, Jun expressedly made his decision final that he will leave the academy. It was said that his mother was the one pushing him to join the contest and him joining only half-heartedly. Maybe thats why he cried profusely when his name was called a month ago during selection night.

Its sad to see Jun leave, but the show must go on. Too bad for his fans. Good Luck Jun.

Fitzgerald kicked out of Pinoy Dream Academy

2006-09-24T00:28:00.000+08:00

Gemma Fitzgerald of Australia became the first pop star aspirant to be kicked out of ABS-CBN’s reality show Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) on Saturday after getting the lowest number of votes from other star dreamers.

By a vote of 10-3, Fitzgerald was evicted from the academy, saving fellow nominee Honora "Oona" Barretto of Bukidnon.

The climax of PDA's first expulsion night unfolded after 18 star dreamers were asked to choose who between Fitzgerald and Barretto should remain inside the academy. Two other nominees, Kristoffer Abrenical of Canada and Rosita Barreng of Dubai, have been saved by viewers' text votes and the PDA faculty.

One by one the PDA scholars were called to reveal their choice while facing the two remaining candidates for eviction.
"I have to be strong for them and I have to be strong for myself. They all deserved to be there. I have no hard feelings against you all. I love you all. Keep trying your best and don’t ever give up," Fitzgerald said.

Abrenical was saved from expulsion after acquiring the highest number of text votes (53.15 percent) from the viewers. Barreng, on the other hand, won the approval of PDA headmaster Jim Paredes and teachers Maribeth Bichara, Moy Ortiz, Gretchen Malalad and Malu de Guzman.

The nominees were given a chance to perform for the last time before a packed PDA concert hall to convince the viewers, their trainers and fellow scholars to save them.

"Nalulungkot kaming lahat… minahal na namin sila (We are all sad. We love them all). We talked to the four nominees and I said, ‘Our relationship does not have to end tonight.’ I will be here. If they still want to learn I will be here for them," Paredes said.

Fitzgerald will leave the academy Sunday.

A three-member panel – songwriter Vehnee Saturno, Warner Music Philippines manager Neil Gregorio and singer Pops Fernandez - gave comments on the performances. It was also tasked to choose the new scholars to be nominated for expulsion next week.

PDA is the brainchild of the Netherlands-based production company Endemol, the creator of "Big Brother" and the "Deal or No Deal" shows.

THE FINALISTS

2006-09-23T23:17:00.000+08:00

RJ is an ECE graduate, who's supposed to take his ECE Board Exams, this November when he stumbled upon Pinoy Dream Academy. In spite of hoping that his son would be an engineer, RJ's father is still very supportive of his son's decision to enter the Academy. Though he is a good composer and singer,Â RJ knows that he cannot be the perfect performer because he has a big problem with dancing. His original composition "Miss Kita Pag Tuesday" was a hit in UST where he graduated.

18-year-old Yeng the rebel-rocker, stopped schooling in order to help out her parents. She sacrificed her own education in order to let her siblings continue with their own schooling. Never giving up on her music, Yeng used her time to continue to live out her passion and soon became the lead vocalist of a rock band. She has written a number of songs like, “Hawak-kamay” which is about a cousin whom she has developed a deep friendship with.

Gemma is a 20 yr. old medical administrative officer from Australia. She started singing when she was four and loves to perform in front of people. Besides singing, she can also dance and act. Her Australian-Irish father and Filipino mother are very supportive of her chosen career. Being part of a multi-cultural family, she says the only difficult thing about it is having to cook two different meals for her parents due to their different tastes. She is also into sports and was once Miss Philippines-Australia. She is excited about the prospects of entering the Academy because this is what she really wants to do with her life – be a performer.

23 yr. old Yvan takes after his father who was a jazz musician. At the young age of 20, he got married and started a family. Not having finished his education, Yvan turned to music as his source of living. He is a vocalist of a band who is based in Baguio. He loves composing songs for his wife, who still has to understand the nature of his job as a performer. They used to fight over girls swooning over him when he performs. He sends his wife to nursing school and he knows the hardships of being married at an early age but he doesn't have any regrets. His family actually serves as his inspiration to work hard.

20 yr. old Kristoff is extremely close to his only sister, aside from having gone through a lot of things together the two also work in the same company back in Canada. Kristoff works as a grocery clerk while his sister works at the payroll department. They have a younger brother who died at a young age – not only did it help them become closer, Kristoff’s brother also serves as his inspiration to succeed. Aware of Kristoff’s dreams of becoming a singer, his sister - who’s also his bestfriend and manager, always help him out when it comes to auditions and makes sure he’s always well prepared. For the Pinoy Dream Academy audition, Kristoff had to save a lot of money in order to fly him and his sister to San Francisco, California where the auditions were held. He was pleasantly surprised when he found out that he made it to the next round of auditions. He wants to make it big to make his family, most especially his sister proud.

21 yr. old Ronnie used to be a ramp model based in Pampanga before his manager discovered that he could sing. He owes a lot to his manger for helping him get started on his career which is why he was really disappointed when he got disqualified in a singing competition just because he doesn’t want to give in to their demands. There’s no doubt that Ronnie has a beautiful voice but he still needs to work on showing some emotion while singing as well as correct his diction problem.

23 yr. old Irish was raised by her mother and stepfather. She has never met her real father and is not really interested in meeting him. She’s really close to her mom who she considers her best friend. While studying nursing in the U.S., Irish works as a part-time waitress.

24 yr. old Michelle is a hotel front desk officer from Amsterdam who also works as a part-time singer for a music group. This gave her the experience that she needs to improve her performing skills. Her father died of skin cancer when she was still young and forced her to grow up faster. She looks after her younger brother who’s very supportive of her chosen career. In spite of being in a 6 yr. relationship with her Vietnamese boyfriend, Michelle still can’t see herself marrying anytime soon.

Having a municipal councilor for a father made 21 yr. old Iya interested in politics. In fact, she’s currently the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson in their area. She also has a real passion for singing wherein she even stopped schooling in order to pursue it. She used to be a lounge singer in Manila but stopped since she had to go back to Pangasinan. Still, Iya strongly feels that she has what it takes to make it.

Like any other teen, 18 yr. old Jun is a bit insecure. He considers only a handful of people as his friends wherein the ones closest to him are his mom, his two sisters and his girlfriend. In spite of being half-Filipino, Jun can’t speak nor understand Tagalog and is not used to Pinoy culture. Still, Jun hopes that through his music he will be able to reach out to Filipinos. He actually had a hard time deciding whether or not to pursue PDA since he didn’t want to take a leave from school.

This 25-year-old domestic helper from Dubai almost didn’t make it to the Philippines for the final phase of the PDA screenings. This is because her employer did not want to let her go but she decided to pursue her dream even if it meant going against her employer’s wishes. Rosita worked in Dubai in order to send her siblings to school. She is the eighth among 12 siblings, two of which died due to separate accidents. Rosita endured all the hardships that she has encountered abroad in the hopes of being able to give her family a good life.

20-year-old Panky is very passionate about music. She is out to prove to the world that she is a good musician, who has the ability to compose and sing well. Her parents are separated which is why she is very protective of her mom. Meanwhile, her dad is a former actor and model who is now based abroad. She’s ambidextrous when it comes to playing the guitar and claims that she composes better when she’s depressed and is presently a member of a band.

22-year-old Eman has no qualms about being adopted. His father died when he was only 3 yrs. old which is why he was raised by his uncle. Even though he’s adopted, Eman never felt that he didn’t belong because his uncle and his family all love him. He took up Accountancy back in college then a 6-month caregiving course. He never pursued any of these careers because his heart was always in music. They say he takes up after his father who used to be a guitarist. He’s the vocalist of the band Kwatro Kantos.

20 yr. old Chai is a researcher and band vocalist. She likes to think of herself as an artist as she tries to compose her own songs for her Cebu-based band “Balde ni Allan”. Chai feels that she lacks direction as she wants to pursue all sorts of things, from being a theater artist to a singer Chai wants to try it all. Though she has good voice quality, Chai lacks versatility. She loves singing ethnic songs but she still has to explore other music genres.

20 yr. old Geoff works as a model since he had to stop going to school after his father stopped supporting him back in his sophomore year in college. Geoff actually never met his father, they only communicated through letters. In spite of everything, Geoff is really hopeful that he’ll one day meet his father – even just for a short time. He lives with his mother in Cagayan Valley.

The youngest of 5 siblings, Jay-R grew up having not much. He was forced to quit school in order to help out his parents. Jay-R used to live in Manila with his uncle who introduced him to the band scene, unfortunately Jay-R’s too young to work in a band that time and had to go back home to Cebu. Earlier this year, Jay-R got to pursue his dream and became the vocalist of Scrambled Eggs. Jay-R has big dreams for himself and is determined to make it big. He has a great voice but his distinct Visayan accent may be a problem.

'Pinoy Dream Academy' names 16 scholars

2006-09-23T22:51:00.000+08:00

Sixteen of 38 pop star hopefuls have been selected to train with and compete against each other to become the grand star dreamer at the premiere of ABS-CBN’s newest reality-based show, "Pinoy Dream Academy," Saturday night in Cebu City.

Ryan Jay Jimenez from Pasig, Rizal's Josephine Constantino, Gemma Fitzgerald from Australia, Yvan Lambatan of Baguio, Kristoffer Abrenical from Canada and Ronnie Liang from Pampanga were named scholars.

California's Fatima Fullerton was also added to the list as well as Michelle Bond from the Netherlands, Gianna Marie Ginez from Pangasinan, Jun Hirano from Japan, Rosita Barreng from Dubai, Panky Trinidad of Cebu and Emmanuel Abatayo from Iloilo.

Rounding up the list were Charisse Mari Fornacier from Cagayan de Oro, Geoffrey Taylor of Cagayan Valley and Cebu's Eduardo Siaboc.
The show was launched live in a musical kick-off party at the Cebu Capitol Grounds where the 38 aspirants performed before a big crowd. The launch was hosted by Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby.

Singer-composer Jim Paredes, the academy’s headmaster, will lead a team of instructors who will train the 16 aspirants inside the academy in Quezon City for over three months.

They will undergo rigid musical and artistic training including singing, songwriting and dance inside the academy. A weekly live performance will be held to showcase what each student has learned in the past week.

A panel of jurors will choose who among the contestants will be nominated for eviction and the viewers will vote who they want to remain inside the academy until the last contestant emerges as the winner.

The show is the brainchild of the Netherlands-based production company Endemol, the creator of "Big Brother" and the "Deal or No Deal" shows.

HOSTS ON ABS-CBN CHANNEL 2

2006-09-23T22:15:00.000+08:00

NIKKI GIL, SAM MILBY, TONI GONZAGA

BIANCA GONZALES, SAM MILBY, TONI GONZAGA, NIKKI GIL

THE HOSTS IN STUDIO 23

2006-07-28T15:15:00.000+08:00

BETTINNA

2006-07-28T15:11:00.000+08:00

When you talk about refreshing, you gotta think of Bettinna Carlos.

Everybody's must be saying: "I know I've seen her somewhere, I just can't put a name to her face". But Bettinna is unfazed, she's got the people where she wants them. She may not be part of those star-search mills, and she may not be gracing any of the Sunday variety shows, but this 19-year beauty is quite happy with where she is now. And that where is not that bad at all.

She started in teen shows last 2003, and quickly established herself as a teen star who has real substance. Or maybe, that just comes all too natural for this 19-year old Atenean, as she got to be one of the hosts of a woman-empowering show at such a young age. After that came the prestigious invitation to be the lone host of Nickelodeon awards. That alone, should speak for what she has achieved in just a short span of time.

But Bettinna knows for herself that people shouldn't just be entertained with her talents, or her looks; but rather, if they just get to know her better, they will see a young girl, who's just as ordinary as any one of us, and who just wants to have the most out of her life.

If natural is what you're looking for, that's all you're gonna get from Bettinna now that she's part of Studio 23's newest and biggest show, PINOY DREAM ACADEMY ON STUDIO 23.

JC

2006-07-28T15:08:00.000+08:00

He dreams that someday, everyone will listen to everything he says.

Well, JC Cuadrado's on the right track to realize that dream. This Wazzup Tadjock winner is very vocal on his ambition to be one of the best local male TV hosts. Considering the fact that there aren't that many good hosts around, but for him, that makes his chosen battlefield all the more interesting, and challenging.

He's been around having hosted Wazzup, Stardance, Showbiz #1, and CloseUp to Fame but he still feels it's not yet enough, and he's hungry for more. He's even keen to admit that he looks up to more established hosts like Boy Abunda, Edu Manzano, and Ryan Agoncillo, and his sincerest way of admiration is to actually surpass if not to come at par with'these gentlemen. What's scary about that is that he's got time on his side. JC knows that he's young, he's ready to learn, and he's all game in this business.

JC mixes his natural knack for talk, a smooth charismatic appeal, and that sometimes antipatiko, sometimes kakakilig humor to get what he wants out of you whether you're his guest in front of the camera, or you're just plainly making small talk with him. He makes it all look like effortless, making you feel like you know this guy somewhere, and you just have to talk to him.

This time, JC leads the newest show on Studio 23 "PINOY DREAM ACADEMY ON STUDIO 23" together with two of the most refreshing faces on television and music: Bettina Carlos and Sitti. And he promises to make good on this chance to show more of what he's got.

Ryan Seacrest you say? Never heard of him. This time, it's all about JC Cuadrado.

SITTI

2006-07-28T14:59:00.000+08:00

OPM's current toast of the town is our newest kabarkada!

Sitti has never had it this good in her career. After recently receiving a gold record award for her breakthrough debut album "Café Bossa", she's well on her way to becoming a household name, and a fixture in anyone's radio request lineup or Ipod playlist. It's never easy to introduce a new kind of music and be good at it at your first try, but this twenty-year-old beauty did it, with her trademark ease and grace.

But this princess (Sitti means princess in Muslim dialect) is no stranger to extraordinary achievements. She graduated as a dean's lister in UP Diliman, with a degree in Business Economics. She also received every prestigious award there was while in high school, including the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo award. Now it can be safely said that there's more to her than just her voice for you to get intimidated with.

If you think finding both beauty and brains in a girl is just wishful thinking, think (and take a look at her) again. She won Miss Visayas in the "Miss Travel Girl Pageant" in 2001 and 1st runner-up in "search for Miss Silka" in 2004. A string of advertisement appearances soon followed. But it was in MTV's Supahstar where she became full-circle, as she bested other aspiring contestants to become part of that elite batch of promising new artists.

But it was through music that Sitti captured the ears, and hearts, of everyone. Having done the rounds in Metro's bars and music lounges, she slowly, but surely (and sweetly), crept into our consciousness with her copyright soothing voice, smooth slow dancing, and that ever-warming smile.

And now, everything that we've come to love about Sitti will be seen as she joins our barkada as the newest hostess of PINOY DREAM ACADEMY ON STUDIO 23. No longer a stranger to talent shows, she brings her personal stories about competition and how it's like to dream and to actually become a star. As if you aren't in the know our kabarkada's unmistakable voice, soothing charisma and that vibrant smile are more than enough to make your day feeling like a good cup of coffee. So enjoy Sitti only here at Studio 23!

Pinoy Dream Academy on Studio 23!

2006-07-28T14:29:00.000+08:00

Pinoy Dream Academy on Studio 23 is the companion program of Channel 2's Pinoy Dream Academy, the biggest reality-based talent search in the history of Philippine television. PDA will showcase the competition between 16 talented contestants or "students" on many fronts, including singing prowess, song-writing ability, dancing and personality. At the end of the journey, one student will emerge from the academy as the ultimate total performer.

PDA on 23 is a 30-minute primetime show filled with youthful fun, witty features and interviews, exciting performances, and engaging interactive and on-site audience and viewers participation. Expect exclusive, extended and never-before-seen footage of the diffferent phases and facets of the students lives inside the academy.

Join the barkada led by the newest trio in town - the lovely BETTINNA CARLOS, up-and-coming bossanova diva SITTI and our very own JC CUADRADO. Kabarkada, Sikat Ka!

Charo Santos: I choose my battles

2006-07-28T14:19:00.000+08:00

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 01:45am (Mla time) 06/26/2006

CHARO SANTOS, ABS-CBN executive vice president and channel head, was discussing a favorite book, Bill Carter's “Desperate Networks,” when talks turned to "originality" in television.

Santos said: “The genres are [still] the same: drama, sitcom, talk show, variety, talent search. How you tweak it [makes the difference]. In the end, [success lies] in the way your show's characters connect with the viewers. It's in the writing, in the storytelling.”

Controversial
Inquirer Entertainment was reminded of a controversial statement from Wilma Galvante, GMA 7 senior vice president for entertainment, who insisted in a June 15 story that the Kapuso channel "doesn't need to buy [a foreign franchise and] to get other people's ideas."
The question begged to be asked: Can anyone still claim originality in the world of television.
Maloli K. Espinosa, vice president for Government, Corporate Affairs and PR, picked it up: "No one has a monopoly on originality."

Santos demurred: "Here come the intrigues … I read that story and all I can say is, more power! Kudos to those who can come up with original ideas. There is room for everyone. It's best to focus our energies on improving the quality of our [existing] programs. Kanya-kanya 'yan (We each have our own styles). Let's think of the best strategies for our respective networks."
Pressed to comment on Galvante's opinions, Santos said, shrugging: "She's my kumare (friend). The next time I see her, I'll tease her about that."

She said she was not easily provoked.

"I've been through a lot. It’s been a very painful journey these past two years," Santos said. "ABS-CBN went through a crisis, followed by the Ultra tragedy… At this point, I've realized that one has to choose one’s battles. You cannot just quarrel with everyone. I still believe that rivalry can be healthy; it doesn't have to be destructive."

But what is her stand on franchising?

"I'm all for it. If there's a good concept from abroad that could be a hit among our viewers, I don't see anything wrong … in tweaking it to suit our culture and the needs of our viewers."
She offered "Pinoy Big Brother" as example. "Abroad, 'Big Brother' is kinda soft-porn, but we've given it a different [personality]."

Since ABS-CBN couldn't possibly focus on sex, Santos said, "We centered on the housemates' personalities. You may nave noticed that the big winners of 'PBB' have all shown strength of character and courage. They stand for something."

And they're all women.

More resilient
"What can say? Women are more resilient, patient and nurturing," she said, laughing.
She volunteered that majority of Kapamilya loyalists is, in fact, composed of women. "We have a large segment of A-B-C females … those with purchasing power. Mothers decide what to buy for the home."

She insisted that "Pinoy Dream Academy," the latest incarnation of "PBB," was not cooked up as a direct competitor of another foreign franchise, "Philippine Idol" on ABC 5.

"'PDA' is based on Endemol's 'Star Academy' and TV Azteca's 'La Academia.’ We're getting the best ingredients from the two concepts, but we're improvising and whipping up our own version. We first looked into 'Academy' three to four years ago," she said.

The "Idol" franchise was initially offered to ABS-CBN, Santos confirmed.

"It was during the time of [former network president] Freddie Garcia, but we had some problems ... we couldn't make expensive calls then," she said, chuckling.

Kapamilya's game plan is to go global, she pointed out.

"When it comes to programming, we are addressing not only our viewers in the Philippines, but also Filipinos all over the world. And we're not limiting ourselves to TFC (The Filipino Channel) subscribers. Ten countries in Africa have bought our soaps. 'Pangako sa 'Yo' and 'Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas' are popular in Kenya. Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa are big stars in Malaysia."

Balancing act
She also observed that Kapamilya viewers in "North America prefer drama to fantaseryes."
"I need to constantly strike a balance between local and foreign audiences. Our prime time programming is a balancing act," she said.

Speaking of which, she reiterated that the network's initiative to move "Bandila" (the late-night newscast) to 10:30 p.m. was an attempt to "respond to viewer feedback" and attain balance—that word again—in programming.

"I believe that one hour of news (when viewers are still awake) within 20 hours of programming is not enough. Now, we'll have Current Affairs shows three nights a week. Entertainment took only two nights: Monday (for "OK Fine … Oh Yes") and Friday (for "Aalog-Alog"). This shouldn't be seen as a rivalry between News and Entertainment."

As overall channel manager, she said she was expected to see the big picture. "I value the same things as the News people: information and analysis of issues."

Requirements for Pinoy Dream Academy:

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Qualifications:

-between 18-27 years old (with birthdays not later than August 1988 and not earlier than December 1978) at the time of the Pinoy Dream Academy premiere
-conversant in basic Filipino language and of Filipino lineage
-in good health
-Exceptional talent in singing and star quality

Documents to bring to the auditions:

-One (1) recent 5” x 7” colored close-up photo
-One (1) recent 5” x 7” colored full body picture
-Original or Certified True Copy and photocopy of Birth Certificate
-Any two (2) valid identification documents with photo (driver’s license, passport, social security, company ID, etc.)

Other requirements:
-Applicants should be ready to travel to the Philippines and stay there from August 01 until December 31 2006.
-One MUST NOT have any of the following if chosen as one of the Global Student: a contract for talent representation (for example, a talent agent or manager); a music recording contract; an acting and/or modeling contract; a merchandising agreement; or, any other contractual arrangement that would prohibit the chosen student from entering into a management contract, recording contract, talent contract, acting contract and/or merchandising contract.
-Medical and Psychological Tests (for chosen Global Student)
-Background Checks (for chosen Global Student) Employees, shareholders, officers, directors, agents, representatives, and their immediate family members and those living in the same household of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, ABS-CBN Global Ltd, ABS-CBN Australia Pty Ltd, ABS-CBN Middle East FZ LLC, ABS-CBN Europe, ABS-CBN International, production personnel for the television program, corporate sponsors or any person or entity connected with the production, administration or judging of the auditions, or any of their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, agents or representatives are not eligible.

The Pinoy Dream Academy Song Writing Competition

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Pinoy Dream Academy, the biggest reality show soon to hit the Philippines will not only give a chance to aspiring Filipino singers around the world but also to composers and lyricists too!

Songwriters can now be a part of Endemol’s latest franchise to ABS-CBN for their music can be one of the 16 songs that will be featured on the show. Fame and fortune is just a song away. P100,000 and a plaque each await the lucky 16 finalists!

The song writing contest is open to Filipinos worldwide, whether they be amateur or professional musicians. A maximum of two (2) entries are allowed per person and the song can be of any genre (ex. pop, rock, reggae, RnB etc.). All songs must be original and can be in English and Filipino. Entries must be submitted by registered mail, hand delivery or online.

For entries to be submitted by registered mail or hand delivery, all the requirements placed in a long brown envelope are:

- duly accomplished entry form
- 10 type written copies of the lyrics sheet
- photo of composer(s) and/or lyricist(s)
- CD containing 2 tracks of the same song

Send or deliver to:

The Dream Songwriting Competition Star Songs Inc., 2nd Floor ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, Mother Ignacia St., South Triangle 1100, Quezon City, Philippines
Online entries must consist of:

- scanned duly accomplished entry form in PDF format
- lyrics sheet in word format
- 2x2 photos of contestant(s) in PDF format
- MP3 file of the song

Email all to: dream@abs-cbn.com

All entries must be received by July 31, 2006 at 6:00 PM (Manila time).

The PDA secretariat is open from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The schedules of PBB and Pinoy Dream Academy auditions nationwide are as follows:

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9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

June 10 - Dagupan
June 11 - Baguio
June 13 - Davao
June 16 - Legaspi
June 17 - SM Manila (City of Manila)
June 18 - SM North (Quezon City)
June 20 - Bacolod
June 21 - Iloilo
June 24 - SM Sucat
June 25 - SM Southmall
June 27 - Cebu

Overseas:
July 08 - Sydney
July 14 - Dubai
July 22 - Milan
July 29 - Tokyo
Aug 05 - San Francisco

Pinoy Dream Academy VS Philippine Idol

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EVEN the most uninterested viewers caught the implication: the next incarnation of ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Big Brother,” dubbed “Pinoy Dream Academy,” is going head to head against ABC 5’s “Philippine Idol.”
“Dream Academy” premieres in August; “RP Idol” in July.

Both are reality singing contests in which unknowns are housed together and undergo training and/or a makeover in front of the camera.

Both are foreign franchises. “Academy” is from the same Dutch company behind “PBB”; “RP Idol” is from FremantleMedia, based in the United Kingdom.

According to “PBB” director Lauren Dyogi, Endemol’s show is called “Fame Academy” in the UK; “Star Academy” in France; “La Academia” in Italy and Spain.

“The housemates will be called students and they’ll still live in the same house [on Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City], but we’ll modify it to include workshop and rehearsal areas, a recording studio, principal’s office and teachers’ lounge,” Dyogi told Inquirer in a phone interview.

He added that “Dream Academy” will be aired nightly. “If ‘Philippine Idol’ is anything like ‘American Idol’ it will air only twice a week.”

Perci Intalan, ABC 5’s head of Creative and Entertainment Production, corrected Dyogi: “‘Philippine Idol’ is also a nightly, prime time show."