‘Starstruck V’ aspirants show all that they’ve got during the SM City Cebu auditions. (Photo by WALDEN SADIRI)

CEBU CITY – Despite the rain, hundreds of applicants from different parts of Southern Philippines, especially Cebu, attended the first regional auditions for “Starstruck V” held at SM City Cebu last Sept. 5. Ready or not, their goal was simple – to be the next star!

These young male and female “Starstruck V” aspirants, aged 16 to 23 years old, hailed from Cebu, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bohol, Surigao City, Leyte, and other provinces. The audition instantly became a melting pot of different young people from all walks of life. There were some who went fully made-up and prepared as they brought along their own dance music and minus ones. Some even brought their own props from a guitar to a rectangular water container for a dance number.

Some just walked-in with what they have, wearing like jeans, shirts or flip flops. They sang a cappella and danced to whatever music was available. It didn’t matter if they introduced themselves in correct English or not. What mattered was their big dreams and belief that they would survive the audition for “Starstruck V.” They had steely guts to try to be the next star!

Talents which were commonly presented here in Cebu were predominantly a mixture of dance, singing, and acting. Most of them, especially the young female contenders, danced to the music of mostly Lady Gaga songs and the popular Korean upbeat tune “Nobody.”

The common answers why they joined the audition included wanting to be like their idols – Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Iwa Moto, Aljur Abrenica, and Kris Bernal among others. Other contenders simply wanted a shot at stardom and hopefully be of help to their respective family’s financial difficulties. Aside from nationwide exposure and a contract with GMA Network, winners would also be receiving other prizes like in the past “Starstruck” seasons.

And why wouldn’t “Starstruck” be the perfect vehicle for their dreams?

“Starstruck,” throughout its successful seasons, is GMA’s phenomenal homegrown “artista search” in the Philippines. Young and talented hopefuls would take their dreams to the biggest platform of gaining foothold in showbiz – “Starstruck V” auditions!

And for those who missed their audition in Cebu, they will have their last chance on Sept. 12 and 13, still at SM City Cebu from 10 a.m. onwards. All they need to do, as well in other regional and Mega Manila auditions, is to bring their photocopy of birth certificate, whole body and close-up photos of themselves, and if they are below 18, a written consent from their parents and an original and photocopy of their parent’s valid ID for them to qualify.

“Starstruck V” will be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, Carla Abellana, and Raymond Gutierrez.