The biggest ever season of “StarStruck,” GMA-7’s pioneering homegrown reality-based artista search, premieres tonight after “Kaps Amazing Stories.” It also airs every Monday to Friday before “Family Feud” starting on Nov. 23, and every Saturday after “Pinoy Records.”

This time, the fifth season of “StarStruck” will feature a new breed of aspirants from among whom will come GMA Network’s next batch of TV stars. If it called the most ambitious ever “StarStruck” edition, it is because it received an overwhelming number of dreamers who auditioned not only in the Philippines but also in the US (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Jersey), Japan, Singapore and the Middle East (Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai). Those who passed the auditions in these places will be flown to Manila with all expenses, including airfare and hotel accommodations paid for by the show.

“StarStruck V” will be hosted by a fresh combination of Kapuso stars: Dennis Trillo, one of GMA’s most eligible leading men; ravishing newcomer Carla Abellana and “StarStruck’s” maverick host since Season 3, Raymond Gutierrez. Dennis and Carla will host the Sunday episodes while Raymond takes over all Saturday episodes together with four “StarStruck” alumni – Mark Herras, LJ Reyes, Arci Muñoz, and Paolo Avelino – who will rotate as segment hosts.

Carla as TV host

It will be the first time that Carla (“Rosalinda,” “SRO Cinemaserye Presents Carinderia Queen”) is hosting a regular show although she has been seen hosting mall shows and co-hosting “SOP” occasionally. Asked how she prepared for this hosting job, Carla said she didn’t really have any preparation, considering the heavy schedule she has.

“In fact, for the last two months, I haven’t had a day off,” she revealed at a press conference at the 17th floor of GMA Network Center. “In terms of workshops and all, wala talaga akong preparation, no time really because of my numerous commitments.” But she will do her best like what she always does in all her projects.

About working with Dennis Trillo, Carla said “it’s something very interesting and I’m looking forward to it. I’m a fan of his and it will be my first time to be working with him in a show.

According to her, “StarStruck” will be emotionally and physically challenging not only for her as a host (because she’ll also be working in other projects) but most specially with the aspirants.

Carla wants to do comedy

The impressive young actress said “sana comedy naman ang next project ko, kasi pagod na ako sa kaiiyak. Mas magaan sa loob ang tumatawa.” Her latest show, “Carinderia Queen” is different from “Rosalinda” since it is action-full while being comic and dramatic too. Still, it’s not comedy all the way.

Dennis’ advice to the aspirants

Asked what he would advice the aspirants, the awarded actor said “I’d advice them to believe in their talent and have confidence in themselves, and do their best since nandun na sila, pagbutihin na nila…”

But of course, the fate of the aspirants will lie on the council and the votes of the audience.
Elimination nights are conducted weekly until only four survivors remain.

For 14 weeks, “StarStruck V” ups the ante of the competition with surprising twists and revelations. The hopefuls will try to outdo each other in painstaking tests subdivided into four major performance categories: Singing, dancing, acting and imaging under the scrutiny of the high-profile and formidable StarStruck Council composed of TV director Floy Quintos, versatile actress Iza Calzado and talent manager and star-maker Lolit Solis.

The artista search aspirants who will snatch a spot in the Final 14 shall go through grueling talent tests, workshops and trainings under the supervision of five “StarStruck” mentors who will ensure that they could utilize their entire potential in every performance. This season’s highly-respected mentors are Gina Alajar (for acting), Douglas Nierras (for dancing), Jai Sabas-Aracama (for singing), Abbygale Arenas-de Leon (for imaging) and Barbie Chan (for make-up).

The survivors are expected to showcase their versatility, give their best performances and improve their talents and personalities each week as they try to convince the council and viewers that they deserve to become stars. This season’s aspirants shall experience the biggest surprise twist dubbed “Factor V,” which includes five of the most rigorous challenges and the most shocking twists in the history of the talent search.

Only two winners will be proclaimed this season – The Ultimate Male and Female Survivors – in a two-hour Final Judgement Night to be held live at the Araneta Coliseum. At stake at the Finals Night are millions of pesos in cash prizes and a management contract with GMA 7.

And to provide updates on the artista hopefuls as the show progresses, “Shout Out: The StarStruck Dailies” will air starting Nov. 23 to give viewers behind the scenes footage and highlights including the drama and struggles in the life of each aspirant and the real issues they encounter as they take their dreams to the “StarStruck” stage. “Shout Out: The StarStruck Dailies” will air daily with 15-miute updates before “Family Feud.”

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RP shines at TIFFCOM ‘09

Another significant participation of the Philippines in an international film event was at the TIFFCOM 2009 Marketplace for Film and TV held at the Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, Japan from Oct. 19-23. The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) represented the country. TIFFCOM 2009 was the affiliated market for the Tokyo International Film Festival and is an annual event aimed to encourage global entertainment businesses by providing an efficient marketplace in Asia for all content holders and buyers in the world.

Heading the Philippine delegation was FDCP Chairman Rolando S. Atienza, who was assisted by FDCP-PFESO Executive Director Digna H. Santiago, FDCP Executive Director Lali F. Suzara, and Special Projects Assistant Luigi M. Verzosa.

According to Ms. Santiago, there were a lot of inquiries (particularly from Japan, China and Malaysia) with regards to the Philippine film industry but most centered on co-production possibilities.

Hollywood Reporter’s Patrick Frater interviewed Chairman Atienza on the state of Philippine independent cinema. He thanked the journalist for the positive review about Manila in his article published last Oct. 12 where Frater wrote about the Philippines’ booming film industry.

Meanwhile, San Francisco TV reporter and independent producer Roger Garcia interviewed Ms. Santiago on the upcoming plans of the FDCP in promoting Filipino films.

A spotlight was set on the cast and staff of the Filipino film in competition, Raymond Red’s “Himpapawid.” They were the stars of the festival with Raymond Red taking the lead with his actors Raul Arellano, Sue Prado and John Arcilla.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Nov. 15 go to dear friend Lita Alviar Luga, Doris Trinidad, Larry Inocando, Mrs. Fe Barrias, Sharon Lim Dulay-de Joya, Engr. Albert Leonido, Nathalie Nicole M. Dela Cruz, Renzi Valerie Ursais, Shermaine Santiago’s mom Marivee Macugay, and her son Tristan Reese Eugenio who turns one year old.