‘StarStruck V’ Final 14 (Photo by Shielah A. Martinez)

GMA Network revealed recently “StarStruck’s” Final 14 – Ian Batherson, Rye Burgos, Sef Cadayona, Fianca Cruz, Nina Kodaka, Sarah Lahbati, Zeryl Lim, Rocco Nacino, Diva Montelaba, Rex Montealegre, Enzo Pineda, Steven Silva, Princess Snell and Piero Vergara. They are the cream of the crop from among thousands who auditioned worldwide for a chance to crack at stardom.

This elite set of Final 14 will race their power “to dream, believe and survive” in this biggest ever season of “StarStruck,” GMA-7’s original reality-based artista search which has produced some of the network’s brightest stars including Mark Herras, Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi, Rainier Castillo, Katrina Halili, Cristine Reyes, Nadine Samonte, LJ Reyes, Dion Ignacio, Jackie Rice, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Iwa Moto, Ryza Cenon, Sheena Halili and the late Marky Cielo, who died a year ago.

These young dreamers are now in the forefront of the competition. So who will stand out to win the nod of the StarStruck Council and the viewers? This season’s Council is composed of director Floy Quintos, versatile actress Iza Calzado and star maker Lolit Solis, while the Mentors who scrutinize each and every aspirant include Abbygale Arenas (for imaging), Gina Alajar (acting), Douglas Nierras (dancing), Jai Sabas-Aracama (singing) and Barbi Chan (make-up and styling).

Hosted by Raymond Gutierrez, Dennis Trillo, and Carla Abellana with segment hosts Mark Herras, LJ Reyes, Arci Muñoz and Paolo Avelino, “StarStruck V” airs Saturdays right after “Pinoy Records” and Sundays right after “Kap’s Amazing Stories,” while “StarStruck Shout Out” airs Mondays to Fridays after “Chika Minute Explosive” on GMA-7.

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Star Magic artists feted

Among the talented and very promising artists of Star Magic who were feted and presented to the entertainment press recently included Coco Martin, Bryan Homecillo and Dianne Medina.

Coco was an underrated actor when he started out his acting career, appearing only in indie films. But slowly his career soared as he made everyone stand up and notice him in his performances even in sexy indie movies which made the rounds of international film festivals. His character role in ABS-CBN high rating teleserye “Tayong Dalawa” opened the door for Coco in the mainstream.

Now, Coco is seen acting alongside another popular mainstream actress Maja Salvador in “Nagsimula sa Puso.”

One of the Bench celebrity endorsers, Coco was nominated for Best Actor in the Star Awards for TV for his portrayal in “Tayong Dalawa.” He is also a nominee for Best Supporting Actor in Gawad Tanglaw, Star Awards for Movies, Gawad Urian, Empress and Pasado Awards for his performance in the indie movie “Jay.”

Coco revealed he never expected to become a popular actor; all he wanted was to act and earn a living. He now has a deeper understanding of his craft and he admits that what he is now is because of all the people who believes in his talent. His inspiration is his family as he works not only for himself but also for his family’s future.

If Coco is to choose between a character role and a lead role, he would readily choose the former because he believes that he can do more with it because he is flexible enough to play various roles given him. He said he wants to work with John Lloyd Cruz because he could see his dedication to work. As for the ladies, he would like to work with Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, and Kaye Abad.

Coco marked his milestone last Nov. 1.

VJ Dianne Medina

Dianne Medina was a “Wazzup Wazzup” tadjock and a finalist of “You Can Dance Version 2,” but what she wants most to do is hosting. If an acting opportunity comes along however, she could give it a try, she said. Actually, she has done guest roles in such movies as “A Love Story” and “And I Love You So.” Dianne turned 23 last Nov. 5.

Asked how she got into the ABS-CBN stable, she said she was personally asked by Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) if she could join the Star Magic family when she guested on “Wowowee.” Without thinking twice, she accepted the offer and since then she had appeared in shows such as “Diyosa,” “Kambal sa Uma,” “Precious Hearts” and “Banana Split” and is also currently in the gag show “Lokomoko High” on TV5.

Dianne is a graduate of Communication Arts from Miriam College and she said she initially wanted to be a news reporter or radio announcer/reporter. Tagalog hosting is her forte, she added. Her favorite TV hosts are Mariel Rodriguez and Cheska Litton.

Bryan Homecillo

He is now a young man, this talented child star started out in “Ang TV 2” when he was nine years old. When he was 10, he appeared in the award-winning movie “Munting Tinig” by Gil Portes. In the movie, he played as a student of Alessandra de Rossi, the lead star. Bryan, who graduated with an award of distinction, from La Salle Greenhills last March turned 18 last Nov. 28.

Bryan was a member of the famous Kundirana group where he used to perform with in and out of the country. He is now taking a Film Course at De La Salle College of St. Benilde where he is an officer of the Student Council.

Bryan, who was seen in the now defunct “Abt Ur Luv,” wants to become a dramatic actor as well as to direct films. He plans to join the Cinema One Originals competition next year and in fact he and a friend are now working on a script for this purpose.

The other Star Magic talents who celebrated their milestone recently included Gee-Ann Abrahan (24, Nov. 6), Lauren Young (16, Nov. 8), Ron Morales (25, Nov. 12), Janus del Prado (25, Nov. 19), Ejay Falcon (20, Nov. 21), Erika Padilla (Nov. 22), Dominique Llamas (20, Nov. 23), Martin del Rosario (17, Nov. 25), Sheryn Regis (27, Nov. 26), and Gem Ramos (Nov. 27).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 5 go to Rep. Amado Bagatsing, San Miguel, Bulacan Vice Mayor Roderick Tiongson, Ms. Mila A. Abad, Anthony Pangilinan, Julie Ann Fortich, Rudy Diego, US-based Luz Valderama, Chris Almeda, Joan T. Acot, MB’s Raymond Sacay and Donita Rose Valderama, one of the hosts of ABS-CBN’s “Umagang Kay Ganda.” Happy wedding anniversary to Enrique and Miles Yulo; Llewellyn and Carol Llanillo; and Drs. Rodolfo and Rosalina Ante.