Seven years ago, when Mark Herras won as the first “Ultimate Male StarStruck Survivor” and gained national attention, many thought that feat was impossible to top. But he has proven them wrong, because he has developed himself into a respected actor-dancer-host.

Mark is now a host of the ongoing reality-dance show “Danz Showdown,” a job that fits him being “The Ultimate Bad Boy of the Dance Floor.” He has raised the bar as an actor, too, earning praises for “Langit Sa Piling Mo” opposite Heart Evangelista.

With his role as an airline executive, Mark is proving his worth as a leading man, with even director Gil Tejada Jr. stating that he has “matured enough” and “now delivers more intensity.” Tejada previously directed Mark in “Encantadia.”

In “Danz Showdown” which replaced “Daisy Siete,” the GMA Artist Center talent shares the spotlight with ex-SexBomb dancer Izzy Trazona. The show auditions hopefuls who want to become members of SexBomb.

Resulting from his dance performances seen occasionally via GMA-7’s Sunday noon show, Mark in no time crafted a reputation as one of the finest celebrity dancers in town. Truth is, his dancing prowess gave him an edge over the other males while on that famed “StarStruck” batch that included now-famous Katrina Halili, Cristine Reyes, Rainier Castillo and Yasmien Kurdi.

As an actor Mark is already eyeing a dream role, a sign that he is getting the fulfillment on the craft like any passionate actor discovers. His choice is one resembling Aga Muhlach’s deranged character in the ’90s classic “Sa Aking Mga Kamay.”

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‘CATS’ ‘Memory’ in Tagalog

“CATS Now and Forever” continues to delight and surprise its Filipino audience with a verse of “Memory” sung in Tagalog. In the opening of ACT II of “CATS,” Aussie cast member Alyse Davies who plays Silabub unexpectedly sings a verse in Filipino.

Multi-awarded Filipino poet, Pete Lacaba is the man to be credited for beautifully translating the opening lines of “Moonlight” (sung in the tone of “Memory”). He translates the opening verse to Tagalog which goes as follows:

“Liwanag, hanapin ang liwanag
Ang iyong ala-ala ang gabay na sundin
Sa liwanag, ligaya ay matatagpuan
Bagong buhay ay darating”

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “CATS Now and Forever” brought in by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Concertus and All Youth Channels in association with The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific is now on its last 2 weeks, closing on August 22. The play is staged at CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo starring an international cast with our very own Lea Salonga as Grizabella.

In an interview, Lea Salonga explains that during her rehearsals in Sydney the musical director of the show, Paul White asked her if anyone can translate the verse in Filipino. It was suggested that Pete Lacaba was the purr-fect person to translate the verse.

The touring production usually translates that same verse in the national language of the country they visit. It has been translated in Mandarin, Korean and now, in Filipino.

“CATS Now and Forever” is presented by Citi and supported by Infinity, powered by Smart and McDonalds. Official airline is Philippine Airlines. OOCL is the Official Ocean Carrier. Dusit Thani Manila is the Official Hotel. Special thanks to “CATS” partners: ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, PDI, Philippine Star, Business World, Manila Bulletin, U92 FM, Crossover 105.1 FM, Dream FM, Forth & Tay-Fine Wine Delivered and Chateau 1771.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Aug. 17 go to Apolinario Lozada Jr., Michelle Foranda-del Rosario, Fred Elizalde, Jean Saburit, Fe Marzan, Jovee Mendoza, Elona Magwale, Susan Sta. Ana, Elena Fernando, Emma C. Lim, Belen Lovina Ticzon, Mayor Jose Yap, and Rey Salac. Happy wedding anniversary to Rudy and Vangie Fontanilla.