Sarah Lahbati

Almost all her contenders---and it’s not the Geronimo girl they fear. 

Rather, it’s Filipino-Swiss Sarah Lahbati; one of 14 finalists on “StarStruck V,” who is not only an early favorite in the contest but an insider favorite, too, based on the opinions of her female rivals themselves.

Described by most of them as “the one to beat,” the 16-year-old finalist is the tallest and said to be one of the most talented in the latest “StarStruck” batch. The girl can sing for sure, being a member of a church choir in Geneva, Switzerland where she grew up.

Sarah has been in the Philippines for several months now, specifically for “StarStruck.” She had wanted to join the tilt years ago but waited to reach 16 as advised by her mother. Not only a transatlantic beauty, Sarah can speak Filipino, English, French and a bit of German, too.

Asked how she feels about being considered a threat by her contenders in the show, Sarah brushed aside whatever psychological advantage the regard may have given her.

“I believe that a person can move up in life while still keeping his feet on the ground,” she quipped during a short interview held inside GMA-7 last Nov. 30.

Sarah has been quoted to have described herself as “poste (matangkad), personnable (Kalog!), Sinigang (Can be maasim or matamis)”---and one who is deathly afraid of cockroaches and frogs!

She told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online that she admires Rhian Ramos “because she is already a good actress at her age.” She also thinks pairing up with Richard Gutierrez in a project may be a good idea “because we are both tall and, besides, he’s good-looking.”

Sarah also praised “StarStruck” Final Four alumna Yasmien Kurdi for the way she has blossomed both as actress and person since latter broke into showbiz.

The other finalists on “StarStruck V” are Steven Silva, Sef Cadayona, Piero Vergara, Ian Batherson, Enzo Pineda, Rye Burgos, Rocco Nacino, Diva Montelaba, Fianca Cruz, Princess Snell, Rox Montealegre, Nina Kodaka and Zeryl Lim.

A press release from GMA-7 drums up interest in the contest by throwing the following questions up in the air:  “Who will stand out among the rest and win the nod of the Starstruck council and the viewers? Who will heave a sigh of relief for a job well done or get the ire of the formidable StarStruck mentors? Can they stand the fierce and emotional run on the show now that they are down to only 14? Who will bid goodbye and move on to the Final cut of becoming the official StarStruck survivors? Will the front runners and dark horses come from the worldwide aspirants or from the Philippines?”

This season’s council is composed of director Floy Quintos, actress Iza Calzado and manager Lolit Solis. The mentors are Abbygale Arenas for imaging, Gina Alajar for acting, Douglas Nierras for dancing, Jai Sabas – Aracama for singing and Barbi Chan for make-up and styling.

“StarStruck V” is hosted by Raymond Gutierrez, Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana with segment hosts Mark Herras, LJ Reyes, Arci Munoz and Paolo Avelino.

The show airs on GMA-7 every Saturday right after “Pinoy Records,” and Sunday right after “Kap’s Amazing Stories..” “StarStruck Shout Out” airs weekdays after “Chika Minute Explosives.”