Ogie Alcasid hosts TV 5’s latest prime time offering: the groundbreaking singing competition titled Rising Stars Philippines.
“Yes, and I’m both happy and proud about it,” he states. “This is something that perfectly suits my musical side. I also see it as a way of giving back since the music industry has been very kind to me after all these times. I’m quite sure viewers will like it!”
new singing contest, Rising Stars
It’s a fact that the rival networks have their own popular singing tilts. Many ask about the potential of his new offering to also make the grade, so to speak.
“Of course, I’m aware of that. There are other singing competitions these days but Rising Stars Philippines has a twist when it comes to the methodology in joining. We engage our audience through the staple of Filipino culture when it comes to singing: the Karaoke! Our team toured some of the country’s key cities like, Iloilo, Davao and Cebu to conduct auditions. We set up booths in over 200 stops in major malls, barangays and schools. The turnout was just amazing!”
Out of the total number of wannabe’s who auditioned, how many will be chosen?
“Sixteen!” claims Ogie. “There will be sixteen official contestants as we start airing then, the top three go to the final. The grand prize winner will get a whopping P500,000.00 and the other two, cash prizes as well. So I guess it will be an exciting competition since each of the contestants has his/her own touching story that the viewers would be able to relate to.”
Is it possible that during the contest proper, contestants can sing his popular ditties?
“From what I heard, one episode will be dedicated to OPM so I guess, yes, they can. And not only my songs but also those of my two fellow singers who are part of our panel of judges, Nina and Jimmy Bondoc.”
Speaking of co-workers in his new show, this happens to be Ogie’s maiden collaboration with Venus Raj.
“The general public knows her as a beauty queen. What they don’t know is she’s a very down-to-earth individual, very funny in fact! She can also carry a tune. Venus’ major role in the program is to impart to the contestants the ability to find their confidence through competition.”
The talented artist has a mission with his latest Kapatid show.
“I would like to find someone really new, a real gem out of this show, whom we can call a homegrown talent of TV 5. It’s our goal to make genuine stars out of the winners of this singing search,” ends Ogie.
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It’s not a big issue to Maja Salvador if she’s not the original choice for the new ABS-CBN soap Bridges of Love which also stars Jericho Rosales and Paulo Avelino.
she plays in Bridges of Love
“I don’t mind it at all! I know that it was first offered to Anne Curtis. So what if I’m the second choice? What’s important is I’m the one doing the show now, right?” she says.
The competent young actress considers the project as a blessing.
“That’s right! Not only is it in the prime time block, I can also say that this is my most challenging role to date.”
Really, Maja has so much to thank for with her latest grand soap opera.
“I hope TV buffs would support it. The material is good. I’m confident that we’ll be giving our audience only the best entertainment,” she states.