| Search for a Star |
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| "Search for a Star" Regine has soft spot for aspiring singers Showbiz Tidbits by Leah Salterio posted: 9:06 PM (Manila Time) Jun3 19, 2003 Inquirer News Service http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/jun/20/ent_22-1.htm After the successful first season of "Search for a Star," which produced new singer Sarah Geronimo, the weekly talent search moves from IBC 13 to a new home, GMA-7, starting Saturday, June 21. "Search for a Star" brings together the talents and technical expertise behind two giants in Philippine entertainment. It is also the latest joint production venture between the Viva Entertainment Groups and GMA Network. In the past, they produced shows like "Ana Karenina," "Ober da Bakod," "Miss D," TGIS" and "Villa Quintana." Regine Velasquez, who hosts "Search for a Star," is also a host on GMA-7's Sunday noontime show, "SOP." The chance to host "Search for a Star" was offered to her by Viva TV's Veronique del Rosario. Regine herself started in a talent contes, "Ang Bagong Kampeon," where she reigned champion for eight weeks. "I know how it feels to be new in the business," Regine says. "I know what it is like to sing in amateur shows, in town fiestas, where you have to worry about what to wear. I understand how newcomers feel and I try to do what I can to boos their self-confidence." "Search for a Star" is Regine's contribution to helping discover new musical talents. "I've received a lot of offers to host TV shows," she allows. "Iba't -ibang klase like musical variety shows, sitcoms, dramas. But I decided to do this because I'll always have a soft spot for aspiring singers. I was once like them." Contestants in "Search for a Star" go through various stages of audition before finally getting into the TV contest. The first stage is an open audition at SM malls held twice a month. Those chosen in the first level are called back for another, more exacting try-out. From this, the best in the bactch are asked to return for the third audition from which the three contestants who will compete on TV are selected. Industry professionals fgive them tips on what to sing, what to wear and how to project themselves. Regine also takes it upon herself to give them pointers if needed, to make them feel at ease before the camera. "I tell them they are very lucky because when I was joining amateur contests, bahala ka sa sarili mo," Regine shares. "Now, they have a show where they can also learn a lot of things." The three weekly contestants also get to do a production number with Regine in the show. The winner stands to bring home one million pesos in cash, plus other prizes. The first "Search for a Star" winner, Sarah Geronimo, has her own segment in the show where she visits the contestants at home and tells them the good news that they've been chosen for the TV competition. Regine has also announced that her show biz career is now being managed by Aria Productions headed by her sister Cacai Velasquez-Mitra. Regine used to manage her won career and was a free-lancer. Aria Productions may be contacted at (+632) 4267531, 9287868 or (+63917) 8080747, or at [email protected]. Its offices are at 18-A Mahiyain St., Teachers' Village, Quezon City. |