The Next Level survivors speak up!

Gorgeous faces, winning talents and impeccable charm. Armed with these exceptional battle gears, the new batch of StarStruck is set to fight for the ultimate prize – and that is to win our hearts. Since StarStruck: The Next Level’s launch December last year, this set of fresh and beautiful faces have conquered the scene. Every night, the nation followed the journey of a thousand star hopefuls and watched as rigorous tests trimmed the contestants down to a hundred to forty then to twenty. But the next level feeling is not all hardship, as GMA7 offers the Top 20 Fanatxt contracts. We caught up with the lucky finalists and asked them about how it feels to be part of the most prestigious talent search in the country. We also made them distinguish themselves and their batch from others, and tell us why StarStruck is special. The survivors had one unifying answer: to them, the show helps develop their character and talents and gives them the chance to become the next Mark Herras or Jennylyn Mercado. All of them also agreed that their lives changed drastically after StarStruck. Gone are the days when they can peacefully stroll in parks, shop in malls or even walk on the streets, as fans now line up, or even run after them, to get their autographs or have pictures taken with them. “Ang sarap maging sikat” so quips the Pampageño Aljur Abrenica. Prince Stefan of Iloilo, meanwhile, observes, “marami nang matang nakabantay sa’yo, maraming nag-i-idolo, maraming nag-e-expect. Dapat ikaw mismo maging conscious na ‘yung mga umaasa sa’yo, hindi mabigo”. But just how different are they from their predecessors? Baguio’s pride Paulo Avelino says they are equipped with “personality and looks at the same time”. Still, Jan Manual of Laguna stresses that “dapat may talent ka at hindi lang good looks”. So into the Competition “This batch is very competitive” Quezon City’s Kris Bernal says. As most of them already have previous modeling experiences and television appearances, this batch proves they have much to offer. They also “take criticism as a challenge”, so says the Bulaceña Jewel Mische. As they consider every test as a chance to become better persons, the virtues of patience, sportsmanship, professionalism and humility have seeped into their systems. They have also learned to stay focused at all times and take responsibility for their actions. Thus, Dex Quindoza of Manila claims, “walang masyadong pasaway (sa batch).” But let’s not forget that to be successful at anything, pleasing personalities are not all it takes. Hard work is also required. This batch is no exception. For the survivors, doing well in the competition is the best way to show their supporters just how grateful they are for all the concern. And despite the inevitable tests that come their way and the elimination rounds they always dread, these young stars-to-be still consider their bonding moments as the most unforgettable times in the competition. The batch takes pride in the friendship that linked them like family. “We’re like brothers and sisters” the Boholana Rich Asuncion says. Four Ultimate Survivors Now that StarStruck has reached the a new level ,this season there will be four Ultimate Survivor posts the contestants will be fighting for. Up for grabs are the Ultimate Hunk, Ultimate Sweetheart, and the Ultimate Love Team. Each winner will receive one million pesos cash, plus a contract with GMA7. At this stage, the survivors already have their own bets as to who will most likely win in the competition. Aside from themselves, many mentioned Aljur Abrenica, Paulo Avelino, Mart Escudero of Cavite, Kris Bernal, Jewel Mische and Stef Prescott of La Union as contenders for one of the four titles. But no one can really tell who the winners will be, as unexpected twists may eliminate anyone of them anytime. So continue supporting your bet and don’t let him or her get left behind. Keep your favorite survivor in the game through Fanatxt by texting StarStruck (name of survivor) to 367 for Smart and Talk N Text subscribers or 2344 for Globe, TM and Sun subscribers. You may also vote for them on-line at www.StarStruck.tv. -- Text by Jessa C. Bien.