Meet the Female Finalists

You’ve followed them as they got closer and closer to their dreams. Now, the finalists are on their last step to becoming the next Pinoy Pop Superstar! In this first of two parts, meet five of the nine finalists who will compete with each other to claim their dream! Who do they consider as their biggest threats? Who deserves to win the title this year? And just how far have they gone in trying to achieve their dreams? You decide with the help of this interview that will let you in to the minds of the Pinoy Pop Superstar Year 3 Finalists. Text by Jason John S. Lim. With interviews by Loretta G. Ramirez. Photos by Connie M. Tungul. Five girls, four boys, one title. The math is easy, it’s the pressure that’s a killer. And when you’re already on your second or third chance to become a superstar, every performance counts. Maricris Garcia, Joyce Tañana and April Delos Santos already know what it feels to lose, and now they’re competing to win. In fact, April first got in Pinoy Pop Superstar on her third audition, only to lose during the qualifying round. Maricris already became a challenger in the competition’s first year and Joyce was rejected due to her weight. As for Jae Buensuceso, she even had to migrate to San Francisco and try out there before she even got in! Only Jennie Escalada can be said to be the Pinoy Pop Superstar newbie. Superstardom is definitely not an overnight success story as television might lead you to think. But it does have its perks. For example, working with Regine Velasquez -- truly something one can be proud of, win or lose! Maricris shares that backstage, Regine was fun to be with. “Mabait siya! Nakakatuwa (nga na) kabisado niya lahat ng pangalan namin. Sa dinami-dami ng nagiging contenders, talagang kilala niya kami isa-isa.” Then, there are the judges. April reveals that Jaya and Direk Floy Quintos are very kind with their comments but there are lessons to be learned and tips to be gained. And with Danny Tan, she said, “Mala Simon Cowell (of American Idol) kasi po siya. Pero maganda din po ‘yun para mas ma-push mo ‘yung sarili mo.” And with the comments, they have already started their preparations for the finale night. Jae explains, “A lot of (my) preparations consist of practicing the songs every day, trying to listen to it as much as I can, trying to vocalize every day which is so hard because we’re so busy, and praying. A lot of praying.” Going on a road tour and performing every Sunday on SOP, it sure can be hard to prepare -- and it’s definitely harder to maintain their beautiful voices. How does Joyce maintain hers? “Bawal ang mga pagkain (gaya ng) sweets, nuts, chocolates, (and) ice cream. Lalo na ngayon na malapit na ‘yung finals namin (at marami kaming shows). Dapat po talaga discipline (sa sarili).” They’ve prepared, they’ve listened to the judges, and they’ve persevered, but in the end they’re still competing against each other. Do the challengers get along? Jennie certainly thinks so! “Napaka-friendly po nilang lahat, hindi malungkot. Laging masaya!” Well that’s certainly good to hear! Catch the finale night live at the Araneta Coliseum on June 2! Root for your favorite challenger by voting online at the PPS site or by texting PPS [Challenger’s Name] to 2344 for Globe and Sun subscribers and 367 for Smart and Talk & Text subscribers.