New talents, new expectations

Last month, eight of the nine Pinoy Pop Superstar Year 3 finalists signed an exclusive contract with GMA Artist Center. And just like the first two batches, these finalists are ready to show the world just what they’re capable of outside the safety net of Pinoy Pop Superstar. Text by Jason John S. Lim. Photos by Xylen Geecel D. Alamo. After the grueling weeks where they endured the heart-pounding tension of elimination to the show-stopping performances they delivered in the explosive grand showdown, the finalists of Pinoy Pop Superstar are no longer finalists. They are now so much closer to becoming superstars of their own right. And for their first and most important step, they have signed contracts for GMA Artist Center to handle their rise to fame. “I would like to welcome them,” Ida Henares, AVP and Head of GMA Artist Center, said after the contract signing held last June 18 at the GMA Network Center. “We’re excited to have new artists and we’re looking forward to working with them.” Mrs. Henares continued with a promise and a bit of advice, “We’ll do what we can for them, but of course it will really depend on them. On how dedicated they are, and how interested they are in this business. (And they have) to enjoy the ride because this is just a part of their journey.” All of the eight aspiring stars have their own reasons for signing with Artist Center. Part of the Top 4 during the Grand Showdown, Joyce Tañaña shared her reasons for signing. “Kasi alam ko po na hindi nila ako pababayaan. Sobrang malaki po ‘yung tiwala ko sa network na kahit papaano mafu-fulfill ko ‘yung dream ko as a singer. Willing naman po ako mag-undergo sa training.” Maricris Garcia, Grand Champion, was visibly excited with this new development in her career. “This is it! I’m exclusive na under GMA Artist Center. Exciting, kasi I’m looking forward sa magiging projects ko.” “Gusto ko maging flexible, gusto kong magawa ang lahat,” Maricris continued, answering the question to what’s to be expected of her now that she’s no longer just another finalist. “Expect more. I’ll try to be different from the other champions. I don’t know how, but I want to be different.” As for Jae Buensuceso, “I wanted this ever since I was a little girl.” The US-raised Filipino-American continued, “It’s hard to crack into anything in the States, so I tried here and luckily I got into Pinoy Pop Superstar and then it just started rolling. And I expect they’ll help me grow as a person. Because you only learn from experience and this is the best experience anyone can have.” None of the eight talents were coerced into signing under GMA Artist Center. In fact, all of them knew that the deal they’re signing goes two ways. For the Artist Center to be able to help them, they should know how to help themselves as well. In fact, April Delos Santos explained, “Hindi ko lang dapat i-asa ang career ko sa artist center. Dapat ipakita ko rin sa kanila na willing ako, dapat makita nila ang desire ko na i-pursue ang career ko.” “It’s gonna be beneficial to both parties. I’ll do my best, and they’ll do their best. I won’t let them down,” John Louie Abaigar added. “GMA is really the best to handle artists; they’re really looking out for the welfare of the artists. It’s very visible.” These soon-to-be superstars know that the road to fame is long and hard work will be expected of them. But unlike most stars, they are being given constant exposure and this doesn’t go unnoticed among them. “Sobrang saya na nabibigyan kami ng opportunity na ganito,” Jennie Escalda affirmed. And Marvin Gagarin agreed, “Flattering sa side namin, kasi sobra-sobrang chance ‘yung binigay sa amin. Siguro nakita naman nila ang talent namin kaya ganoon rin ang suporta nila.” Not everyone gets a chance like this and all of them know this. And that’s why champion runner-up Bryan Termulo is not taking this contract lightly. ““Una sa lahat, masaya kami kasi ‘yung tiwala nila sa amin hindi nawawala. ‘Yung tiwala nila ay pinanghahawakan rin namin, at kailangan pangangalagaan rin namin. Susubukan ko talagang hindi sila biguin. Hindi ko maipapangako, pero gagawin ko ang makakaya ko.” Continue to support your favorite Pinoy Pop Superstar finalist! Talk about them at the iGMA forums! Feel the Fun with Fanatxt! Just text the artist's name to 4627! (PhP2.50 for Smart, Globe, and Talk n Text; PhP2.00 for Sun subscribers)