Philippine Idol and the Pinoy Dream Academy

The television had me enthralled last night.

When you are housebound like me, you need to be able to find ways to entertain yourself. Though my first preference is to feed my mind with positive and uplifting thoughts and feeding on HIS word, there are moments when you just want to entertain yourself with something fun and relaxing. So it was last night that H and I channel-surfed between Philippine Idol (my preference) and the Pinoy Dream Academy (H's preference).

I wasn't really a great fan of American Idol but this time around I was curious enough to want to see the quality of the female contestants for the local franschise. And I was pleasantly surprised! Well, I shouldn't be really considering that entertainers are one of the Philippines' top exports. I mean, whatever part of the world you are in, you are bound to bump into a Filipino singer or band member. That's almost guaranteed. Thus, the 12 semi-finalists last night really had me sitting up and listening. Some were really such belters! Their vocal prowess simply amazing! Mau Marcelo, the judges' favorite was something else. It was like watching Anita Baker herself! Even multi-awarded maestro Ryan Cayabyab said, "You can give Fantasia a run for her money!" or was it top rapper Francis M. who said that? Nevertheless, the woman really is something! Plus the fact that she gave up a U.S. immigrant petition to be able to stay and perform for the duration of the contest says something about her being a real Philippine Idol. Another belter is Pow Chavez. Grabe. Her voice is something for the books. My third bet (they are picking four finalists tonight to join the other 4 male finalists that were picked last week) is Arms Cruz from Zamboanga City whose style reminds me of Aretha Franklin. Amazing and commanding presence onstage.

I put my money on these three ladies but my best best bet and for personal reasons is a young, wisp of a girl named IRA MARASIGAN. The moment she came onstage there was an immediate flicker of recognition - yes, this was the same Ira who sat in my class at the Ateneo three years ago. How she has blossomed! She had wonderful stage presence and such a golden voice :) Ira is one of those students that you remember because she had such a nice disposition and was very diligent. Always smiling and raising her hand in class. A model student. And though she's quite petite, when she walks by you really notice her because of the regal way that she carries herself. So what a joy it was for me to see her perform live before an audience of hundreds. I remember how three years ago, I challenged Ira's class to write down three things that they wanted to do but had never done, and to try to do that within five years. Ira's response struck me because it was different from the rest. "I want to be able to perform before a large audience of thousands..." whoa! And last night the girl was living her dream! SO let me do a shameless plug and aask you all to vote for these four ladies, but IRA especially. Text either POW, ARMS, MAU or IRA to 2339. I never do endorsements but I'm sick and tired of us Pinoys always voting on the basis of looks or promises. Not that these girls aren't attractive - they have their own charms but admittedly, the other ladies on the search are mas pang Bb. Pilipinas. But hey, this isn't a beauty contest right? Vote on the basis of TALENT as Ryan Cayabyab said last night. I mean, who would want a Philippine Idol na maganda nga pero pumipiyok, right? You want one with presence, bearing and one hell of a voice to represent your country diba?

As for Pinoy Dream Academy, I think there are too many scholars on the show. Naguguluhan ako sa dami! Thankfully they are starting to evict them one by one (better make that two by two...). I laud these young men and women for their bravura but really, one has to have that X factor to make it in the world of showbiz - charisma and talent (and good looks) are keys to making it. Kailangan may simpatya ang audience para sa iyo. Think about the previous Pinoy Big Brother winners and you'll get what I mean. I've got some early favorites but will reserve that for another entry because right now there's just too many of them! As for the ones who I think will be booted out, my gut says it's Oona and Rosita by the week-end. Fearless forecast lang po yan. In showbiz, as in life, it's all in God's hands. Abangan...