ABS-CBN turns audition gems into a reality show
STAR HUNT, a reality show focused on the stories of people who audition for various ABS-CBN shows, started airing in August as a way to “start pushing for [Filipino] talents to attain global prominence,” said Laurenti Dyogi, its director.
“I’ve always believed that the Philippines is a country of entertainers and I think it’s something that we can be proud of. We would like to shine as a Filipino company that will continue to take pride in our talents—behind the scenes or on camera,” added Mr. Dyogi, who is also the head of TV production at ABS-CBN, in a press release.
Star Hunt is a glimpse at the hopefuls who join ABS-CBN’s grand audition caravans (also called Star Hunt), where they vie for spots in, among others, “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” a segment in the noontime variety show It’s Showtime; Pinoy Big Brother; and the upcoming dance competition, World of Dance Philippines.
“We have auditioned more than 45,000 people and shortlisted 3,000,” Raymond Dizon, business unit head of Star Hunt, told BusinessWorld shortly after a press conference on Sept. 5 at the ABS-CBN offices in Quezon City.
The show, he explained, was conceptualized after the big bosses of ABS-CBN saw audition clips that contained snippets of life stories aside from the usual talent showcases.
“They said this could be a show,” said Mr. Dizon, who explained that audition episodes often get a good number of views. Mr. Dyogi, meanwhile, said that auditions are his favorite part of any competition because he gets to interview the auditionees and learn about their lives.
“There’s a gem in everybody, if you just listen to their stories. I’m always trying to find that unique personality who’s like no other and has a potential to be famous,” Mr. Dyogi said in the release.
Star Hunt was given an initial run of 11 weeks. “Since it’s doing very well, [the network] is thinking of extending it,” said Mr. Dizon.
The show, now on its fourth week, introduced viewers to the likes of Jefford Balote of Naga, whose funny viral videos have been featured on television. He has since been invited to join the growing family of Adober Studios, a multi-channel network that manages and nurtures online stars and creators.
From Leyte, beatbox duo Rens Lucas Jr. and Jhoex Dapiton flew to Manila to perform in variety show Banana Sundae, where they shared the screen with Zanjoe Marudo and Angelica Panganiban; the episode is set to air on Sept. 16.
Meanwhile, Arlene Acosta, a 51-year old mother from Pampanga, fulfilled her dream of sharing the screen with her idol, Piolo Pascual, as she was given a chance to appear in the sitcom Home Sweetie Home.—
Star Hunt is hosted by Kim Chiu, Alex Gonzaga, Robi Domingo, and Melai Cantiveros. It airs Monday to Friday on ABS-CBN.