PDA Season II Dream Night-Awards Night

Laarni Lozada had made it to become the newest PDA scholar graduating with the highest honor! She got a total of 651, 696 text votes or garnered 35.42% . The emotional Grand Star Dreamer was really crying and sobbing on stage! She was thanking all the people who made it possible; the abscbn Management, dream mentors, supporters, her parents and fellow scholars. She just received Php 1Million from abscbn,Php 1.5 Million worth of franchise from Crystal clear, a house and lot from Globe Asiatique plus a kitchen showcase from fujidenso, a laptop from Vio and an object from sony bravia! Attitude towards things can be change like being too emotional but talent is a gift that no nobody can copy or take it if it's truly born in you....that's what Laarni has. The mentors had offered their song and dance number namely; Headmaster Ryan Cayabyab, Over-all Voice Mentor Kitchy Molina, Media Performance Mentor Jose Javier Reyes, Academy In-Charge and Voice Mentor Monet Silvestre, and Diction/Speech Mentor Von Arroyo Direk Joey amazed me when he start rapping on stage!LOL It's like it was very unusual thing to see him that way! Below are the rest of the winners of PDA Season II Sixth Star Dreamer- Cris Pastor ( 36,487 votes or 1.97%) Fifthth Star Dreamer - Van Roxas (113,065 or 6.06% ) Fourth Star Dreamer - Liezel Garcia (247,346 or 13.36%) Third Star Star Dreamer -Miguel Mendoza (253,412 or 13.68%) Second Star Dreamer - Bugoy Drilon (549,760 or 29.70%) Bugoy sang our Elementary Graduation Song which is "Climb Every Mountain". I like the way he delivered it! The farmer's son was also emotional and he was still happy even if he wasn't the Grand Star Dreamer of this year's competition. His statement ended with a quote which says "It's free to dream, even if you are just an ordinary one" Congratulations to all scholars who dreamed big to reach for their stars!!!

PDA Grand Dream Night- Performance Night

Last night's "Grand Dream Night" wasn't that great for me. Perhaps I was just expecting something bigger than what I had seen. After 13 weeks of staying the academy, the top 6 scholars had finally showed their final best at Cuneta Astrodome. The PDA's Performance Night started with the opening performance of the 3 hosts; Nikki Gil, Tony Gonzaga and Billy Crawford followed by the expelled scholars'. Maestro Ryan Cayabyab was honored to announce and present the official graduates of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2. A group performance followed. The first to perform were the boys. Personally speaking, I like the girl's group performance more. It was a sexy performance and the girls didn't look awkward.while delivering it.In other words, I wasn't impressed by the group performance which is compose of Van, Bugoy and Miguel. Before the individual moment of performances, 3 love couples did surprise the spectators. Sam Milby and Anne Curtis of "Dyosa" were there. The main casts of "Kahit Isang Saglit" who are Carmen Soo and Jericho Rosales did a song number also. Derek Ramsey and Miss Judy Ann Santos of "Humingi Ako sa Langit" had also perform their part with two other couples. Van Roxas was indeed a star of last night's gala. I agree with Direk Joey's comment on him. With regards to Liezel Garcia's performance, I'm gonna give her 7 or 8 out of 10 because I want her to bring out all the best that she has! When it comes to voice quality and musicality Liezel is good enough but her stage presence for me was kinda insufficient. She needs to have that plus factor or more additional moves to perfectly amaze the audience! I have no question in her voice. She's got unique and clean vocals. She could have done better... Talking about Cris Pastor and Miguel Mendoza's performances, it was fine. As expected Laarni Losada did gave a great solo number. She was trully blessed with the kind of voice that she has like what Maestro Ryan Cayabyab had told her. Bugoy Drilon's performance was also amazing as what teacher Kitchie was saying- Angels did bring him to the finals. It was just the first part of PDA Grand Dream Night. Tonight September 14 will be the most awaited part which is the Awards Night! Few more hours from now and we'll know who's gonna be the next one to follow the steps of Yeng Constantivo- PDA Season 1 Grand Star Dreamer. I'm certain that the top 6 are pretty excited to know who among them will have commercials, albums to release, international tour etc soon after the revelation of voting results! Before the program ended I noticed that Liezel, Cris and Yeng wore my top 3 fave colors during their last group intermission number- baby pink, aqua blue and purple!Yeng was in purple! I love what she was wearing last night!

PDA BIGayan- A Concert for a Cause

The top 6 scholars performed their chosen songs. Each was given a chance to introduce their fellow performers to practice their hosting skills. This week's guest's juror was the Gen Manager of Universal Records-Kathleen Dy Go. Tonight's performances of everybody was good. If I'm gonna pick up for the best 3, I'll pick up Laarni, Liezel and Cris-all girls group! I agree with Mr Louie Ocampo's comment on Laarni. Laarni was indeed oozing with self-confidence with her performance tonight. Before the scholars performed, each one of them had also picked up their chosen charitable institutions. The six scholars are the instruments to help different charities.Below was the sequence of tonight's performances and their chosen charities:

1. Liezel- Please Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna ( Home for the Aged)
2. Miguel- Rock DJ by Robbie Williams ( Mindanao Emergency Tulong Bakwet)
3. Cris- Sway of Pussycat Dolls ( Gawad Kalinga)
4. Van- True to Your Heart by 98 Degrees (Cebu City Task Force)
5. Laarni- Lani Misalucha's Waray-Waray (Ambassadors of Light Chorale)
6. Bugoy- All I need Is You by Guy Sebastian ( Gatbo Irrigators Association in Camarines Sur)

After the performances of each scholars, a short interview followed. Bugoy was asked with regards to his sexuality. Cris' closeness to Sen was brought up. Van said something about his mom's disapproval of joining the contest. Laarni's emotional aspect and insensitiveness to her fellow scholars didn't escape the buzz.In showbiz you really have to be strong for you to stand the possible hearsays!Ranking himself in Rank 1 or 2, Miguel was quite unhappy with the revelation that he was only ranked 7 or 8 by his fellow scholars. Lastly, Liezel's depreciating stage performances was highly noticed by people. The contender from Puerto Galera said that she's giving her all and is still giving it! The night ended after the dance presentation rendered by the scholars. One more week to go and we are about to hail the Grand Star Dreamer of PDA Season II. Catch the Grand Dream Night, Awards Night on September 14, Sunday! Voting will also end on the same day so keep voting for your bets! Voting started right after the announcement of top 6 scholars.

Poy Palma- the Honorary Scholar of PDA Season 2

An honorary scholar in the person of Poy Palma from Zamboanga was given a chance to perform on stage last July 26. She sang the song "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing". Poy also has the chance to become officially one of the Top 10 Headmaster's List of Scholars. She's one of the waiting list during the final casting of 16 official scholars to stay and study music in PDA Season 2. On this day onwards, Poy's job is to aim to be "The Best Performer of the Week" will start and she'll receive Php50,000. If she will be able to become the best scholar of the week for 3 consecutive weeks, she'll get a total money of Php150,000. She's given two choices: give up the money or become a regular scholar. However, if Poy will decide to give up the money she does not have the privilege of contending for the Grand Star title.

During the 6th Gala and Expulsion Night, I first saw her performance and hmmmm the judges were not quite impressed with it. So was I.We'll see more of her then in the following days.

Small Boy Wonder Christian Expelled in PDA's 6th Gala & Performance Night

During the PDA's 6th Gala & Performance Night, Small Boy Wonder Christian from Taguig was expelled in the academy. He only got a total of 43.99 percent of the text votes while Iñaki got 56.01%. The night's guest juror was Verni Varga.This Saturday's performances was groupings-trio. Since Christian and Iñaki are the probationary scholars they did duet and single performances. The scholars were grouped together. Each group consists of 3 scholars. Each group will have 2 presentations- with music and a capella.

Iñaki completed the last spot in the Headmaster’s list of top ten scholars. After the performances of all scholars, Bugoy's group presentation ( by the Beatles) was chosen to be the Best Performance of the Night. Below is the title of the songs performed by the scholars of PDA Season 2. Inaki - To Where You Are (solo) Christian - Shout For Joy (solo) Inaki and Christian - Panalangin (duet) Bugoy, Hansen and Van - Yesterday (a capella) Liezel, Cris, Bunny - Stop (upbeat) Bugoy, Hansen and Van - Tearing Up My Heart (upbeat) Apple, Miguel and Laarni - Let's Groove Tonight (upbeat) Liezel, Cris and Bunny - Tide is High (a capella) Apple, Miguel and Laarni - Too Much Heaven (a capella)

PDA Little Dreamers 2nd Gala Performance and Expulsion Night

I didn't witnessed the PDA Little Dreamers 1st Gala Performance Night but I was able to witness their 2nd battle in singing! The 12 kid dreamers performed the songs of " Smokey Mountain". A singing group built by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. The group's creation was made possible with the help of an American businessman who came here in the Philippines and saw country's situation. The resident jurors Jimmy Antiporda and Jeffrey Hidalgo gave their critics to each performer with the Soul Siren Nina, the visitor juror of the week. Last week's outstanding star dreamer was Angelo. After the performances, an announcement for the top 2 scholars who got the highest grade was made. It was Philip and Angelo. The latter was again declared to be the outstanding star dreamer. It's Angelo's 2nd time to be the best among the rest! Last week's probationary scholars are Shane and Kelly. Scholars who are in a probationary status are the little dreamers who didn't get good grade/star. If they received a card marked with N.I which is Needs Improvement, then they are at risk. Kelly got a total percentage of 53.96% of total votes while Shane got 46.04%. So, the expelled scholar was Shane.

PDA's Gala, Explusion and Probation Night

Sensuality was taught to the PDA scholars. Dream mentor Joey Reyes did an activity for them to raise their emotions. In singing, mentor Joey emphasized the use of emotions while performing on stage. The scholars were taught this week on how to sing a certain song with the right emotions. It's very awkward to have a performance with improper body movements and facial expressions, right? Tonight, 12 scholars showed what they had learned this week about sensuous singing. All of them performed but I guess not all were able to show their best tonight. The visitor juror of the week is the singer and ultimate performer Vina Morales. Apple did catch my attention. For me, she's the star of the week. Her performance was great. It suits her. She doesn't look like a trying hard performer at that moment. The choice of song and the way she delivered it were far better compared to her fellow scholars.Hmmm I'm expecting more on Liezel and Bugoy's numbers but Apple stood tall among them all. Before the night show ended, the scholars performed the song which was composed by Academy Head Master Ryan Cayabyab. It's entitled Another Goodbye Song. It's my first time to hear the whole part of the song. Last week the probationary scholars are Miguel and Bea. The people decided to vote for Miguel. Miguel has the chance to stay and prove himself to people because Bea was the expelled scholar.Moreover, he's still in the row who will compete for the prizes at stake and has the chance to become a performer and new- born star in showbiz. Eleven (11) remaining scholars will continue their learning inside the academy. This week's bottom four are Bunny, Christian, Iñaki, and Miguel. The last mentioned scholar was the one who was saved by the dream mentors. Tomorrow we'll know who'll be saved by the scholars and the 2 probationaries.

PDA's 4th Gala Performance Night

Live performance of the week is through getting a buddy to sing with. Each scholars had picked up their own choices and songs as well. The competition for now will be by pair. They will be judge together. The visitor juror of the week is Miss Jaime Rivera, a singer and recording artist. The list of pairs who performed at the activity hall are the following:

1. Van with Apple
2. Laarni and Iñaki
3. Christian together with Bunny
4. the lovers Miguel and Bea
5. Chris with Sen
6. Bugoy paired with Liezel

Looking at their performances the best who did best for me are the pair Bugoy-Liezel and Laarni-Iñaki. Every week I always expect great performances from the 1st three people I mentioned.Since the PDA began, I already admired them.And now, they didn't disappointed me. So are the jurors and audience. On the other hand, the bottom 4 are Chris-Sen with an average performance of 5.06% and Bea-Miguel with 5.36% only. Chris was the one saved the dream mentors while Sen was saved by his fellow scholars. I know Sen's happy for being safe this week. I can feel his eagerness and determination to stay in the academy to excel in his singing talent.Thus, the probationary scholars of the week are the love team inside the PDA who are Miguel and Bea. Next week we'll find out who's gonna stay and continue his/her learning with music and who will finally leave the academy. Hmmm wait, there was no announcement made for the Scholar of the Week, right? Or it's really not part of the program for now....

PDA's 3rd Gala Performance Night

This Saturday is the third week of the scholars official performance on stage. This time they are rendering songs which are dedicated to their closest pals or best friends. The songs that they had chosen reminds them of special names and their unforgettable experience with those people.There were only 14 scholars left since Chivas was expelled due to unhealthy physical condition and John Ross who did a voluntary exit. The resident jurors Gerard Salonga and Louie Ocampo are still there to give comments and assessments. The juror of the week is Rachelle Ann Go, a recording artist and one of the ASAP's champions. Hmmmmm as time goes by I observed that Billy's doing a lot better now. He's improving! His hosting ability definitely shows! Well looking at those 14 performers there was one thing that was quickly observed by the jury. It's the diction and right utterances of the lyrics of their chosen songs. Laarni really got a talent. However, her personality and emotional stability can pull her down if she'll do nothing to change her own perceptions with regards to belongingness! The group is accepting her of course and trying to reach for her. I also understand her part because definitely there are also scholars who don't like her. I can see and feel it. Well, that's a challenge for her to take!I believe in her that she can reach her star but of course she must come out of the Academy in a package. In other words, having her amazing talent and strong personality with oozing confidence! That will totally make her become the new rising star of today in the Philippines! I want Laarni to become a fighter inside the academy. Her song tonight fits her. This week's top 3 scholars are Liezel, Christian and Van. The Shining Star of the Week is non other than Liezel! For 3 consecutive weeks she'd been able to prove to all her amazing talent! Her 2 simple wishes were already granted and she was happy for it. And now, her new simple request is about to be granted for being the best among the rest! I like her and from the beginning I know this contender from Puerto Princessa can go further and can make it to the finals! After the performances of each scholar, scholar Sheng finally left the Academy. Sheng and Jet were the probationary scholars of the week . Jet got a total of 51.07% of text votes while Sheng only gathered a total of 48.93% of support. Jet got another chance to prove to people that he deserves to stay in the academy and learn more in the coming days. Sheng was fine. She'll definitely get breaks from the network after her expulsion. She was good while staying with other scholars and showed her best to be part of PDA.

PDA's 1st Gala Performance Night

PDA's 1st Gala Performance Night is the official day for the lucky 16 scholars to show the public what they'd got! After a week of staying with their mentors and teachers they'll be judge with their performance with the use of their learned strategies in singing the right way. That night was shaky for them because they'll be facing the resident jurors to give assessment and corrections with their output after the help they got from the experts. A week is not enough to make them the best singer or performer and yet a lot of positive changes were seen in each scholar. Each of them are trying to make themselves shine on that night. I like the performance of Liezel, Van, Apple, and Ross. The songs that they had sang were dedicated to their fathers in line with the celebration of Father's Day. Each of them picked up the perfect song for their loving papa or daddy.Luckily Chivas was able to be on stage after the incident that happened to him the night before the show. He was delivered to the hospital due to involuntary palpitation. In other words, he's having a faster heartbeat that the normal times because of stress. Hmmm if this is his case he can't run the race in the business that he wanted to be in. We all know that working in showbiz is a stressful yet heavenly one. The top 3 scholars of the week are Miguel, Liezel and Van. And the hailed Star Scholar of the Week is Liezel who is the Pride of Puerto Galera garnering an average score of 89.96%! I like her song and the way she sang it! It's almost perfect! The song was Dance with my Father Again.As a prize, she got the cellphone that she wanted for her granny.It's a simple wish that was granted to her for being the best scholar of the week! " Enjoy and feel the song while performing" is the key that your audience will also enjoy your performance as well as the jurors.