TV-5’s “Artista Academy” which airs from Monday to Saturday ever evenings after ‘Wil Time Bigtime’ have announced last Saturday night the Top 16 young aspirants who will vie for the P20 Million in total prizes and the chance to live the glamorous artista life in possibly the grandest and most intensive talent search on Philippine television.
There were more than 13,000 hopefuls who came to the grand auditions which was held last June 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Out of those aspirants the 16 finalists were chosen after a series of screenings.
The 16 finalists who were chosen by the board of judges will be given a full scholarship to the Asian Academy of Television Arts (AATA). They will undergo a comprehensive curriculum-based training with highly esteemed professionals in the industry, including multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan, music master Louie Ocampo, dance guru Georcelle Dapat of G Force.
All 16 finalists were guaranteed a talent contracts with the Kapatid Network or TV5, but only two will win the big prize.
The ultimate winners of the “Artista Academy” will win the highest ever prize given in a reality show with a total of Php 20 Million. Winners will also play lead roles in the forthcoming TV5 teleserye.
Artista Academy was hosted by veteran actor Marvin Agustin, who shares his ideas with the viewers and students while Cesar Montano takes charge as the Live Exam Presentor every Saturday.
Sitting in as Live Exam Critics are Lorna Tolentino, Gelli De Belen, and TV5 Talent Center head and renowned TV and film director Mac Alejandre.
Here are the top 16 finalists:
- Akihiro Blanco – Pasig
- Alberto Bruno – Marikina
- Benjo Leoncio – Cebu
- Brent Manzano – Quezon City
- Chanel Morales – Bacolod
- Chris Leonardo – Laguna
- Jon Orlando – Quezon City
- Julia Quisumbing – Makati
- Malak So Shdifat – Manila
- Mark Neumann – Quezon City
- Marvelous Alejo – Valenzuela
- Nicole Estrada – Pasig
- Shaira Mae – Las Piñas City
- Sophie Albert – Mandaluyong
- Stephanie Rowe – Pampanga
- Vin Abrenica – Pampanga
