Protégé holds auditions in Visayas, Mindanao

THE search that started the career of Cagayan de Oro native Krizza Neri, Protégé, is now on its second season as auditions have already been held in different areas of the country.

More and more aspirants are auditioning for the newest reality-based search on Philippine TV dubbed “Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break!” as hopefuls from different provinces in Visayas and Mindanao flocked to audition venues to showcase their singing, dancing and acting prowess in front of celebrity mentors.

Contenders from Cagayan de Oro and Davao lined up for hours last June 1 and June 2.

Some hopefuls stood out in the screening because of their interesting personality and captivating life story as they performed in front of Protégé mentor, drama and action film legend Phillip Salvador.

A female cosplayer caught everyone’s attention because of her lush pink hair and harajuku outfit. But during her one-on-one interview with mentor Phillip, she got very emotional when the actor uncovered her secret -- longing for her father's love and approval.

A 13-year-old male Davaoeño was also a crowd favorite when he sang a rendition of a Gary V. hit with keyboard accompaniment.

After his performance, he inspired the spectators when he openly talked about his desire to win Protégé to provide the medical needs of his autistic brothers.

Meanwhile, the Visayas leg of the auditions kicked off with an astounding attendance of aspirants from Cebu, Bohol, Panay, Iloilo and Negros last June 7.

Some Protégé applicants from Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro and Davao also went to Cebu for the audition and showed off their best in front of Visayas celebrity mentor Jolina Magdangal.

One of the most notable performances that took place during this talent hunt was the jaw-dropping cirque dance-off of two Cebuanos --- a chubby boy and a flamboyant girl.

The search is not yet over as two more areas will open their doors for the Protégé call-out -- SM Pampanga on June 16 and SM Mall of Asia on June 18 and 19.

Auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break” will be hosted by Dingdong Dantes as the gala presenter and Carla Abellana as the journey host.

Jennylyn Mercado returns as the host of Inside Protégé while Maxene Magalona is the web jock for the daily updates in Protégé Webisodes.(PR)