GMA 7: New show, new auditions

GMAnetworkculminatesits nationwide auditions with overwhelming number of artista aspirants for the show, Protege: The Battle for the Big Artista Break.

This, as the network offers another heartwarming family drama that will surely make the viewers laugh, cry and fall in love with the premiere of Hindi Ka Na Mag-iisa, which will replace Hiram Na Puso beginning July 9 on GMA’s afternoon prime.

ForProtégé’,fiveesteemed celebrity mentors scoured the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to hunt for the best bunch of artista aspirants who will soon become the network’s fast-rising and bankable stars.

They are: acclaimed actor and director Ricky Davao (North Luzon), seasoned actress and TV director Gina Alajar (South Luzon), drama and action film legend Phillip Salvador (Mindanao), multimedia icon Jolina Magdangal (Visayas), multi-awarded actor Roderick Paulate (NCR) –These award-winning and highly-acclaimed mentors will not only share their professional guidance to their protégés in every rehearsal, workshop and intensive weekly tests and trainings but also invest on their looks, and over-all packaging and showmanship in hopes of winning over the judges’ and the viewers’ votes.

Only 20 protégés will make the cut and move on to become the mentor’s four (2 boys and 2 girls) potential protégés.

Two winners will be proclaimed at the finals nightone male protégé and one female protégé. At stake are 12 million pesos worth of cash prizes and a management contract with GMA 7.

Protégé’shigh-profileand formidable judgesarewell-respectedtalent manager/director Bert de Leon, multi-awarded drama actress Cherie Gil and entertainment guru, Joey de Leon.

This reality search will be hosted drama actor Dingdong Dantes and Carla Abellana.

Jennylyn Mercado returns as the host of Inside Protégé–a 10-minute Monday to Saturday updates on the aspirants quest for stardom which will air beginning July 23 while Maxene Magalona is the Web Jock for the daily updates in Protégé Webisodes.

Mercado also topbills Hindi ka Mag-iisa breathing life to the character of Elisa Santos.

Completing the star-studded cast are Angelu De Leon, Carl Guevarra, Crystal Reyes, Saab Magalona and Joey Paras. The show also features Lloyd Samartino, Ms. Liza Loreno and Glydel Mercado.

The series tells the story of Elisa (Jennylyn), who at a very young age, learned and experienced all the hardships in life. Because of the trials young Elisa endured, she has no self-confidence and doesn’t trust people immediately. Elisa is scared of falling in love because she doesn’t exactly know how to love someone since she never experienced it yet.

Andrew (Sid) will play an important role in Elisa’s life. Andrew falls for Elisa. He’ll help and teach Elisa to outgrow her insecurities, fears and worries when it comes to love.

Under the helm of director Gil Tejada, Jr. and with original concept by Richard “Dode” Cruz, Hindi Ka Na Mag-iisa shows the selfless love between two sisters that transcends all hardships.

Hindi Ka Na Mag-Iisa premieres July 9 right Eat Bulaga on GMA afternoon arime. (PR)