Another Cebuano wants to try luck in showbiz

A 21-YEAR-OLD Cebuano has made it to the Top 16 of the newest reality talent search on TV5, "Artista Academy."

Benjo Leoncio, a 21-year-old model from Mabolo, Cebu, is considered as one of the strongest bets, so far, in the talent search, which guarantees P20 million in total prize.

"(From the audition) hindi ko naman na-feel na isa ako sa strongest bet kasi from 13,000 eh 16 nga lang yung makukuha. Competition talaga ito and paggalingan kung sino talaga yung gagawing matinee idol ng TV5. Thankful ako na nakasama ako," Benjo said in an interview.

The Luis Alandi look-a-like said that his modeling stints in Cebu pushed him to try his luck showbiz.

Though he doesn't know what lies ahead in Manila, Benjo traveled all the way from the "Queen City of the South" to join the audition.

"Noong una, akala ko talaga mahihirapan ako na makasundo yung mga tao sa Manila. First month ko dito eh okay naman, na-enjoy ko yung pagtatagalog ko. Ngayon ko napatunayan na kaya ko din pala," he said.

"Nung bata pa ako, tahimik, shy ako na tao. Lagi nila akong inaasar na dapat na mag-artista daw ako. Dumating yung opportunity and career na ito. Hindi lahat nabibigyan ng ganitong chance. Dun ko inisip na tingnan ko yung career ko in modeling to acting," he added.

Benjo shared that his parents, although very supportive of his decision, were a bit reluctant on his stay in capital.

"Ginawa ko ito para talaga sa sarili ko and pag prove sa parents ko na kaya ko talaga. Hindi nag-expect yung parents ko na tatagal ako dito. Sabi nila na two weeks lang ako sa Manila, na di ako magsu-survive ditto," he said.

That two-week trial period turned into months until the 5'10" Cebuano made it to the competition.

As of this posting, he joins the other 15 hopefuls in their acting, dancing and singing classes.

The trainings are conducted by multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan and musical genius Louie Ocampo.

Benjo said he likes acting very much. He's more comfortable now with the camera and doesn't get nervous when facing a big crowd.

"Nasanay na din ako pag may kasamang camera. Ang ginagawa ko minsan eh kukulitin ko, para syang best friend na namin," he said.

He's also getting tips from co-modeling friends.

Benjo is currently part of Mercator, the talent/modeling agency known for producing Akihiro Sato, Daniel Matsunaga, Fabio Ide, Venus Raj, among other.

"Kaibigan ko silang lahat. Nung una parang 'totoo ba ito?' Mabait naman sila sa akin lahat and nung bago pa ako dito, hindi pa ako nakakaintindi ng tagalog, kinakausap parin nila ako," he said.

If luck is not on his side during the whole competition, Benjo said he is keen to continue his modeling career.

"Kung di ako sinwerte ako dito eh I will also ask my manager kung anong next step namin. I want to continue modeling din," he said.

Witness Benjo chase his showbiz dreams weeknights, after "Wil Time Bigtime" On TV5. (Sunnex)