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Friday, September 30, 2005
Zosa: Another chapter in the saga of OFWs
By Elbert Zosa
Biz Vantage
SPRINGBOARDS. Switching channels, I caught the faces of current and aspiring actors competing passionately in an ABC 5 television show. This one was different from the other talent competitions although these programs have themselves gone through a major facelift, emulating in some ways the model of that big hit, “American Idol.” The format changes have revived the attractions of the talent contests that were once popular springboards to fame such as “Tawag ng Tanghalan” that launched the stardom of Nora Aunor, Diomedes Maturan and many others.
Still, this program, “Hollywood Dream,” shared the format wherein there are judges who give their comments, compliments as well as muted sarcasm, on the performance of each competitor.
Their contestants also go through some suspenseful process of elimination from one week to the next until the last episode or the finale, when the winner emerges.
What separates the “Hollywood Dream” is its offer of a chance for international fame and fortune.
Even if the two winners only get a screen test in Hollywood, in addition to a membership in the Screen Actors Guild, this is that rare opportunity of a lifetime. I assume that this prize underwrites the travel and living expenses to and from Hollywood and of course, the arrangements with Hollywood companies.
Hopefully, these guys will need to use only the Manila to Los Angeles portion of their roundtrip ticket.
Cesar Montano got his break from the movie, “The Great Raid.” We still don’t know if he will get other parts in the future. Lea Salonga starred in Miss Saigon in London and New York, even winning the prestigious Tony award on Broadway. That Miss Saigon break ushered more Filipino singers and actors on foreign stages, which in turn, reaped benefits for the local theater as some of these performers brought their experience and training home. But it seems that we have heard little of their international successes recently.
Manny Pacquiao reopened the US market and the big prize money for Filipino boxers. Rey “Boom-boom” Bautista of Bohol debuted successfully in the undercard of that “Double Trouble” boxing presentation recently in Los Angeles.
Properly managed and trained, this guy, bolstered with dedication and discipline, could also be making millions in the near future. Brian Viloria, who won his match in devastating fashion, is really from Hawaii so he owes little to Manny for the chance to fight in the US.
Whoever these two Hollywood-bound winners might be, let’s hope they reap success in their screen tests as they, too, could open the Hollywood gates to more Filipino actors. This may hopefully start another chapter in the saga of the overseas Filipino worker.
(September 30, 2005 issue)
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