YOUNG Filipina girls will slowly turn their dreams into a reality in the new reality web series "Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream".
Produced by Globe Telecom in partnership with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, the 12-episodic web series will help six girls pursue their dreams with the help of their real life fairy godmother, Disney legend Lea Salonga, host Janina Vela and various mentors.
The participants will be staying in a house where they will be mentored individually and as a group to reach their full potential.
Quark Henares, head of Globe Studios, said that more than 500 kids auditioned for the new reality web series and they want to help turn the chosen ones' dreams into a reality.
"Inspiration comes from within. These kids have big aspirations and we want to support them all the way," Henares said.
The six lucky girls are Hya Leonardo, Sirach Catipay, Liana San Diego, Jaden Narvios, Stephanie Jordan and Alexi Tan.
Leonardo, who aspires to become a Broadway singer, will train under the tutelage of seasoned theater actress Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, while Catipay, a future chef, and San Diego, who wants to be a veterinarian, will be mentored by Chef Jessie Sincioco and Dr. Nielsen Donato, respectively.
Twelve-year-old Tan hopes to become a future illustrator/animator and will get firsthand knowledge from animator Tito Romero while Jordan, an aspiring host, will learn techniques from YouTube personality Charisma Star.
Narvios, the youngest of the bunch, lists among current affairs and politics as her interests and wants to be the future president of the country.
The nine-year-old will be mentored by social educator and 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida.
Aside from their mentors, the girls will also be inspired by Disney's iconic princesses and their incredible stories and qualities.
"Every Disney Princess is the heroine of a unique adventure story inspiring kids with messages of hope and optimism. What people love about the Disney Princesses are their incredible stories and the qualities that help them achieve their dreams," said Amit Malhotra, general manager of Disney Media Networks.
He added: "We hope this initiative with Globe will inspire and empower a new generation of girls in the Philippines to pursue their dreams and aspirations."
From the six participants, only one girl will be chosen for a trip of a lifetime -- to walk down the red carpet at the Tokyo premiere of the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney's animated classic, "Beauty and the Beast".
Asked what it takes to be a Disney Princess, Salonga said the little one should have a sense of wonderment and excitement to experience everything.
"What makes a Disney Princess is that she's unique, she's brave, and she’s strong, outspoken, opinionated and smart -- all these amazing things that a lot of girls are not always encouraged to be," she said.
The seasoned singer added: "When you figure out what your true passion is and what it is that you really want to do, and you want to contribute to the world, then that makes you special and unique."
"Disney Princess: I Dare To Dream" starts on Saturday, February 25 via Globe Telecom's YouTube channel and on www.idaretodream.ph.
Salonga and the kids, together with a star studded lineup of other musical talent will perform at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on March 22. (SunStar Philippines)