THE
fact that some 10,000 fans witnessed the StarStruck
Nationwide Invasion Final Judgment, GMA 7’s
reality-based artista search held live recently
at the Marikina Sports Park, says a lot about
the popularity of these shows.
This
third StarStruck season gave away over P10 million
worth of prizes – the Ultimate Survivors
bagging P1 M cash each and 2 M worth exclusive
management contracts. The Sole Survivor got an
additional P300,000 on top of a P1.5 business
package and P2.5 M house and lot.
All
14 finalists, who qualified in an elimination
process that tested their acting, singing and
dancing skills, were also given management contracts.
It
remains to be seen whether Jackie Rice of Olongapo
and Marky Cielo of the Mt. Province, who were
chosen as the Ultimate Survivors (with the latter
proclaimed as the Sole Survivor), would live up
to the honor and prestige of their titles.
But one thing is clear. People are always eager
to watch and root for the next generation of showbiz
stars – especially those coming from the
ordinary working classes.
At
the venue, security was tight and coordination
between the organizers and local government officials
was smooth, with no untoward incidents.
The
gates at the Marikina Sports Park opened three
hours ahead of show time, but the people were
so excited that they came even earlier.
There
were cultural dance numbers representing the regions
where the finalists came from. Around the grass
field, hawkers were doing brisk business selling
junk food and bottled water.
And
when the lights finally turned up on center stage,
our two photographers happily struck: the stars
were out and ready for their close up shots.