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.