Showbiz 101

Source: Jason John S. Lim, gmanews.tv

After three seasons as a host of 'StarStruck,' it can be argued that Raymond Gutierrez has learned a lot sa competition na ito. And that's why we ask him what this season's contenders should do to make it big sa larangan ng showbiz.

Start pa lang ng season na ito, Raymond already promised that StarStruck V will be bigger than its predecessors.

"I'm very, very excited," pahayag ni Raymond nang interview noon. Dahil bukod sa mga bagong twists na darating from the show, Raymond is also reuniting with his StarStruck family. "I've been with them for how many seasons already, they're like a family to me." And, he tells us, it's also his first time na makatrabaho si Carla Abellana.

What else is Raymond excited about? Seeing how this season's contestants handle the pressures of being a star, being a celebrity, "and of course, the challenges that go along with it."

Sabi nga nila, every season of StarStruck is different. Hindi lang dahil may mga bagong twists na aabangan lagi, but also because ibang-iba lagi ang personalities ng mga nakakasama sa competition. "So exciting [din] how it's gonna be different creatively."

Isa sa mga bagong addition sa season na ito, compared to the seasons Raymond has been part of, is the mentorship program. Five experts with their own fields of expertise are coming together to give the finalists a top-notch education in singing, dancing, acting, grooming and image development.

Kaya naman nasabi ni Raymond na, "if I was a contestant, I would maximize the fact that I have these mentors around me. I'll ask as many questions as I can, and really try to absorb their advice, really try to listen. Kasi sila talaga 'yung nakaaalam sa bawat aspeto ng industriyang ito."

At dahil nga ito ang gagawin niya if he were in the contestants' place, ito rin ang advice niya sa mga remaining survivors ng StarStruck V—to ask. "Whether it's with acting, or with style, or with singing—anything that would hone their skills, to make sure they stand out."

"Kasi, at the end of the day, I'm sure they want to stand out." Raymond says that if these contestants really want to impress the judges, they should maximize the fact na mayroong silang mentors.

We asked him, kung siya ba ang papipiliin, ano ang gusto niyang makita sa future star na mahuhulma ng StarStruck V? Raymond said that the overall package is important sa competition, that the winner should not just have talent, but also wit. "Someone that can carry themselves in any situation, someone na kayang i-express 'yung sarili nila—‘yun 'yung hinahanap ko."

"And also dedication, determination, 'yung pagiging strong-willed. Importante ‘yun in becoming a star," he added.

Do our survivors have what it take to make it big, sa batayan ni Raymond? We'll find out as the competition continues on StarStruck V.

Catch Raymond hosting StarStruck V every Saturday, pagkatapos ng Pinoy Records, where he breaks down everything that has happened for the week.

You can also catch shorter updates from Mondays to Fridays sa StarStruck ShoutOut bago mag-Family Feud. And, of course, ang elimination nights ay live na live every Sunday night sa Studio V, pagkatapos ng Kap's Amazing Stories, with Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana.