The 12 finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent are a lucky lot. Aside from being able to showcase their unique talents in Araneta Colisseum on Saturday, June 12, and a chance to take home the two million cash prize, they were also able to form strong bonds with each other.

Yesterday, June 9, these bonds were put to the test as the 12 contestants of the top-rating ABS-CBN reality show were presented to the entertainment press in a press conference held at the Dolphy Theater in ABS-CBN, Quezon City.

The contestants, however, were unfazed. They gamely answered questions of intrigue, competition, love, and other matters related to the contest.

The 12 finalists are: singer Jovit Baldovino, ventriloquist Ruther Urquia, magician Alakim, musician Markki Stroem, guitarist Keith Delleva, breakdance group Velasco Brothers, Ezra Band, singer Sherwin Baguion, singing group Luntayao Family, young musician Jeline Oliva, dance group Baguio Metamorphosis, and Broadway singer Ingrid Payaket.

ANONG BAGO? Several contestants were asked what would be new with their performances on Saturday.

Alakim said he's preparing a big surprise. "Yung pinakita ko pa sa round one and round three, that is my original act. Alam naman po ng mga tao na yung ipapakita ko po ulit, e, yung act na trademark ko. Pero may something new and level up. Yun po yung isu-surprise ko sa Sabado po," he said.

Ruther Urquia, Alakim's best friend in the competition, answered that he can always bring something new, especially since he had already formed a connection with his puppet Titoy.

"Ang ventriloquist po kasi for me is more than just speaking with your mouth closed," Ruther said. "It's creating a character, creating a life form. Ngayon pag buhay na 'yan, habambuhay kayo. Hangga't buhay ka, buhay rin siya. Mayroon kayong pagkukuwentuhan habang may nangyayari sa mundo. Laging-laging meron."

PERSONAL LIFE. Several questions delved into the personal lives of the contestants.

Fil-Norwegian crooner Markki Stroem, easily the most good-looking contestant on the show, was asked if he plans to enter showbiz.

"I would like to first focus on music. I feel that is my passion po," he said.

Does he feel that his good looks are an advantage?

Markki said people should vote based on talent, not on looks. "This is a talent show, so it showcases yung talent po namin. When I joined the competition, I felt na may talent pa ako, and I just want to showcase it sa buong Pilipinas."

Balladeer Sherwin Baguion was asked if he was willing to exchange his slot with his father, an eliminated contestant. Sherwin auditioned with his father, Wilfredo, who had a vastly different talent—he showed that he is not affected by electricity by putting a live wire in his mouth.

Sherwin answered with concern. "Para sa akin, hindi po. Kasi naaawa rin po ako kay Papa. Delikado po yung ginagawa niya. Kaya po pinag-pray ko kay God na sana ako na lang po makapasok, 'wag na lang po si Papa kasi delikado po talaga."

Jovit Baldovino, a former siomai vendor who's currently the crowd favorite, was asked to clarify that he's really poor. Rumors have accused Jovit of faking his poverty to gain sympathy votes.