PROTÉGÉ SEASON 2 HOSTS. Journey Host Carla Abellana: "I will share with them my personal experiences. Para kung ma-experience man nila yun, at least may idea na sila at prepared sila."

Inside Protégé Host Jennylyn Mercado: "Para ma-enhance pa yung craft nila, puwede silang magtanung-tanong sa akin para matulungan ko sila sa activities nila."

Protégé Web Jock Maxene Magalona: "It's a lot of fun, but you have to work hard. And dapat mahalin mo talaga yung ginagawa mo."

Live Gala Presenter Dingdong Dantes: "It's very exciting dahil you're doing something that you really love. Kung papasok ka rito, kailangan siguraduhin mong 100 percent dedicated ka."

SERVING AS MENTORS. Roderick Paulate, actor, assigned to Mega Manila contenders: "Full support, hanggang dulo. Ipapakita kong I care for them. They have to trust me."

Gina Alajar, actress/director, assigned to South Luzon contenders: "May kredibilidad. Kung ano yung dapat kong ibigay, ibibigay ko sa kanila."

Phillip Salvador, actor, assigned to Mindanao contenders: "Gusto kong makita yung pagpupursige ko noon sa kanila. And I want them to make it."

Jolina Magdangal-Escueta, actress/singer, assigned to Visayas contenders: "Kapag meron kang passion and fire sa puso mo, hindi ka na magdadalawang-isip. Gusto mo talaga!"

Ricky Davao, actor/director, assigned to North and Central Luzon contenders: "Kapag may talent, yun ang foundation mo. Malakas ang laban natin!"

SERVING AS JUDGES. Cherie Gil, stage and film actress: "The passion to learn has to be there, as well as the drive to show what they have learned."

Bert de Leon, director: "May ibuguga, may datíng. There's a certain aura. Call it charisma."

Joey de Leon, actor/songwriter/artist: "Kapag tiningnan, 'Ang galing n'yan!' Kahit saan daanin, 'Matinik 'yan!' 'Yan ang hinahanap namin ngayon."

Annette Gozon-Abrogar, lawyer/GMA Films president: "That particular star quality we're looking for, you just see it, you just feel it."

NAME             : ANDRES VASQUEZ

ORIGIN          : TAGUIG CITY

AGE                : 21

As the eldest in a brood of three, Andres is paying for the tuition fee of his youngest sibling.

"Hindi ko kasi matiis na makitang hindi nag-aaral ang kapatid ko, lalo na at high school pa siya. Mas kaya ko pa na ako ang huminto kaysa makita kong hihinto siya. Kasi baka mapariwara ang buhay niya, e."

Becoming a protégé is a chance he cherishes: "Suwerte ako dahil umabot pa 'ko sa age limit ng auditions. At alam niyo, kung sakaling hindi pa rin ako palarin dito, hindi pa rin ako susuko at itutuloy ko pa rin ang pangarap ko."

Of his abilities, he says: "Dahil sa pagte-teatro ko, kaya kong umarte, kaya kong sumayaw, kaya kong kumanta. Total package talaga."

His favorite celebrities: Piolo Pascual, Sarah Geronimo, Gary V., Ogie Alcasid.

NAME             : ELLE RAMIREZ

ORIGIN          : ANGONO RIZAL

AGE                : 18

Elle's father is a bus conductor. Her mother is a homemaker.

Her family hail from Quezon, but tried their luck in Manila, where they lived wherever they could find a place.

"Naranasan ko na magkaroon ng kapitbahay na adik. Sobrang takot ang mga kaklase ko na pumunta dun sa dati naming bahay, kasi may nakakasalubong silang lalaking pula ang mata. Naranasan ko na rin magkaroon ng kapitbahay na nagtatapon ng kanin sa pintuan namin."

These encounters with the dark side, however, don't seem to have changed her. Elle comes across as optimistic and light-hearted.

Of showbiz, she says: "Bata pa lang ako, alam kong eto na ang karerang gusto ko. Ano man ang hingin sa akin bilang artista, kayang-kaya ko."

Her favorite celebrities: Dingdong Dantes, Aljur Abrenica, Angel Locsin, Heart Evangelista, Sarah Geronimo, Calla Lily.

NAME                         : KELLY D.

ORIGIN                      : PASIG CITY

AGE                            : 15

Kelly's parents, at one point, were forced by their circumstances to give away two of their children.

This has become a driving force for Kelly to make a living at the young age of 15. 

"Pangarap ko po na mag-earn ng money para mabawi na po yung mga kapatid ko. Miss na miss ko na po kasi sila. Ako po talaga ang nag-alaga sa kanila simula baby sila, kaya mahirap sa akin na magkahiwalay-hiwalay kami."

Still, to look at Kelly, she is nothing but cool and stylish, like pretty girls her age.

On what she looks forward to in showbiz: "Gusto kong ma-enhance pa ang mga talent ko. At gusto ko ring maka-inspire ng ibang tao."

Her favorite celebrities: Marian Rivera, Rhian Ramos, Heart Evangelista, Miley Cyrus, Paramore, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Green Day.

NAME             : VIEN ALEN KING

ORIGIN          : TIAONG, QUEZON

AGE                : 19

It is easy to fall in love with Vien Alen, according to those who encounter him, because of his voice and the way he looks at the person he's with.

Vien Alen previously joined the "Mr. Pogi" contest of the country's longest-running noontime show, Eat Bulaga!

"Proud ako na nakasali ako ng 'Mr. Pogi' kasi doon naipakita ko yung talent ko. At kahit natalo ako sa contest, na-realize kong marami pala akong kayang gawin."

Now that he has a mentor to guide him, Vien Alen says he believes he has a stronger chance as a contender in Protégé.

Of his would-be stint in showbiz: "Ang mga talentong ipinagkaloob sa akin, dapat kong ipakita sa lahat para maging inspirasyon din ako sa ibang tao."

His favorite celebrities: Aljur Abrenica, Marian Rivera, Ogie Alcasid, One Direction.

NAME             : APPLE VEGA

ORIGIN          : DIPOLOG CITY

AGE                : 20

Before becoming part of Protégé, Apple Vega was a full-time hotel staffer and part-time hip-hop dancer.

In Dipolog and in cities nearby, she has gained "celebrity" status through the many dance contests and beauty contests she has joined.

A tomboy weathering a dysfunctional relationship with her father, Apple still chooses to dream big for her family.

"Tatlo ang pangarap ko. Una, makabili ng bahay para sa aking pamilya. Pangalawa, maipadala ang tatay ko sa rehab para magbago na siya. Pangatlo, gusto ko sumikat bilang isang mahusay na dancer at artista."

On performing: "Gaya ng mga idolo ko, gusto ko kapag nagpe-perform ako, nakukuha ko ang atensyon ng mga nanonood."

Her favorite celebrities: Carla Abellana, Bianca King, Julie Anne San Jose.

NAME             : DAVID JOHN LLANAS

ORIGIN          : CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

AGE                : 19

Proficient in English, David John likes engaging people in a discussion—and he's even more engaging when he sings!

He is a Christian, his father is a pastor, and his entire family finds fulfillment in serving the church.

Their home was ravaged by typhoon Sendong, but his faith and attitude have not wavered.

"Yes, we are rich, not with material things but with God's blessings. We are blessed as a family.  Ako, I was a victim, but now I'm a survivor."

Of his showbiz goal: "Gusto kong maging isang versatile na performing artist—a true role model, hindi lang sa harap ng camera."

His favorite celebrities: Jean Garcia, Chris Brown, Jay-R, Kris Lawrence

NAME               : RURU MADRID

ORIGIN             : ZAMBOANGA CITY

AGE                  : 14

Ruru is a varsity player (volleyball and basketball), who is also an academic achiever. 

He has a multi-faith background. His father is Catholic and his mother is Muslim.

A natural actor, his skills as a thespian have been showcased on theater and television.

"Bata pa lang ako, mahilig na ako mag-break-into-a-scene. Minsan bigla na lang ako iiyak, walang dahilan, gusto ko lang subukan kung gaano ako kabilis umiyak.

"Kaya minsan, tinutukso ako ng mga pinsan ko na 'maarte.'  Pero ang totoo, mahilig lang talaga akong umarte."

Ruru says he tries to be a role model for his siblings Rara and Rere.

Of his place in Protégé: "Kahit ako ang pinakabata rito, malaki ang tiwala kong kaya ko ito at magiging proud sa akin ang family ko."

His favorite celebrities: Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, James Dean, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Parokya ni Edgar, Calla Lily.

NAME             : STEFFI PACHECO

ORIGIN          : DAVAO CITY

AGE                : 16

Every inch gorgeous and gregarious, Steffi does not look like she comes from a simple family that cannot afford any of life's luxuries.

In fact, her father is a taxi driver, whose meager income is used to finance her mother's medical needs.

Steffi likes the whole gamut of showbiz: acting, singing, and dancing. She loves to watch Eat Bulaga! And her favorite movie is The Lovely Bones.

On her personality traits: "Small but terrible. Palaban ako at determinado akong ipaglaban ang pangarap ko."

Her favorite celebrities: Marian Rivera, Kris Bernal, Julie Anne San Jose.

NAME             : JAPS DE LUNA

ORIGIN          : NUEVA ECIJA

AGE                : 20

Japs' mother groomed him to become a celebrity. He was trained to sing and dance and act from a very young age. It is a training that Japs has since embraced.

"Para kay Mama ang pagpasok ko dito sa Protégé. Matagal na niyang dream ito para sa akin. Siya ang nag-push sa akin para marating yung common dream namin."

Japs likes to play the guitar, eating siomai, ang watching his favorite TV show, 24 Oras.

On succeeding in showbiz: "Kung gusto mong matupad ang pangarap mo, kailangan mong sumugal. May tiwala ako sa talento ko, kaya nandito ako."

His favorite celebrities: Dingdong Dantes, Ogie Alcasid.

NAME             : REESE TAYAG

ORIGIN          : TARLAC

AGE                : 16

 Reese's family was abandoned by her father after he lost his job.

To help support the family and her own education, the 16-year-old had been working as a part-time dancer before Protégé came along.

"Minsan, nakakasama ng loob kasi, imbis na naglalaro ako e nagtatrabaho ako para sa pamilya. Pero 'yon, okay pa, kasi para naman sa amin. Pero 'yong pag-isipan ka pa ng masama dahil nagsasayaw ako bilang trabaho—'yon, nakakasakit 'yon ng damdamin."

On surviving in showbiz: "Marami na akong pagsubok na pinagdaanan. Kaya kahit gaano kahirap ang ipagawa sa akin dito, magpupursige akong matutunan yun."

Her favorite celebrities: Jennylyn Mercado, Shakira.

NAME                   : SHELLY HIPOLITO

ORIGIN                : NUEVA ECIJA

AGE                     : 16

"Gusto kong maging artista kasi gusto kong mapatunayan na may talent ako. Sa mga pageants kasi, di ako manalo-nalo. Ayoko maging runner-up lang forever," Shelly says with enthusiasm and conviction.

Growing up, she was made to wear pajamas much of the time. She felt odd about it, seeing that kids around her wore shorts all the time. 

Now she's grateful for what she sees as her mother's special way of preparing her for showbiz: Shelly has flawless skin.

On leaving her mark on showbiz: "Sisiguraduhin kong hindi lang mukha ko ang magmamarka sa mga manonood, kundi lalo na yung talent ko."

Her favorite celebrities: Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, Anne Curtis, Rachelle Ann Go.

NAME             : GLENN ROY

ORIGIN          : TARLAC

AGE                : 18

Glenn is a Criminology student, while his father is a soldier who trained him and his siblings to be brave at all times.

"Ayaw niyang may nakikitang weakness sa amin, kaya ayaw niya na umiiyak kami. Kasi nga sundalo siya, di ba, so p'wedeng biglang hindi na siya makabalik sa amin. Kaya ayaw niya kaming nakikitang pinanghihinaan ng loob."

However, Glenn admits to feeling just that—weak and disheartened—when his own family, learning that he had passed the auditions for Protégé, made him feel small.

"Hindi ako makapaniwalang sa kanila manggagaling yung masasakit na salita na hindi daw ako nababagay sa pag-aartista. Ngayon na nandito ako, sisikapin ko talaga na tumagal o manalo."

Of his will to compete: "Hindi ako nagpapahuli sa iba. Sabihin man nilang magaling sila sa isang bagay, sisiguruhin kong mahihigitan ko yun."

His favorite celebrities: Vic Sotto, Marian Rivera, Gary V., Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, One Direction

NAME             : ARNY ROSS

ORIGIN          : DASMARINAS, CAVITE

AGE                : 21

Arny Ross is a part-time model and a pageant veteran.

"Nasanay po kasi ako sa mga pageants na dapat laging taas noo, dapat lagi mong iisipin na maganda ka, kahit alam mong maraming maganda sa competition."

She was also at one time an executive assistant for a solon.

Her interests include dancing, hosting, swimming, playing volleyball and badminton. And she likes carbonara, kare-kare, and seafoods.

Her favorite TV show is Faithfully, and her favorite movie is The Witness.

Of her fighting chance in showbiz: "Experience and personality ang panlaban ko. Pinaghirapan kong makarating dito kaya ipapakita kong deserving ako."

Her favorite celebrities: Jean Garcia, Kitchie Nadal.

NAME             : JERIC GONZALES

ORIGIN          : CALAMBA, LAGUNA

AGE                : 19

Jeric was David Pomeranz's opening act during his recent concert in Manila.

Tall, handsome and virile-looking, he admits to like being admired by women.

He is a nursing graduate who has temporarily set aside taking the board exams to pursue a showbiz dream.

"Natapos ko na yung pangarap ng magulang ko para sa akin—ang maka-graduate. Ako muna ngayon, kasi baka maging too late na for me na makapasok ng showbiz, kung next year ko pa sisimulan ang pangarap ko."

On meeting showbiz head-on: "Kahit nung bata ako, active na ako sa extra-curricular activities sa school. Ngayon, masasabi kong handa na ako para sa big break ko." 

His favorite celebrities: Christopher de Leon, Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, Gary V. Janno Gibbs, Regine Velasquez, Jonas Brothers, David Cook.

NAME             : MYKEL ONG

ORIGIN          : NOVALICHES/ BATAAN

AGE                : 20

Mykel worked in Australia as a janitor, a dishwasher, and a construction worker in the short period he was there to pursue a degree on a scholarship.

"Hindi naman kami mahirap na mahirap, pero gusto kong makatulong sa pamilya ko, kaya nag-apply ako ng student visa sa Australia. Tapos, naghanap ako ng trabaho para masuportahan ko ang sarili ko at makapagpadala ako sa pamilya ko dito sa Pinas."

But after a year, very homesick, he decided to come back.

He failed in Protégé's Batangas auditions, and tried again in the online auditions. His perseverance paid off; mentor Gina Alajar picked him as part of her magic four.

On passing through the eye of the needle: "Hindi naging madali ang naranasan ko nung audition, kaya sisiguraduhin kong hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataong ito."

His favorite celebrities: Christopher de Leon, Vilma Santos, Parokya ni Edgar.

NAME             : THEA TOLENTINO

ORIGIN          : CALAMBA, LAGUNA

AGE                : 15

Like many teenagers, Thea is happy being with her family.

Raised along a conservative set of values, she says she is quite comfortable being guided by her mom, who even packed her clothes for her stay at the quarters of Protégé.

"Never pa po akong nahiwalay sa family ko,  pero kakayanin ko sa loob ng Protégé quarters. Matagal ko na pong pangarap ito, kaya kung anuman po yung darating na pagsubok sa Protégé o sa showbiz, kakayanin ko din."

On going up the stage: "Sa pagtungtong ko sa stage, hindi na ako mahihiya. Makikita na ng mga tao ang bagong ako."

Her favorite celebrities: Marian Rivera, David Archuleta.

NAME             : BRYAN BENEDICT

ORIGIN          : LAHUG, CEBU

AGE                : 21

Bryan is a graduate, with magna cum laude honors, of Far Eastern University. 

He has worked as a dealer in a Cebu casino.

He dreams of becoming an actor on television to please his parents.

"I came from a silent family," he says on the night Protege's Top 20 are announced. Bryan's father is deaf and mute, and his mother is deaf. Bryan himself has no hearing difficulties.

"Nakikita ko kasi na kapag may bisita e 'pinapakita nila yung mga pictures ko sa modelling. So nakikita ko na doon nila nae-express na proud sila sa akin.

"Masarap sa pakiramdam, gusto kong maging artista dahil gusto ko makitang masaya at proud sila kung mapanood nila akong umarte."

On his expectations now that he's in the Top 20: "Sa pamamagitan ng Protégé, inaasahan kong mas made-develop ako bilang isang mahusay na artista at bilang isang tao."

His favorite celebrities: Will Smith, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Nelly, Ne-Yo.

NAME             : MIKOY MORALES

ORIGIN          : ROXAS CITY

AGE                : 20

Mikoy has no sob story to tell: "Okay naman kami ng family ko. We're happy, and whatever problems na napagdaanan, kinaya naman. Nandito ako dahil gusto ko talaga maging musikero at maging isang mahusay na artista."

He is an Architecture student at the University of Santo Tomas, he loves to play the piano, and he has no reservations about conquering television.

The young man with the winsome smile says, "I think I'm emotionally strong because of my family."

On getting all the way to Protégé's Top 20: "My burning passion brought me here. And when this opportunity came, I took it right away."

His favorite celebrities: Kuya Germs, John Lloyd Cruz, Roderick Paulate, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Gary V. Mon Faustino.

NAME             : MITCH CAPILI

ORIGIN          : BOHOL

AGE                : 15

Mitch lived a comfortable life when her parents were still in the poultry business.  But in a reversal of fate, the princess has become a pauper. 

Her mother is now living abroad, and Mitch is hurting: "Galit ako sa kanya dahil in-abandon niya kami.  Pero mahal ko siya dahil kahit ganoon ang ginawa niya, siya pa rin ang nanay namin."

For Mitch, stardom means a redemption from poverty.

Of this stage in her life: "Ito na ang panahon para mapakita ko sa lahat ang talent ko. Confident na ako at alam kong mag-i-improve pa ako."

Her favorite celebrities: Aljur Abrenica, Regine Velasquez.

Visayas Contender

NAME             : ZANDRA SUMMER

ORIGIN          : ASTORIAS, CEBU

AGE                : 18

Her relatives in Austria refer to Zandra as their "little Pocahontas" because she is morena and has a petite frame.

Her Cebuana mother, before meeting her Austrian father, was a fish vendor—something which makes Zandra stand proud.

"Kapag may mga classmates akong ayaw isama ang mommy nila sa school dahil mahirap lang ito, I tell them, ‘You should be proud of your mom kasi she did everything for the family.' Me? I'm proud of my mother!"

Her parents are based in Cebu.

Of her determination to stay in showbiz: "Quitting is not an option for me. And I will be remembered as someone who always gives her best."

Her favorite celebrities: Ellen Adarna, Sam Pinto, Elmo Magalona.