If Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray were a trainee in Top Class: Rise to P-Pop Stardom, she would aim to be the "most improved" trainee.
Catriona is the host of TV5's upcoming P-Pop search, which presented its 30 trainees to the public on Sunday, June 12, 2022, during the show's grand mediacon held at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.
She said during the event, "If I were a trainee, the award... kung may special awards—parang pageant 'no? Kung may special award na puwedeng kunin, I would be the most improved sa lahat ng trainings.
"Because this is what sets Top Class apart. It's really about seeing the growth of our trainees, to see how they develop, and to really come into their own."
Catriona is excited to be a part of the trainees' journey to P-Pop stardom.
She told the event's host MYX VJ Ai dela Cruz, "Natuwa ako kasi our thirty trainees really came to deliver. Seeing them in their element and chasing after a dream is something I'm so passionate about supporting.
"So my advice to them would be just to be yourself. I know that's usually something that we hear a lot, but it's what makes you stand out from others."
She highlighted the word "self-improvement."
The beauty queen continued, "And then, other than that, really be present in all of your mentorships, your trainings, with all of the amazing mentors and guest performers that we have on the show."
Also part of Top Class is renowned Filipino-American choreographer Brian Puspos, who has worked with several K-Pop groups, including BTS and NCT 127, and American pop superstars Justin Bieber and Chris Brown.
After performing at the mediacon, Brian expressed how excited he is to train Cornerstone's upcoming Filipino pop groups.
He said, "I'm just excited to be here... I'm just [excited about] making history, making history, you know. I get hired to train K-Pop, J-Pop, C-Pop.
"But I think it's about time I train my own people. So let's go!"
TOP CLASS TRAINEES
The 30 trainees were given the chance to introduce themselves during the mediacon.
Comprising the first batch are (L-R) Kim Huat Ng, E.L. Mendoza, Dean Villareal, Harvey Castro, Lex Reyes, and Justine Castillon.
The second batch of trainees: (L-R) Gilly Guzman, Kenzo Bautista, Denver Dalman, Seb Herrera, Francis Lim, and Joshuel Fajardo.
The third batch of trainees: (L-R) Trick Santos, Jascel Valencia, Clyde Garcia, Tanner Jude, Jon Laureles, and Matt Cruz.
The fourth batch of trainees: (L-R) Timothy Tiu, Roj Concepcion, Jai Gonzales, Brian Zamora, Jeff Cabrera, and Chase Peralta were also excited to meet the P-Pop fans present at the venue.
The last batch of trainees are (L-R) JC Dacillo, RZ Condor, Gab Salvador, Dave Bono, Ash Rivera, and Niko Badayos.
Catriona also announced the first challenge, "Top Class: Follower Sprint," which will be won by the trainee with most number of followers in the Kumu app. It will also give immunity or exempt the challenge winner from elimination.
PERFORMANCES
KZ Tandingan, who will be serving as the trainees' vocal-performance mentor, performed her 2021 song "Marupok," while Shanti Dope, the show's rap mentor, performed his hit song "Nadarang" during the mediacon.
Cornerstone's four-member girl group G22—composed of Alfea, Jaz, AJ, and Bianca—opened the mediacon with its debut song "BANG" and new single "Babalik."
Five-member idol group VXON—composed of C13, Sam, Patrick, Vince, and Franz—received loud cheers as they performed their songs "The Beast" and "P.S."
VXON closed the event with their performance of Top Class' official soundtrack, which was composed by the group.
TikTok content creator Yukii Takahashi and actor Albie Casino are Catriona's co-hosts for the show.
Yukii performed the song "New Rules" by Dua Lipa, while Albie serenaded the crowd with his rendition of Parokya Ni Edgar's "Pangarap Lang Kita."
Top Class will be aired on TV5 every Saturday, 5 p.m., starting June 18, 2022.
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