From ‘Protégés’ to professionals
From thousands of aspirants who lined up during the auditions, and after weeks of live performances and nerve-wracking elimination nights, Protégé’s final six—Ruru Madrid, Jeric Gonzales, Mikoy Morales, Zandra Summer, Elle Ramirez and Thea Tolentino—all shared mixed emotions about the show’s Final Battle on October 21.

“I think we are all excited and nervous at the same time because all the hard work and weeks of preparations have led to this,” shared Elle Ramirez.

In this last week, the Final 6 faced different challenges from the show’s formidable judges. At the end of their performances, host Dingdong Dantes asked the judges to name their favorite male and female protégés. All four judges—well-respected talent manager/director Bert de Leon, multi-awarded drama actress Cherie Gil, entertainment guru Joey de Leon, and GMA Network Films president Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar—unanimously picked Elle as their female protégé. Jeric, on the other hand, got three votes from Direk Bert, Atty. Annette and Joey, while Mikoy got a vote from Cherie.

At his point, however, the three boys and three girls say regardless of the results, they all feel like winners already because of all the things they’ve learned, and the bond of friendships they formed while living together at the Protégé quarters.

“Kahit ano po ang mangyari, kung sino man po ang manalo, we will support each other. Hindi naman namin iniisip na maghilahan pababa, talagang inuuna namin yung friendship namin,’ said Thea.

“Nakaabot na rin ako sa finals so, I guess ‘yung challenge na natitira is kung paano ko i-apply yung natutunan ko,” related Mikoy, who added he learned a lot from his mentor Jolina Magdangal.

“I think mas naging disciplined ako kasi hindi lang naman puro workshops ang Protégé; our mentors also taught us how to improve our personalities,” the University of Santo Tomas architecture student added.

For 14-year-old Ruru, being the grand winner will just be an added bonus to all the wonderful experiences he had during the competition. “Siyempre gusto ko manalo pero masaya na ako kasi nakasama na ako sa Final 6. If I don’t win, baka God has a different plan for me lang.”

Besides improving their talents, the Final 6 agreed Protégé also helped them develop their respective personalities, which they learned is even more important when pursuing a showbiz career.

“Hindi daw po sa lahat ng oras puro talent lang ang kailangan. Our mentors told us, to last in this very competitive industry, dapat maayos yung attitude namin and matuto kami makisama sa lahat ng makaka-work namin,” explained the part-Austrian Zandra, who represents Cebu.

“Always give your best, and learn to accept criticism,” added Jeric, who noticeably became more confident as the competition went on, and despite receiving some harsh criticisms from the judges.

“Sobrang nasaktan ako nung una; but instead of getting discouraged I just prayed and inisip ko na lang na challenge yun for me to do better,” said the nursing graduate from Calamba City.

Another Protégé who slowly blossomed during the competition was 16-year-old Thea. “Nung una, sobrang mahiyain ako, and hirap po ako makipagusap sa kanila pero slowly, with the help of my mentor, medyo naging comfortable and medyo competitive na din ako.”

When asked who she thinks is her strongest competitor, Thea pointed to Elle, explaining she has the most experience when it comes to acting and always excels during the workshops.

Elle admitted that she is intent on winning. “Eto po talaga ang gusto ko, matagal ko na talagang gustong mag-artista.” Besides doing indie films, she has also tried out for parts in several commercials and other reality competitions.

“I pray na sana kung swertehin, ako ang manalo kasi kaya kong lahat gawin, from acting, singing or dancing,” she enumerated.

Elle is also thankful to her mentor Roderick Paulate for giving her many insights about showbiz. “Sabi niya sa showbiz ay hindi puro talent lang; he also taught me to always be humble.”

Two winners will be proclaimed on Sunday—a male and female protégé. At stake are P12-million worth of cash prizes and a management contract with GMA Artist Center.

To vote for your favorite Protégé, just text PROTÉGÉ (space) NAME OF PROTÉGÉ and send to 2344 for Globe, TM and Sun subscribers, and 367 for Smart and Talk N’ Text users.

Catch the grand revelation in Protégé: The Final Battle for the Big Artista Break on Sunday, October 21 right after Kap’s Amazing Stories on GMA.