Protégé holds first live gala night on August 5!

The search for the next big Kapuso stars officially begins as Protégé makes its highly-anticipated and star-studded premiere on Philippine television this Sunday, August 5. The first live gala night happens after IBilib on GMA's Sunday Grande block.

After several months of its intensive nationwide hunt, Protégé will finally unveil the coveted TOP 20 aspirants who will go head-to-head in the weekly elimination nights and outdo each other in hopes of winning over the judges' and the viewers' votes.

This competition is touted to be the grandest artista search this year as five celebrity mentors are tapped to train, supervise, and educate the Top 20 protégés in every rehearsal, workshop, weekly tests and trainings.

The mentors who were sent out to different parts of the country to find their four (2 boys and 2 girls) protégés include acclaimed actor and TV director Ricky Davao (Northern and Central Luzon), seasoned actress and TV director Gina Alajar (Southern Luzon), drama and action film legend Phillip Salvador (Mindanao), multimedia icon Jolina Magdangal (Visayas), and multi-awarded actor Roderick Paulate (Mega Manila).

Two winners will be proclaimed at the finals night -- one male protégé and one female protégé. At stake are 12 million pesos worth of cash prizes and a management contract with GMA 7.

As expected, the four esteemed 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 -- will grill the Top 20 protégés armed with their hard-hitting yet motivational critiques.

All geared up to lend support and boost the spirit of the aspirants are Gala Presenter Dingdong Dantes and Journey Host Carla Abellana.

Witness the bracing drama as Protégé reveals the Top 20 during its first gala night this Sunday, 8:30pm on GMA

GMA Network begins nationwide auditions for Protégé

GMA Network's all-original talent search, Protégé -- is back with an exciting twist!

Jennylyn Mercado

Beginning this Saturday, May 26, Protégé opens its doors to all artista aspirants who want to bare their dreams in the biggest platform to stardom via PROTÉGÉ: The Battle for the Big ARTISTA Break!

Another premium creation of the GMA Entertainment TV Group, PROTÉGÉ: The Battle for the Big ARTISTA Break aims to discover fresh and promising talents all over the archipelago who will soon become the network's next batch of television sensations.

Dingdong Dantes

The competition is open to all male and female Filipinos, 13-21 years old, with a unique and striking personality, compelling story to tell, immense likeability factor, and with "artista" looks. Filipinos who are born and/or currently residing abroad are also encouraged to join the artista search provided they must go to the key venues on the respective audition dates with the complete requirements.

Carla Abellana

The nationwide auditions will be held on the following dates and venues: SM Naga (May 26); SM Baguio (May 26); SM San Pablo (May 26); SM Bacolod (June 1); SM Cagayan de Oro (June 1); SM Iloilo (June 2); SM Davao (June 2); SM Cebu (June 7); Capitol Grounds, Laoag, Ilocos Norte (June 9); SM Sucat (June 10); SM Batangas (June 14); SM Pampanga (June 16) and SM Mall of Asia (June 20 and 21). Auditions will be from 10am- 6pm.

Aspirants need to bring the original and photocopy of their birth certificate and two recent photos (1 close-up and 1 full body shot). Those who are below 18 years will also need a written consent from their parents together with the original and photocopy of their parent's valid ID in order to qualify for the auditions.

Interested applicants can also visit the website www.gmanetwork.com for more information on the audition dates and requirements.

They need to prepare at least two 2-minute performances for the audition (sing, dance, rap, beat box, act, play musical instruments, or any extraordinary performances). Contenders are encouraged to be in their most impressive outfits.

PROTÉGÉ: The Battle for the Big ARTISTA Break will be hosted by multi-awarded Kapuso star Dingdong Dantes as the Gala Presenter and versatile actress Carla Abellana as the Journey Host. Jennylyn Mercado returns as the host of Inside Protégé while Maxene Magalona is the Web Jock for the daily updates in Protégé Webisodes.

Showbiz Central prepares a special birthday presentation for host Jennylyn Mercado

This Sunday (May 13), celebrate showbiz news at its finest as Showbiz Central marks its 5^th anniversary with only the juiciest bytes of real-time entertainment gossips from your favorite local stars and celebrities.

Jennylyn Mercado