Star Power's K-La Wins 2011 MYX VJ Search

"Star Power" finalist K-La Rivera is one of the 3 newest VJs of MYX music channel.

Rivera was proclaimed one of the winners of this year's Search for MYX VJ contest during an awarding ceremony held Wednesday night at The Block Atrium in Quezon City.

The 2 other winners are Joyce Pring, a Fine Arts student of the University of the Philippines, and Mike Advincula, team captain of the De La Salle University's swimming team.

"Thank you, thank you so much, everyone. I'm so excited. It's amazing, bring it on. A dream come true," Rivera said.

"I feel so blessed and the first thing [that] came to my head is 'Thank you, God. I've been given this opportunity. I'm so blessed.'"

Rivera, Pring and Advincula are now part of the MYX family together with VJs Luis Manzano, Iya Villania and Nikki Gil, and previous winners Robi Domingo, Bianca Roque, Chino Lui Pio, Janine Ramirez and Nel Gomez.

Last year's winners are Robin Nievera (who hosted this year's awarding ceremony with Villania), Julz Savard and Ton Vergel de Dios.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Meet the Newest VJs of MYX!

MYX, the country’s No.1 music channel, proudly named RnB sweetheart K-La Rivera, swimming hottie Mike Advincula and quirky Fine Arts student Joyce Pring as its newest music video ambassadors in the MYX VJ Search 2011 finals night held Wednesday (July 27) at The Block activity center, SM City North Edsa.

Despite the heavy rains brought by typhoon “Juaning,” fans filled the venue to witness this historic announcement and the performances of the MYX VJ finalists themselves, Chavacano band Maldita, Callalily lead vocalist Kean Cipriano and electronica music-artist Somedaydream.

VJ K-La, the Filipina-Canadian who first started her stardom journey via ABS-CBN’s hit singing competition “Star Power,” said becoming a MYX VJ was really “a dream come true.” Now she’s excited with her new stint, and she looks forward to just having fun.

“I would love to balance both singing and being a MYX VJ. But right now, I’m really focused on developing myself as a VJ. I’m working on my Tagalog,” said VJ K-La.

When asked how she will feel if she’ll be introducing her own music video as a MYX VJ, she said: “That’s another level. What more can I ask for?”

VJ Mike, the captain of the De La Salle University swimming team, on the other hand, believes his “unpredictable” personality have encouraged MYX fans to vote for him. He was also surprised with the outpouring of support his family gave during the finals night.

“I started out as a quiet guy, then unti-unti kong inilabas ang tunay na kulay ko and it really worked out. So, I’m really excited to live a new life, because ever since I’ve been living a life as a student athlete,” he said.

In joining this year’s MYX VJ Search, the 6’1” swimmer actually sought the advice of his team mate Enchong Dee, who is also one of Kapamilya network’s brightest leading men. Enchong’s advice seems to have brought Mike to victory.

“When I entered the competition, I asked Enchong right away. What shall I do? Then he advised me to just be myself,” VJ Mike shared.

For University of the Philippines Fine Arts student VJ Joyce, spontaneity and her quirky character are just some of what she can offer. She thanked her fans, who call themselves the “Pringles” for believing in her.

“I am beyond ecstatic and blessed to have this opportunity. I never expected to win this competition because my co-finalists are very talented and charming.”

Her win may be unexpected for her, but VJ Joyce never considered herself as a small fry. “I don’t think you should enter into a competition when you think you’re an underdog. So you really have to believe in yourself. No one will believe in you, unless you believe in yourself.”

Filipino-American stunner Drew was also a big winner of the night, as he received two special awards—as winner of SM Accessories challenge together with VJ Joyce, and as Coca-Cola Happiness VJ together with Cara.

Members of the audience kept on screaming as Kean, who will be the MYX Celebrity VJ for the month of August, sang “Wala Na Tayo.” While Somedaydream, the Philippines’ answer to American electronica act Owl City and Zamboanga-based band Maldita drew cheers and applause from the very appreciative teen crowd.

The MYX VJ Search finalists also showed off their confidence on the catwalk in a mini fashion show showcasing SM Accessories. They also enthralled everyone with their dance number.

Now on its fifth year, the MYX VJ Search has produced well-loved hosts like sophomore VJs Chino Lui Pio, Bianca Roque and Janine Ramirez, and freshman Robin Nievera. Senior VJs Luis Manzano, Nikki Gil and Iya Villania are now well-recognized as hosts and are busy hosting more than one show on MYX and ABS-CBN.

Always tune-in to MYX (SkyCable Channel 23) for the hottest news on this year’s MYX VJ Search.

2011 MYX VJ Search Finals Night

Who will be the newest addition to the roster of MYX VJ?

Don't miss the 2011 MYX VJ Search Finals Night on July 27 at The Block Atrium.

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Mike Advincula Follows Friend Enchong Dee in Showbiz

Mike Advincula instantly stands out among the other finalists of the MYX VJ Search 2011 because at six-foot-one, he is the tallest of them all. The 23-year-old just finished his Industrial Engineering course at the De La Salle University and is currently taking up masters in Entrepreneurship in the same school. In an interview with ABS-CBN.com, Mike confessed that he all his life he never dreamt of getting into showbiz. “Never ko naisip talaga mag-showbiz. But now I’m here, ha ha ha!,” he laughed.

So how did the idea of joining the MYX VJ Search came about? Mike shared, “Niyaya lang ako ng mga friends ko. Since graduate na raw ako mag-audition daw ako sa MYX VJ Search, trip trip lang daw. Hindi ko naman inakalang papasa ako magiging finalist pa ako. Kung ano ano na ang mga nagagawa ko because of MYX. But I’m having so much fun.”

He talked about how he made a fool of himself during the audition just to impress the judges. “Sinabi sa akin ipakita ko raw ‘yung talent ko. E hindi naman ako marunong kumanta, I don’t dance, I don’t act. Ang alam ko lang sports na swimming. E hindi naman ako pwedeng lumangoy dun so ipinakita ko na lang kung paano lumangoy sa competition. Mga kalokohan, ha ha ha!”

Mike thanked the activities in the MYX VJ Search for helping him get out of his shell. “Noong una sobrang shy ako at ‘yun din ang first impression nila sa akin. Pero unti unti nawala ‘yun, kung ano ang sabihin sa akin, gagawin ko. Ibinigay ko lahat ng kaya so sa mga challenges. Wala namang mawawala. Dati takot pa ako pero ngayon sobrang nage-enjoy ako.”

When asked what he considers his edge over the other aspiring MYX VJs, he said that being unpredictable is a good thing. “Siguro ang edge ko is mahirap ako basahin. Hindi pa ako masyadong kilala ng mga tao. Unpredictable pa ako ngayon. Ewan ko lang kung ano ang tingin ng mga tao dun. Nagugulat pa sa akin ‘yung mga tao so I think nandun ‘yung excitement.”

Now that he has already stepped one foot into showbiz, Mike said he is ready to grab the other offers that might come his way. “Kung nandiyan ang opportunity, why not? Bibihira lang naman ang nabibigyan ng opportunity. Pero kung singing, forget it! Ha ha ha! Sa school plays lang ako nakakapag-act and enjoy talaga ako lalo na kapag comedy. If ever kukunin ako as an actor paghahandaan ko like with workshops and all. Napapagaralan naman ‘yan e. Sa buhay kapag may opportunity dapat kunin mo agad. I believe na para mag-improve ang isang tao dapat umalis ka sa comfort zone mo. Kasi kapag nag-stay ka lang sa comfort zone mo, paulit-ulit lang ang mga gagawin mo.”

If Mike’s face looks familiar to fans of collegiate sports, that’s because he is the former team captain of the La Salle swim team where one of his good friends was swimmer-turned-actor Enchong Dee. Mike shared the story of how a broken heart back in grade school urged him to get into sports. “When I was 12 years old, I was 220 lbs and maliit pa ako. Hindi ko binibilang kung ilang cups of rice ang nakakain ko. Lola ko naman nagagalit kapag konti lang ako kumain. E may nagustuhan ako babae. Gusto rin naman niya sana ako, kaya lang mataba raw ako. Dun ako nag-start magpapayat. I got into basketball during high school, naging varsity player ako. But I got injured and my doctor told me to quit basketball, just find other sports na less pressure. That’s why I got into swimming nung college. Nakita ako nung life guard, dahil may potential daw akong mag-compete and six footer pa ako, dun na ako naging part ng La Salle swim team.”

How does he feel that most often swimmers are regarded with a sexy image? “Compliment ‘yun,” Mike answered. “Ang ideal image ng isang swimmer is may broad shoulders, may abs, lean body. Okay kasi kahit hindi naman talaga ganun ‘yung katawan ko, kapag narinig nilang swimmer ako, naiisip nila agad na sexy ka kahit hindi naman.”

Mike admitted that recently he showed up in a go-see for a famous fashion show, but the casting agents told him to shed a few pounds. If ever the offer comes his way, is he ready to go sexy like his former teammate Enchong? “Magagalit na mommy at daddy ko, ha ha ha!,” Mike laughed. “May pagka-conservative ang family namin. Okay lang ang naka-swimming attire kasi nagawa ko na so comfortable na ako. But if ever underwear pictorial o fashion show parang ayoko na. First of all, hindi pa ako comfortable with how my body looks. But I still can’t say. Gaya nga ng sabi ko, it’s about grabbing the opportunity. We’ll see.”

Source: www.abs-cbn.com

K-La: From Star Power to MYX VJ Search 2011

K-La Rivera never harbored any bitterness toward Angeline Quinto who bested her and other young singers in the Star Power competition. K-La said she is very happy about Angeline winning Star Power and living her dream as a recording star. “Wala pang nagbabago sa kanya. Just like I knew her, ganun pa rin siya ngayon, with so much blessings that are coming her way. She had been through so many singing competitions before and I believe this is her time na talaga.”

However, with success and fame also come the controversies. Since her victory, Angeline has been compared to Sarah Geronimo, and until now there are reports of a brewing rivalry between them despite the number of times that the two young singers have denied those rumors.

As a good friend to Angeline, K-La asked the people to stop comparing the former to Sarah and to put a rest on all these intrigues. “Minsan it’s really bound to happen. People will always compare you to someone else. Pero sana po we can all learn to appreciate artists for their individual selves. Mas maganda if Ate Angeline can be given the chance to prove herself and shine on her own instead of being just compared to Ate Sarah. Let’s just appreciate their own unique talent.”

K-La advised her good friend to just ignore the nasty write-ups and just continue living her dream. “Just keep going. Ate Angeline is a very good singer that’s why she’s the winner of Star Power. Whatever anyone says about her, I just hope she will just keep on doing what she loves. Patuloy ang pangarap, ha ha ha!

As for her own dream, K-La continues to explore other showbiz opportunities. She is one of the finalists of the MYX VJ Search 2011 and according to her, being the newest VJ for the MYX music channel will enable her to combine the two things she loves, and those are music and talking.

When asked if joining MYX means she is turning her back on singing, K-La quickly clarified that there’s now a plan for her and other Star Power finalists to record an album. “There’s a plan to have an album for us Star Power finalists. I’m hoping that it will push through. I’ll also be doing a stage musical so sana suporta po kayo sa akin.”

The Fil-Canadian lass is serious about her goal to be in showbiz, that’s why whatever project is offered to her, she said she is very much willing to say yes, unless if it will require her to go sexy. “Actually I’m open to trying out whatever opportunity is out there for me. Pero hindi po talaga ‘yung pa-sexy, ha ha ha! Basta anything na I can find out where I’m good at. If it’s singing, hosting, dancing, acting, kahit ano po.”

K-La added that she would also like to become an actress, but she knows she still needs to work on her Tagalog. “Acting is a dream of mine but I know I really have to learn more Tagalog talaga. I’m trying my hardest po, ha ha ha!”

Drew Rivera: From Cellphone Commercial to MYX VJ Search 2011

From starring as the wandering amnesiac named Pier Roxas in a mobile phone commercial series, Drew Rivera is now gearing up for the MYX VJ Search 2011. In an interview with ABS-CBN.com during the presentation of the twelve aspiring VJ candidates for the MYX music channel, Drew shared that he enjoys running into people who would recognize him from his cellphone TV ad. “I would often meet people who would tell me, ‘You’re Pier Roxas, that guy in the commercial!’ Now I realized, I also love the attention, ha ha ha! I love people actually, being surrounded by different kinds of people.”

But the truth is that doing showbiz was not in Drew’s plans. This 23 year-old spent most of his years in Los Angeles with his American mother and Filipino father. But after finishing school with a degree in Philosophy, Drew had no concrete idea on what to do next. So he told his dad that he wants to come to the Philippines and see what opportunities are here for him. “When I first came here eight months ago my dad helped to settle, like finding a place and moving my things. That time I was pressured to find a place, then find a job. As in ‘Oh My God!’”

Drew initially planned to either play professional basketball or become a teacher like his mother. But his friend who was already working as a model here in the Philippines asked him to tag along. “He introduced me to his agent. The agent asked me if I’m willing to have my photos taken. Since at that time I don’t have a job and I’ve got nothing else to do so I just said yes. I’ve never done a pictorial in my life so I felt excited about it.

“The agent sent those photos, most of them were goofy shots, ha ha ha! and Nokia saw my photos and they called me for a VTR. I couldn’t believe that someone wants me for a VTR, ha ha ha!”

Drew shared that he learned a lot doing his very first commercial shoot directed by Paul Soriano, known to many as the boyfriend of Toni Gonzaga. Drew said, “Direk Paul Soriano was a great guy. He told me, ‘Drew. I need you to pretend that you are really lost. You don’t know where you are and you don’t know where you’re going.’ It was a fun experience. I learned so much, primarily about myself and what I can do.”

The good-looking Fil-American admitted that he is still trying to learn to speak Tagalog, with the help of his class in U.P. Manila, and that he doesn’t know much about Philippine showbiz and music. But he said that that can also work to his advantage in winning the MYX VJ Search. “I consider myself as the new guy. I confess I don’t know Pinoy music that much but now I’m starting to explore it. A couple of nights ago I watched Rivermaya perform live. Great band! I will say that I’m the new ear. Some will say that that’s a disadvantage but for me that’s a good thing because I have a fresh take on many things. But I promise that I’m now beginning to do my homework which is learn many Pinoy stuff.”

Speaking of Pinoy stuff, Drew admitted that he got hooked on the ABS-CBN teleserye Magkaribal. “It’s the best show in the world! To be honest I don’t understand the dialogue. All I get is that everyone’s fighting, everyone’s sleeping with one another, someone wants to kill someone, then there’s the scary background music. So much like Days of our Lives! Ha ha ha! I love that show!”

Drew then shared what happened the previous week when he shot a commercial with Kim Chiu. “My agent told me that I’ll be doing a commercial. I went to the shoot and everyone’s saying, ‘Kim Chiu will be here.’ I said, ‘Great!... Who is she?’ It was so funny.” Drew has yet to familiarize himself Pinoy celebrities.

“I think not knowing any celebrities helps me. I just act nice to everyone without knowing who is more famous than who. I don’t get star struck, well not yet. I’m just relaxed, try to focus on my job and don’t get nervous because I know I will be working with a very big star.”

Source: www.abs-cbn.com

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Mike

The 6’1” hottie Mike stands proud as the captain of the De La Salle University swim team. This sports buff dives into the world of television hosting as he tries to become the next MYX VJ. To vote for Mike, text MYX VJ12 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart).

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Martin

With his boy-next-door image, this Broadcast Communication student is geared up to become the next MYX VJ. A self-confessed Katy Pery fan, Martin is out to come after his teenage dream. To vote for Martin, text MYX VJ11 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart).

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Marga

Marga is a club DJ who’s all set to dish out more tunes as a MYX VJ this time. The Advertising major—who enjoys football and longboarding—is ready to pump up the energy with her funky groove. To vote for Marga, text MYX VJ10 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart).

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist K-La

K-La has competed on national TV to become the next singing sensation, but the Filipino-Canadian RnB sweetheart is equally determined to show everyone that there’s more to her than just a pretty face. Let’s see if her angelic voice can help her rise above the competition on MYX. To vote for K-La, text MYX VJ9 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart).

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Joyce

Joyce shows off her spunk and quirky character in this year’s MYX VJ Search. The UP Fine Arts student says she’s fluent in sarcasm and gibberish. Will she be able to connect with the viewers? To vote for Joyce, text MYX VJ8 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart).

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist JJ

Funny guy JJ is a former student radio DJ who’s ready to take on the MYX VJ post. This college sophomore from Ateneo will definitely add some excitement to this year’s search. To vote for JJ, text MYX VJ7 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart)

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Earl

Not only is Earl a theater geek, he also admits to being a K-Pop fan. This honor student is prepped to flash a smile as he works his way to the hearts of MYX viewers. To vote for Earl, text MYX VJ6 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart).

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Drew

This Filipino-American stunner was once missing in a mobile phone ad but is now finding his way to stardom. Could this English teacher/basketball player charm his way to being the next MYX VJ? To vote for Drew, text MYX VJ5 to 2331 (Globe/Sun) or 231 (Smart).