DRIVEN DIVA

MALAYA

Entertainment

May 25, 2010

The Queen City of the South is known for producing talents who excel in Manila and in effect, nationwide. But that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park for the Cebu wannabes. The pool of talent from that place is deep. That’s why success comes only to those who survive the plunge.

Nineteen-year old Diva Montelaba is one true survivor not only as the winner of the title First Princess at the close of "StarStruck Season 5" but in real life. True, her ability to flawlessly sing and dance was irresistible for judges and viewers that she easily earned her the "total performer" of the season. But it’s her drive – her determination to succeed – that keeps her on her toes even after the competition and away from the spotlight.

Diva has strived and given her best since she can remember. She grew up reared by her grandmother after her parents separated and she was left to the care of her maternal lola in Cebu. Her mom had her own family and her dad was back in his native Dumaguete, and the memory of being abandoned and hard up left a deep imprint in her young mind.

"Hindi po nagkulang ang lola ko," relates Diva. "Hinahatid niya ako sa school at inalagaan niya ako pero growing up without a parent, ang hirap."

She admits that she harbors a deep resentment for her estranged father, whom she has not seen for a long time.

"Merong galit, pero sobrang hindi ko ma-explain," she says, "Nung 16 ako, hinanap ako nung mga relatives niya kasi medyo nakikilala na ako sa Cebu kasi nag ho host na rin ako dun so they traced me at dadalin daw ako sa Negros, sa dad ko. Ako ‘yung pupunta, ‘di ba talagang effortless on his part? Dapat magkikita kami pero tinakbuhan ko siya," she relates. "Tinetext niya ako saying ‘Sorry, anak’ pero hindi ko sinasagot."

The hurt of being away from him for 19 years is very strong, but there is hope of forgiveness.

"Baka times five ng 19 years bago ko siya ma-forgive…," she says, her eyes welling with tears and her voice breaking, "or baka pag may family na ako. Sa ngayon, ang nasa isip ko puro ‘Why?’"

But the pain only serves as fuel for the teen. After "StarStruck," The "Party Pilipinas" mainstay remains focused. "It’s a must na you’re competitive lagi. Otherwise, wala kang maaabot."

She is even more serious about her goals – magkapera tsaka yumaman – because her lola, the one who brought her up, needs medical attention and will be joining her soon in Manila in the apartment the upstart is renting in Cubao for P11,000.

"There are times when I get really tired. But I gave up many facets of my life to get to where I am now so I’do my best na kayanin ang mga pressures ng showbiz life."

It should be of big help that Diva is currently even improving her craft via a well-mentored workshop spearheaded by the Talent Center. She is aware how extremely lucky she is that she gets to be handled by such heavyweights in their respective fields like Atek Jacinto, Miggy Tanchangco, Gina Alajar, Freddie Garcia and Joel Lamangan.

She is ready to bide her time, she reveals, because she knows that a career in show business is something one really has to work for. "Ngayong part na ako ng ‘Party Pilipinas’ at dumarating na ang mga guestings like sa ‘Maynila’ masaya na ako. Soon gagawa raw kami nina Steven, Enzo, Sarah ng ‘Love Bug’ kaya excited ako," she shares.