STARSTRUCK V Finalists Join Fashion Show and Grace Lucena City/CamSur Festivals

Photos Courtesy of chardoze of ROCCOFELLAS

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Festivals at Lucena City and Camarines Sur

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

THIS DIVA CAN ACT

By Jerry Donato

(The Philippine Star)

Updated May 28, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Her name speaks of her dream to become a performer. This, Diva Montelaba proved during the StarStruck V final judgment three months ago where she showed her R&B vocals and Rihanna dance moves. Like any other showbiz neophyte, Diva is open to opportunities. With her recent performance on GMA 7’s Maynila, showbiz insiders can say that Diva has been bitten by the acting bug.

“After I did the acting challenges in StarStruck, I found acting interesting and that I could do it,” Diva recalls how her interest in acting began. “Then I received good feedback. And I told myself, ‘Why not to give it a try?’ And I’m loving it.”

Diva’s next acting assignment is Lovebug which will be shot in June with the island paradise Guam as backdrop.

“I’m excited because it’s my first time to go abroad and my first big break,” says Diva. “From what I know, there will be twists and turns in the story. It’s a love square about four individuals. I have no idea yet whom I will be paired with.”
Diva, Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati and Enzo Pineda are the four characters who are in search for the true meaning of love.

While waiting for the Lovebug to fly her out to Guam, Diva has a handful of activities to keep herself busy 24/7.

“(The StarStruck Final 5) have guestings,” she reports. “We regularly appear in Party Pilipinas. The 40-day workshop (prepared by GMA Artist Center) hasn’t finished yet. We have learned a lot from it (exploring the areas of dancing, acting, singing hosting) because it’s an assessment type of workshop. I can compare myself now from before and see how I have improved. It has helped me a lot to better myself.”

After becoming the First Princess, Diva has blossomed into a better show business performer.

“Before, I wasn’t confident and sometimes I pulled myself down because of low self-esteem,” she says. “I’m always thinking of the good things. Whenever I perform, (I’m happy) to win (everyone’s) nod.”

Are her worries of not getting any projects and someone getting favored than the others over?

“Yes,” Diva answers. “After the finale, I sometimes told myself that I don’t want to pursue this. I did want to stop at the beginning. The worries of what projects I will receive and when disappeared. I believe that what you can do determines the kind of projects you will get. Whether you’re the Ultimate Winner or not is no longer an issue. I have also realized that this job is tough — tiring and stressful. Despite all that, I enjoy this kind of life.”

“What I like about GMAAC is we sit down and we talk about my career.”

Having put all her first-time showbiz jitters and worries behind her, Diva has started her career on the right foot with the right frame of mind.

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.

Face of Allure: DIVA MONTELABA

By Jerni May H. Camposano

(The Philippine Star)

Updated May 23, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Nineteen-year-old Diva Montelaba learned the lessons of hard work and independence at a young age. Having lived with her grandmother all her life, Diva (whose real name is Hyacienth Diva Mantalaba) shares that she learned early in life that things aren’t served to her on a silver platter; she has to work hard for them instead. Although she longs for the presence of her parents, Diva fully understands the situation and holds no grudges against them. She even uses this as her inspiration to live a better life. She shares of her childhood, “It was a fun and memorable childhood overall. I remember spending summer vacations with a distinct group of friends. We used to go for a swim at a hidden falls in Cebu.”

Back in her hometown, Diva lived a simple life until she saw an opportunity to realize a childhood dream. She auditioned for the GMA 7 reality show Starstruck V, which she says has turned her world upside down. She placed first runner-up in the show. Though she didn’t bag the grand prize, Diva is more than proud of what she has achieved and is even thankful for the doors of opportunities that opened for her. The simple provincial lass is now a weekly fixture on national TV as the 5’7” entertainment newbie showcases her dancing, singing and hosting skills on the Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas. Diva is also preparing for future projects lined up for her so she attends workshops to further improve on her craft.

Before trying her luck in show business, Diva was already into performing and modeling in the Queen City of the South. The Tourism sophomore was crowned Ms. University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu a few years back, an achievement Diva considers as “a chance to be a role model to my fellow students.” And she definitely is one. Already a scholar, she still works part time as a model to pay for her miscellaneous fees as well as help her grandmother in their expenses. “My grandmother, Lola Landring, is my role model. She has raised me into what I am now and it makes me happy to see her happy,” she says. Diva, who loves eating out and playing billiards, believes that whatever she believes in is what she gets. “What you think you can achieve is what you will achieve; so when you dream, you should dream big,” she says. “And never give up.”

A Cebuana's fair share of thoughts and love for DIVA...

Never did I support a single Cebuano/Cebuana who is trying to pursue a career in Showbiz. Everytime kase na napapanood ko sila, I’m feeling uncomfortable and awkward. Then my Aunt who is a solid Kapuso told me that a girl named DIVA MONTELABA ay nakapasok sa Final 14 ng Starstruck. My reaction was just “Ah, okay.” Still my Aunt kept on telling me how great she was and asked me to vote for her kase nga daw she’s from our place, Minglanilla. “Ah, ganun” was still my reaction. Until the time came while I was attending a mass and before it ended, the priest announced that a Minglanillahanon needs our support and he asked the people to help her through voting. It was mysterious.

I felt something I hardly can describe that made me want to see this girl and watch StarStruck. It was during their dancing test that I was able to watch them. And surely, I was amazed on how Diva made her moves. I love dancing that’s why I am confident to say na super galing ni Diva sumayaw. But then it wasn’t just on the way she do the stepsnor on how she rocks the dancefloor, there is really something sa pagsayaw niya that made the spotlight focused on her. I guess, it’s the love of doing it, and may be also because she had this determination – determination to reach this certain goal – this goal that drove her in giving out her best.

From then on, I started supporting her. I can’t help but smile every time I see her on T.V. She is so freaking cool. I don’t know! I always felt how sincere she is and how genuine her intentions in all the things she does. Hindi lahat ng tao have the same view with me. It really brought me heartaches pag may nababasa akong insults and judgments towards Diva. I may not know her that much pero based on my knowledge of her, she does not deserve those things.

Knowing how she was before StarStruck, made me become more of a Divaholic. As the competition went on, di maiwasan na lumabas ang mga flaws ng isang tao. I saw Diva’s flaws but it never made me turn my back on her. It even made me smile and somehow proud to say that DIVA is IMPERFECT! Yet, her IMPERFECTIONS made her PERFECT! The competition was tough and somehow dirty in my own view. I really wanted her to win cause I know na worth it ang panalo niya kase may patutunguhan talaga ito. I did my part. I saved my allowance to be able to vote for her. My Aunt also had her share. I know it wasn’t enough but God is so good that He completed it in his own ways.

I know that by any time pwede ma-eliminate si DIVA, not because she failed the tests or what, but because I sensed na there were evil actions/works behind this competition. Hindi ako mapakali every elimination night. I always pray to God! Nakakagat ko na nga ang aking arms dahil sa sobrang kaba. I always tell God na if she will be eliminated, I hope that He has prepared something far better for her than this. Diva never fails us every time she performs. She always sees to it na naibibigay niya ang kanyang best and that made me love DIVA so much.

Yes, she did not win the title and it made feel a little bit of sad pero seeing Diva na parang fulfilled siya despite of not winning, nasabi ko na hindi naman siya natalo ah… She won our hearts! And hindi niya sinayang ang lahat ng effort niya at lahat ng mga tao, kase on at that Final Night she shines so brightly and make every people see na She is the DIVA!

My support for her never ended as the competion stopped. Nakasama ko na siya twice. On our first meeting, nakita ko how kulit Diva is. She is priceless! The second time was so overwhelming. She acknowledged me in front of all the people present that time. If you only knew how it feels to be mentioned by Diva... It was really… wow! I’m speechless, really! So unexpected!

I realized after all my experienced with her, na she just want a simple life with her family and friends. Showbiz is no simple! You are judge by people who don’t even try to look the deeper you. But Diva still is trying to act the same way kung sino at ano siya. Yun ang isa sa nagustuhan ko sa kanya, totoong tao siya!

I also witnessed kung gaano niya kamahal ang family and friends niya. I know in their hearts na she will always be the “Hya” they know. Another thing that will make you love Diva is that she knows what is important and what is not. Alam nya kung ano ang dapat uunahin at hindi. For a teenager like her, having an amount of money that can afford to buy the things you want like laptop will really make you spend for it. Inuuna niya ang mga needs ng family niya and what calls for that actual moment of her life. She also helps her relatives and definitely she has this great vision for her family. I really cant’t find those exact words to describe Diva. Iba siya! Kaya nga I felt sad pag may nanghuhusga sa kanya cause alam ko na hindi siya ganun. Malalim lang yan si Diva but if you will just swim deep then you will see the beauty of that deepness. I am proud to say that I am one of those who are already swimming towards that beauty. I must say na I won’t let go of Diva. The tests and the swim still go on. Nauubusan man ng hangin while swimming deeply but I know that Diva will provide the air that we need through giving her best sa lahat in order for us to reach that destination.

Divaholics will always fight and defend! Dai Hya, hindi ka naming iiwan! We trust you! Alam naming na malayo pa ang mararating mo. Just don’t forget that God will always be there. Stay the same but change for the best. Always remember that Divaholics supported you kung ano ka and will always support you on what you will become. We love you DIVA DIVA DIVA MONTELABA!

by: lexpielago

Party Pilipinas in Antipolo City and Mall show at SM Taytay

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Confession of a DIVAholic!

Actually, sasabihin ko sa inyo ang totoo… hindi ako mahilig sa mga Filipino shows. Para sa akin, sobrang baduy! Pero teka…. Ano itong pinapanood nina nanay? Starstruck V? Meron pa pala nito? Huli kong narinig ang tungkol dito eh panahon pa nina Mark Herras at Jennilyn Mercado.

Kapapakabit pa lang namin ng GMA Pinoy TV. Isa lang ang pinapanood kong tagalog show at yan eh ang Bubble Gang. Lagi ko pa ngang pinagbibilin sa mga kamag-anak namin sa Pinas na ipag-record ako ng mga episodes. Pero teka…. Gusto kong silipin ang pinapanood nina nanay! Hmmmm…. 28 pa ang mga contestants! Pero teka…. May nakita akong matangkad na Filipina beauty! DIVA MONTELABA? Ganda n’ya ha!!!! Hmmmm…. Maka-upo nga muna….

And the rest is history, ika nga. Aakalain ko bang isang Diva Montelaba ang magtuturo sa akin para maging isang tunay na KAPUSO. Yes, people. Aaminin ko na… ngayon isa na akong DIVAholic.

DaWhoctionary

DIVAholics – Samahan ng mga taong adik kay DIVA MONTELABA…

Paano nangyari sa akin ito??? Let me enumerate some of the reasons….

1. Maganda si Diva. Sa panlasang Pilipino, masakit mang aminin, masyado tayong mahilig sa mga mestiza. Sa akin naman eh sawa na ako sa mga tisay sa Philippine Showbiz. Panahon na para muling ma-recognize ang mga tunay na gandang Pinay. Sabi nga ng boss ko… “Filipinos are gorgeous people”.

2. Multi-Talented si Diva. Ako kasi, di ako madaling ma-please. Hinding-hindi ako maaaring sumuporta sa isang artistang pa-cute lang. Diva has the talent, the beauty and the x-factor to be a certified star. Hindi ako susuporta sa isang taong hindi ako magiging proud. I’m so proud of her. She can sing, she can act(Best actress during the acting week), she is very good in hosting and most certainly, she can dance (best female performer during the dance week and tagged as The New dance DIVA in Unang Hirit In3ga Express). Ano pa ang hahanapin ko?

3. She needs my support. Compared to the other contestants, s’ya talaga ang pakiramdam ko’y nangangailangan ng suporta ko. Kaya naman during the contest, todo-todo ang pagbabasag ko ng mga “Piggies”. Take note, peepz, “Piggies”, as in plural!!! Hahaha!!!

4. Hindi siya plastik. What you see is what you get. She is a very cool person. Hindi ko pa siya nami-meet in person pero I know, based sa mga taong nakilala na s’ya sa personal, she is a good person.

Madami pa, pero bibigyan ko ng pagkakataon yung iba na sabihin sa inyo ang kani-kanilang mga kwento.

Sa totoo lang, tahimik akong tao. Tahimik lang talaga ako. Hindi ako makulit…. hindi nga ako makulit..hahaha! Pero lumalabas ang pagiging makulit ko sa PinoyExchange Forums! Hahaha! Ang saya-saya kaya doon. Nakakawala ng stress kapag nakaka-usap ko ang mga kapwa ko DIVAholics. Isa lang ang common denominator namin… Love namin DIVA or Dai…..

Isa pa sa pinaka-importante, nakatagpo ako ng mga bagong kaibigan. Bukod kay Diva, nakilala ko rin sina Ate Jheng, Bunso(Lex), Mikey, Ria, Lenny, Lodz, Julie, Jackie, Jen, Juicy, Zaih, ms.friendship, Mavic, Juss , Liox at doon sa hindi na nabanggit sa dami. Syempre si Ate Weng na Auntie ni Diva.

Ngayon…. Eto…. Patuloy pa rin ang pagka-adik. Ang masama nito, kahit saang Rehabilitation Center ako i-confine, wala na akong pag-asang maka-recover. Sabagay, ayoko namang gumaling. I want to be a DIVAholic forever and ever….. To the highest level na ito! hahaha!!!

I am trying my best to be updated sa lahat ng guestings at performances ni Diva. Sa totoo lang, nagsisilbi siyang pang-alis ng pagod kapag galing ako sa trabaho. Dito sa US, sobra ang pressure sa work. Pagdating ko sa bahay, gusto ko malibang at ma-entertain. Diva is the best talaga! I just hope na mabigyan s’ya ng big break ‘cause she deserves it. Siguro kapag nangyari yan, I’ll be so happy, mag-aaral akong mag-tumbling! XD

I’m thinking now… Ano kayang mangyayari kapag nakita ko s’ya sa personal? Dalawa lang ang naiisip ko eh. It’s either matameme ako dahil na-starstruck ako sa kanya or s’ya ang matameme dahil na-starstruck s’ya sa akin! XD Basta! Paghahandaan ko yan ng bonggang-bongga! Until then, I’ll be so excited!

From here, the saga continues….

Ano ang susunod na mangyayari sa akin? Mananatili kayang mainit ang pagsuporta ko kay Diva? May susunod pa ba sa article na ito? Ma-ban kaya ako sa site na ito? Hahaha!!!

We love you, Diva!

By: Ms. Keane Yu

DIVA MONTELABA ON PARTY PILIPINAS-ANTIPOLO!

I had watched the taping of Party Pilipinas in Ynares Center, Antipolo City yesterday, May 5. Since it was a taping for a May 9 presentation, inasahan ko na ang medyo mahaba-habang oras ng program. Di rin nasunod ang oras ng pagsisimula so expected ko na ang late din na pagtatapos nito. May mga konting problema man na ganito, napakasaya ng jam-packed na Ynares Center. Two DIVAholics na ka-date ko kahapon were all the way from Paranaque and Manila respectively. They both came late. :( And if a lot of people were unable to enter the venue dahil nga sa napuno na ito, very fortunate naman na nakagawa pa ng way ang dalawang kaibigan ko. Sabi nga nila sa akin, "Para-paraan lang yan." :) According to them, madami pang tao sa labas ng center ang gustong maki-Party ng gabing yun.

Gaano man kahirap yung naging way nila to reach the place, still, na-enjoy pa din nila show. Especially the production numbers of Diva! Here's a video clip of what to expect on her this Sunday at Party Pilipinas:



To all fans of Diva and Enzo, expect another sweet number from them this coming Sunday.
Watch the clip:

Don't miss PARTY PILIPINAS every Sunday at 1145 am, only on GMA7

A Single Shot of the Moment...

It was almost 12 midnight...and I was trying to reach her while I was at Timog Avenue in Quezon City. Determined to meet her even though, I really have an important appointment on that evening. Kasi naman, It was all in my mind at around 7 pm pa lang. "I will drop by at her condo tonight.", I told myself. I planned it a day or two pa. The problem I was thinking then is.... if she's still awake or if she will be allowed to go out at that late hour.

After I had confirmed that Diva was already home at pwede na akong dumaan doon with permission from their Starstruck handlers...dumiretso na ako to find the place. Kahit pa ang talagang destination ko ay Paranaque, I still want to go to Quezon City. Tsk!...symptoms of a Divaholic....

So excited to meet her at may halong pag-aalala na baka ma-late ako sa tunay na appointment ko...I search for the address texted to me by her Aunt. Nang medyo nahihilo na ako sa paghahanap, I decided to call Diva. It was my first time to talk to her. The voice I heard was quite excited. Medyo nawala ang kaba ko at hesitation. Ang tanong ko na lang sa sarili ko ay...."Ano kaya ang naiisip niya?." May inaasahan ba siya sa bibisita sa kanya?" I'm sure she never expected na ang kaibigan na dadalaw sa kanya ay isang cute na mommy. :P

I asked her about the exact direction for us to be able to easily find the place. While talking to her on the phone,nakita ko na ang condo. She asked me on the phone If I was at the gray SUV. Sabi ko yes...I'm in front of the building na. She said, "I was up here, looking at you." I partially opened the car window at sumilip paitaas at nakita ko siya na nagwe-wave sa akin. Then told me...she'll be going down.

Few minutes later, she reached the lobby and she ran towards me with a smile. The DIVA that I saw was not the lady-like I often see on TV screen especially when she performs, but a kid-like na sobrang happy na napayakap sa akin. I knew na she is tall and pretty pero when I saw her, Wow mas maganda siya, kakaiba ang Pinay beauty niya at mas mataas siya sa inaasahan ko! She was like a model with her skinny body. It fits her height. Wearing a flat shoes, and a hooded jacket, she said. "Hello po" with the Cebuano accent. I smiled back, and also asked the same. With that big grin and curiously looking at my smiling face, only then she realized siguro na I was like her mom na pala. hahahaha!

Doon pa lang nakita ko na kalog siya at jolly person. Kontra sa sinasabi nang iba na suplada. But I never expected that Diva pala is a very typical na makulit na teen. Para siyang bata sa paningin ko na naglalambing in her own way. Siguro kung wala lang akong lakad ng gabing yun at di pa masyadong late, I should have asked her out for a snack man lang. But since, anticipated ko na din na rush lang ang acquaintance namin na yun, I brought na lang some food for her to eat as her midnight snack! :)

I knew na medyo nahihiya pa siya sa akin noon. Pero what I saw in her is a natural reaction of someone na sabik sa family and friends. I understand her...it was her first time na mahiwalay sa nakagisnang pamilya niya. Coming from the province all she wanted to have that time, are people whom she could consider her new family kung saan pwede niyang lapitan o hingian ng assistance at madali siyang mapuntahan anytime she wants. People she can really trust. She is like someone who is on a battle at biglang nakakita ng kakampi sa katauhan ko. Sincerity matters sa mga pagkakataon na yun...and I prayed that she saw that in me....na really I was there para magpakilala na totoong kakampi niya sa lahat ng laban niya. Alam kong she can't read me sa isang meeting lang. Pero I was hoping right there and then, na sana she will learn to trust me as her new friend.

Honestly, we haven't able to talk much because like I said, may tunay akong pakay sa araw na yun. So, sinulit ko ang few minutes I have with this NEW FRIEND. I told her, few things about me, just to make her comfortable. I also told her few stories about how i followed her on the search. Maya-maya pa, nag-ri-ring na ang phone niya at hinahanap na siya sa loob. I understand the rules they are following while still on the search so nagpaalam na din ako sa kanya. Masaya ako kasi I finally met her.

I just gave her an assurance of my support kahit saan pa siya makarating. To have a souvenir of my first encounter with her, I took out my cam and have our first photo together. Not satisfied, i tried another click, unfortunately,"replace battery" ang nag-flash sa cam ko. :)) So that's it...single shot of that moment!!

I let her get inside their unit after niyang mag-beso at mag-hug. I was also worried na baka mapagalitan siya, at ako naman ay baka late na....

One thing I knew then...that single shot...will not end there!!! :)

By: "u_cant_stop_me"