Elements of Fame

Right before the start of regular classes, students of John Robert Powers were given the chance to showcase their talents and skills in modeling, stage and TV acting, singing, hosting and dancing in Elements of Fame, the JRP Summer 2011 Showcase.

Photo courtesy of Julen Jance

Back when I was a student at JRP, our showcases would usually just be held in the VP room of the facility. It’s indeed a far cry from the spacious Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of the RCBC Plaza which has been the venue of all JRP showcases since 2005.

Preparing for a showcase requires rigorous training, rehearsals and a lot of dedication. I’ve always believed it’s also an avenue for the students to apply things they’ve learned from classes in imaging, voice communication, visual poise, personal growth and wardrobe to name a few. This is only my second time to co-direct a segment but whenever I am with the students, I can’t help but be reminded that years ago, I was in their shoes. I was awkward and shy, but deep inside of me I knew I wanted to pursue my dream career.

Under the guidance and direction of professionals who have had years of training and experience, the participants go through a “performance boot camp” where skills are honed and potentials amplified. Sharing their knowledge and expertise are Onyl Torres and Revo Dungca for stage acting, Raymund Recto and Kevin Dugan for TV acting, Ding-Dong Eduque and yours truly for singing, Ning Corteza and Raymund Recto for fashion print and runway modeling, Lei Ponce and Rayn Ordiales for dancing and Mars Nave and Issa Litton-Garrido for hosting.

Julius Salamanque is one of the singers for the show’s opening number. (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

The energetic opening number “Waka Waka” (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

The hosts. (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

With the previous showcases having stand alone segments, Elements of Fame is different because it weaves the talents and skills of the participants into a fantasy story (penned by stage actor/director Joel Trinidad) where the fates of gods and humans intertwine. Jack, the story’s unlikely hero, is a nerdy village boy who just wants to find a cure for his mother. The gods of the elements–Air, Water, Fire and Earth, are angered by the humans paying homage to fellow humans, instead of the gods that sustain them.

The Village Elder brings bad news. Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque

The Elementals are angry. Earth, Water, Fire and Air. (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Festival of the Elements: AIR (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Festival of the Elements: Fire (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Earth played by Kiko Conwi (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Water played by Frances Cham (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Fire played by Paul Julius Adriatico (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Festival of the Elements: Fire (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Festival of the Elements: Water (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Festival of the Elements: Earth (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Festival of the Elements: Fire (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

Fire (Photo courtesy of Diane Salamanque)

In his quest, Jack meets a myriad of characters that would either give assistance or throw a challenge as he finds the Soul of Valor.

Jill (Barbara Jance) sings “Stand by Me” to Jack (Tobey Maningat), along with her cute back-up singers Julie, Louiesa and Apples. Photo courtesy of Julen Jance