I’m an Idol reject

Well, not that Eddie Gil type of reject haha.. Ok, so yeah I auditioned last February 21, 2008 for Pinoy Idol. Not because my family and friends have been persuading me to join any singing contest for the longest time now, but because I felt like having an Idol experience at least here in our country.  I’ve been very hesitant to join at first, even before, because knowing Filipinos, what they’ll probably look for is more on the looks and not the singing voice itself.  I was hoping that being a licensed franchise of Idol, Pinoy Idol would somehow, like American Idol, get raw talents and will not be judgmental on looks and well, in my case, size.  But I was wrong. After waiting on long lines piled up with thousands of hopefuls, and complying with their requirements, I don’t think we were given a fair chance to showcase our singing talent. What they did first was group us into 5 and  hold an initial screening in a room where someone (I prefer not to give his name) will judge you. None in our group made it, and same with other hundreds/thousands more I suppose, though I heard some with really great voice. And the worst part for me was that I wasn’t able to finish the line of the song I was singing! How would that person know that I can somehow sing well when he didn’t let me finish a single line of the song? Well I guess, that’s how it is here in the Philippines. Unless you really look like a standout star, you won’t get their attention. That’s why I was a bit disappointed. An officemate of mine who also auditioned surprisingly shared the same story. He has heard some really good ones from their group, but didn’t even made it to the initial screening. Well at least in his part, they were lucky enough not to be assigned on the room we went to and was given the chance to sing the whole chorus of the song they’re singing. In my case, not even a single line! Grrr!

But I somewhat saw that coming, I just really tried it out for experience. And I enjoyed the time I spent waiting in line, making new friends and sharing strories. So I still consider it a worthwhile experience. It was really nice meeting these people:

Arnie and me while waiting in line

Inside SMX

And here’s one more thing.  I would like to include here in my blog the nice messages I have received from friends after I told them I didn’t made it. It’s really great to have people who are still proud of you even if you feel like a failure, aside from your family of course. Here’s how my group message went:

“Heya! To the few ones I’ve told about my Pinoy Idol audition (and to those na ngayon lang malalaman hehe) guess what?! I didn’t made it! haha.. Wala eh, hinahanap ata nila yung artistahin na at standout talaga. But it’s ok, I enjoyed the experience naman! Thanks for your prayers and support ha.. (smiley)”

And some of the replies…

from DEMA - “Ha?! Bakit? Sa screening? Pabayaan mo na! It’s their loss! Proud pa rin ako sayo friendship. At least you have the guts to join! Isipin mo na lang na kaya mo, pero di ka lang nabigyan ng chance.”

from JAYJAY - “Ganun? Ok lang un Paul, experience lang. Ikaw pa rin ang magaling for us!”

from VICKY - “Ganun! Mga pangit sila!!”

from CHY (included dun sa nun lang nakaalam) - “Wow talaga frendship! Sayang naman kung ganun! Baket, meron ka namang looks ah!” (nambola pa! haha)

from SHA - “Ay naku! ganun naman d2! Mas sumisikat ang mga may hitsura, kahit di kagandahan ang boses! Yung mga magagandang boses tuloy na di gaanong kagandahan, hindi sumisikat. Ok lang yan, at least nakayanan mong mag audition!”

from my bestfriend NHINZKY - “Talaga pare?! Mga leche sila! Kainis yun ah, nakaka-highblood! Di bale bez, di ka lang talaga for that cguro pero for us ikaw ang pinoy idol of our lives!”

from my boss MITCH - “Oh.. It’s ok Paul.. Just continue pursuing your dreams, if that’s what you really want to do..”

from mah sistah FARAH (facebook message) –

“Okay lang yun bro! I’m sure HE’S got better plans for you!
Malay mo He’s just gearing you up for AMERICAN IDOL! Odiba?
At least when that time comes… seasoned ka na with experiences!
And don’t ever let this small snag ruin your dreams, HE gave you this talent for a reason. I’m sure God is smiling down on you this very moment because you’re making use of the gift He has given you. Either way, for trying your best – I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU “

and from MEI (by request haha!) -

“Oh well… never mind friend….Their loss not yours.. It just goes to show that still, it never fails, they were already looking for a Celebrity Material instead of you know grooming it to become a really Big or maybe a Huge Star here in Manila…. Tsk Tsk!!!

You know same old same old… But I just wanna let ya know that I’m sooooooooooo PROUD of you ….=) Nice choice of song for your audition piece huh, it really matches your vocal range weeeeee hahahaha =)… Whatever happens friend I’m just right back at yah for your next Idol moment, though I told you that we’ll audition together hahahaha…..

You’re the Best Yo!!!! Ti’l the next Shining Moment …. “

Surely my world didn’t stopped after auditioning for Idol, instead it gave me a driving force to achieve for more. And I will not ever forget this experience, and won’t stop doing what I love the most… Blogging! hahaha..