Pinoy Dream Academy: Gala Night

Pinoy Dream Academy's Second Season started out really well and a lot of contestants were quite impressive, while a number are still clueless and a bit out of their element. What is apparent is that the contestants are taught well. A number of them have unlearned or are in the process of eliminating the antics they've gathered through amateur forays in the past as shown in some pre-taped segments prior to their performances. Best of all, the training gave them fundamental vocal skills, as can be seen (or rather heard) in the performances themselves. That's a good start.

If the judging was any indication of other good things to come, Pinoy Dream Academy's judges covered a comprehensive list of skills from breathing to jumping the gun on the beat to outfits that "accentuate height"--at least there's an end to nitpicking on an outfit.

My favorites last night were Van Pojas's rendition of "Can’t Fight This Feeling", Liezel Garcia's "Dance With My Father", Miguel Mendoza's "A House is Not A Home", Ross Dio's cover of "Father and Son" and, strangely, Apple Abarquez's “Papa Can You Hear Me”. (Strange because I hate the song.) Of the five, the first three were on the top of the class and Liezel was given the star of the week award, or whatever it is they call it to say who's the best. Unfortunately, Liezel--pretty as she is--had really bad make-up that night.

The one thing I found really distracting was Billy Crawford whose hosting skills remind me of the frenetic kid that he once was on That's Entertainment. He was struggling throughout the show, and he would resort to those impish gestures that reminded me of his days as Kuya Germs's pet. We've seen him on his international appearances several times and he doesn't behave this way. Toni Gonzaga is reliable. But I must admit that I miss her Wazzup Wazzup persona and the kind of fun she exuded on Eat Bulaga.