Multi-awarded actor and comedian Roderick Paulate will be joining other entertainment industry veterans Jolina Magdangal, Ricky Davao, Philip Salvador and Gina Alajar in searching for the next ultimate protege via the GMA-7 artista search “Protege: The Battle for the Big Artista Break.”
Although the search is slated to begin airing in July, as early as now, each of the mentors have already spent days screening tens of thousands of hopefuls coming from all over the Philippines.
Last June 20, Roderick Paulate was at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall for the call-back screening of those who were shortlisted during the Metro Manila/NCR audition held in the same venue last Tuesday and Wednesday. It was the last of a series of auditions for Protege held at various key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Talking about how he feels being part of Protege, Roderick said the he is enjoying the job and is very excited because he will be working with his closest friends in the industry as a fellow mentor.
Since the search is basically a battle among the mentors’ proteges, should viewers also expect it to be a tense competition among the mentors?
“Actually kaya din ako excited kasi parang kumpetisyon among the mentors din ang magiging tema [ng show], so kailangan makakuha kami ng mga magagaling na artista na bata pa lamang pero masasabi nating malaki ang potential at panlaban talaga. That’s why siguro ‘pag nakapili ako kaagad, I will really talk to them. Kakausapin ko talaga sila na ka-careerin natin ito at aalamin kung sino talaga yung lalabas na magsa-shine sa kanila,” he said.
Is physical appearance a factor that he considers in looking for proteges?
“Of course, ever since naman dito sa entertainment industry, plus factor talaga yung maganda, gwapo, yung may tindig, yung looks, yung height. But aside from that, hahanapin ko talaga yung may acting ability, para naman yung character niya, hindi lang siya maganda, may texture din, may kakaiba sa kanya na dapat ilabas dun sa batang yun,” Roderick said.