Spotlight

CHAPTER 1

Rebecca

"And here she is... our phenomenal star, Rebecca Armstrong!"

There goes the cheering, whistling, clapping, and yelling. I nervously stepped out from the backstage...walking slowly with an amused expression plastered on my face.

"Don't be too nervous... It will be amazing." Whispered the handsome man beside me. Harry Martinez. He's been my screen partner for 6 months now. Ka-loveteam in other word.

Without me knowing, we finally made it at the center stage. At hindi ako makapaniwala sa dami ng mga tao sa loob ng Big Dome. They are like fireflies in the sky while waving their cellphones with flashlight on.

"I can't believe this. Is this really happening? Did they come here to support us?" I excitedly said to Harry.

"Yes! They are all here for us... for you. You look lovely tonight, Becky." Addressing me with my nickname. Halos pabulong nyang sabi while leaning a little bit closer to me. With his gesture, bilang nagsigawan ang mga tao. Yah, I know, kinikilig sila and I personally feel the same. Being with Harry for six months now, mas nakikilala ko pa syang mabuti. Aside from being extremely good-looking, he is naturally sweet, thoughtful, smart and funny. Sino ba ang hindi kikiligin at hahanga sa kanya.

We wave at the crowd wearing our best smile. Isa pa rin itong panaginip para sa isang ordinary girl turned phenomenal star. It's been exactly 6 months mula nang bigyan ako ng big break sa noontime show kung saan lang ako nag e-extra bilang "street host". Dati sa isang portion lang ako ng show makikita at napapakita ang hosting skill ko, but look at me now... big crowd na ang kaharap ko at sunud- sunod ang dating ng mga projects ko.

Ang event na ito ang way ng station to formally welcome me and introduce me to the entertainment industry.

Wondering kung bakit napaka-engrande naman ng pagpapakilala sa akin? Maybe because it's the show's way of gratitude sa magagandang feedback ng audience at sa biglang pagtaas ng rating nila. Months ago kasi, nakitaan kami ni Harry ng chemistry sa show making us the new loveteam. Pumatok naman kami sa  manonood. After that nagsunod- sunod na ang mga projects na dumating sa amin ni Harry like guesting,  magazine shoots, and interviews.

Pero sabi nila, mas malaki daw ang impact ko sa manonood. They said, I am a ball of sunshine na maraming naiinspire na mga tao. That's mainly my goal kaya ako pumasok sa entertainment. Maging inspirasyon sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga kababaihan. 

"Finally, your dream came true!" Masayang sabi ni mommy sabay yakap sakin ng mahigpit.

"I'm so proud of you anak", ang sabi na naman ni daddy at yumakap rin sakin.

My parents are the first people who opposed my decision to audition in the noontime show, but they are also the first people who congratulated me when I was given the opportunity. They said na hindi ko naman daw kaylangang mag- artista just to earn money because they can provide me with everything that I needed. I told them that it is not about earning money kaya ako nag-try sa showbiz entertainment but it's because of my dream to be famous and showcase my talents. 

Kahit 20 years old na ako, very protective pa rin ang parents ko sa akin and they always treat me as their princess. Since the first day na nagsimula ako sa show, palagi silang nakasuporta. Kulang na nga lang araw- arawin nila ang pagpunta sa studio para manood sakin.

"Mom, dad... Thank you for always being here for me especially on this day." I emotionally said to my parents.
"Of course, kami yata ang number one fan mo". Masayang sabi ni Mommy.
"Ate... grabe, sikat na sikat ka na talaga!" Sigaw ng younger brother kong si Sean habang patakbo sa kinatatayuan naming nila dad and mom sa backstage. Niyakap nya ako at manghang- manghang napatingin pa sa paligid nya.
"Thanks for being there lil bro. Panay nga papicture mo sa mga stars dito", natatawa kong sabi.

After some minutes ay tinawag na uli kami sa stage to say goodbye to the crowd. It's a long and tiring day pero sobrang kasiyahan ang nararamdaman ko dahil ito ang isa sa pinangarap ko sa buhay. 

Pinangako ko sa sarili ko that I will always do my best. I will grab any good opportunity na dadating sa akin. I will take challenges just to make my dream come true...

To entertain...to make other people happy... to be a star... to be in the spotlight.