K-La wins after losing singing contest
Where do contest fourth placers go?
If you're barely 20, spunky and named K-La, you try again.
As fourth runner-up of ABS-CBN's "Star Power: Sharon's Search for the next Female Pop Superstar," K-La Rivera is taking a page off the grand prize winner's book.
Top dog Angeline Quinto herself was a veteran of the contest circuit. In 2002, she lost to one Sarah Geronimo in Viva Entertainment's "Star for a Night," which was aired on IBC-13. She was the wildcard finalist in a contest within the GMA variety show, "Diz Iz It!" Then, in "Star Power," she hit pay dirt—winning a million pesos and a car and then going on to record her first album, stage a solo concert, become a regular on "ASAP Rocks," and go on a concert tour to the U.S. with Sharon Cuneta.
"She waited so long for this. She joined a lot of contests before 'Star Power.' So I know this was meant for her to happen," K-La said.
Upturn after loss
And, all in all, not a bad role model for K-La, either.
K-La next joined the VJ search for the music show, "MYX"—and was chosen one of three winners.
She was also cast in the theater production of "In the Heights," the 2008 Tony award-winning musical about urban life in Washington Heights in New York.
She also gets to breathe the air of A-listers by being under ABS-CBN's talent management group, Star Magic, and Boy Abunda's Backroom, Inc.
It's a good thing, but it's also a struggle.
"It's hard because ang daming artista," she explained. "It's just that you always have to try your best, always look your best, take care of your health and take care of yourself. Never give up and always be grateful with what you have and work hard talaga."
Swimming with sharks?
Being a newbie in showbiz, said K-La, is like being in "a shark tank," she said. "There are always sharks and you have to compete to remain up there. And it's hard and I know I'm just starting. So whatever I do now I always have to always try my best."
The verdict as to whether she did her best will be known on Sept. 2 when "In the Heights" opens at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of the RCBC Plaza in Makati.
While singing is her given, the musical will showcase her acting and dancing skills for the first time. She plays Nina Rosario.
"I relate well to the role because when I left home, I left the country, I left my family and I left all my friends," explained the Calgary, Canada native. "I moved to a place where I don't know the language, I barely know anyone here. But when I left, everyone was very supportive and proud of me."
High expectations
She added, "I also kind of feel the same pressure Nina had when she moved. Everyone had high expectations for her. So I could imagine also if I failed and I went home that I wasn't able to pursue my dream."
Failure, though, is not the case for K-La whose dabbling has brought her to many mediums—TV, the concert stage and now, theater.
K-La, who turned 20 last August 13, said her birthday wish was to be happy always.
The way her showbiz career is turning out, K-La has every reason to be not just happy but happier.
