For many people, especially those in the middle-to-lower classes, talent shows have become an attractive, if unlikely path, to attain instant wealth and fame. Unlike the lottery, which relies on luck, shows such as Starstruck and Search for a Star count upon photogenic looks as well as a modicum of talent to propel one to better fortune.

Becoming involved in these contests may not promise easy money, but with hard work and determination, or at least believing that one has a slim chance of winning, why not take the chance? For the networks, they've become a popular source of entertainment, filled with just as much drama, intrigue, and heartbreak as a soap opera, and have regularly churned out one show after another to cater to popular demand. Star Circle Quest (SCQ) is the latest show to enter the fray of reality-meets-celebrity programming, and as to be expected, has become a phenomenal hit.

Since 1992, ABS-CBN has been at the forefront of discovering and making stars for both television and the movies through its Talent Center, which has been responsible for creating media celebrities like Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Jericho Rosales, Kristine Hermosa, Carlos Agassi, John Prats, Heart Evangelista, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Patrick Garcia, and Claudine Barretto. However, it took competing network GMA-7 to give ABS-CBN the cue to finally take the Talent Center's continuing development program and translate it into a show for television.

After months of delays, SCQ loosely based on the immensely popular American Idol, took shape and gradually embedded itself into the consciousness of television audiences who might still be trying to shake off the frenzy over the popular Starstruck of GMA-7. Hosted by Luis "Lucky" Manzano and Star Circle Batch 7 member Jodi Santamaria, SCQ opened its doors to talented young individuals. It has two components: Star Circle Kids Search looks for talented future stars within the age range of five to eight years old, and Star Circle Teens Search, for talents aged 13-to-19 years old.

SCQ began with 400 aspirants (trimmed down from approximately 5,000 applicants) which were further cut down to just 100 --50 for the Star Circle Kids Quest and 50 for the Star Circle Teens Quest. Each week, contestants were required to do a number of showbiz-style challenges, including dancing, modeling, acting (both drama and comedy), determined to showcase whether they had the right amount of presence and talent.

These hopefuls then were relentlessly grilled, criticized, and oftentimes pushed to tears by a panel of judges, which included talent manager and TV host Boy Abunda, former beauty queen Gloria Diaz, and the "Simon Cowell" of the affair, due to his no-holds-barred nature, director Laurenti Dyogi ("guest judges" also made appearances). The public logged in their votes by texting, which counts as 50% of the overall voting. Winners were chosen at the end of each week, so eventually those 50 became 25, which became 15, then 10. In the teen category, a final five was eventually chosen: Roxanne Ginoo, Hero Angeles, John Ross "Joross" Gamboa, Sandara Park, and Melissa Ricks.

These teen finalists represent a rather eclectic mix of types and backgrounds: Roxanne, a freshman in AB Psychology at La Salle, Dasmarinas, doesn't quite have the typical, drop-dead gorgeous looks that television and film audiences are accustomed to, but more than compensates for that with her considerable acting talent. She already has a veteran mindset: "A star, no matter how big, should have both her feet planted on earth. It's all about the right attitude." John Ross Gamboa, or "Joross," has been criticized for being arrogant, but as a third-year nursing student, aimed to prove them wrong. He admires actors that can act simply with their eyes like Piolo Pascual.

The youngest among the group at 14, Melissa Marie Ricks originally hails from California, but speaks Tagalog fluently enough, a refreshing virtue in comparison with most showbiz imports. Originally scolded by director Laurenti Dyogi for "failing to follow instructions" during an acting workshop, she remained resilient, vowing, with a hint of hubris, to be "ABS-CBN's biggest star."

The other import is pure-blooded Korean beauty Sandara Park, who has resided in the Philippines since 1995. She was criticized earlier when she bested another popular Teen Questor in a controversial win as "Texter's Choice." Certain fans believed she didn't deserve the win based on the number of text votes she received. During a press conference, a tearful Sandara expressed that she was happy that she won because she did her best, and vowed to prove to doubters and skeptics that she deserved to win. Perhaps the most popular amongst the finalists was Hero Angeles, a Fine Arts sophomore from U.P. Diliman. Possessing matinee-idol looks, many in the studio audience during the contest vied for his attention with cries of " Pogi mo !"

In a way, these five finalists (as well as the other five in the kids division) were already winners, each gaining P1 million in cash and contracts, virtually guaranteeing themselves a career in showbiz. As with all contests, however, a sole winner must be chosen, the culmination of SCQ transpiring last June 5 at the Araneta Coliseum, wherein P2 million pesos worth of cash and contract was at stake. It was portrayed as a close fight between several teens, namely Sandara, Roxanne, and Joross (who impressed everyone, including his fellow competitors, for his remarkable acting ability), but it was the handsome, suave Hero that eventually came out on top.

His victory was particularly impressive because many felt he worked so hard to clinch it - and because everyone knows he "needs" it more than the other finalists (network publicity has made sure that everyone was aware of his family's financial status). When he first joined the contest, Hero alternated between awkwardness and overconfidence. In time, however, he was able to understand the intricacies of his crafts, particularly acting, and his performances became more focused and empathetic. "In school, I did a little mime acting," he says. "I learned a lot about acting only at SCQ and during our workshops." His motto: "Learn to trust yourself; always be confident. Don't forget to call on the Lord. He's your source of strength."

As for the other finalists, one need not be concerned about their future prospects. For Roxanne, judges were praising her "leading lady" potential, so a soap opera and perhaps a movie could be in her sights. Sandara is already a daily presence on Channel 2, hosting Sandara's Choice , a "chinovela" anthology show, which spotlights the best of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean programming. Sandara is also Hero's "love team" partner; their combined popularity the network hopes to capitalize upon, perhaps making them a "champion" love tandem.