Filipinos are good at being fans … and also at being wannabes making their shot at fame and glory.
This weekend’s Viva Con 2019, to be held Aug. 3 and 4 at the World Trade Center in Parañaque City, promises to be a fitting venue for both avid fans of select showbiz personalities and aspiring talents born-ready to audition to hit the big time. The celebrities expected to make appearances and meet fans include stars Sarah Geronimo, Anne Curtis, Alex Gonzaga, Matteo Guidicelli, and a handful of popular musicians all under the care of Viva Group of Companies.
Viva Con, a two-day extravaganza from 10 in the morning to 10 in the evening, is billed as a star-studded affair of meet-and-greet opportunities for fans and a big stage for wannabes hoping to be discovered. For a P550 per person admission price, attendees are given privilege to witness activities like live wire shows, celebrity talks, and talent-scouting auditions.
Viva executive Jay Montelibano, serving as spokesperson for the occasion, noted, “The Viva Con is a chance for fans of Viva artists to actually interact with their idols up close and personal. In this set-up, people can see more the characters of their beloved larger-than-life idols coming out.”
For concert goers eyeing value for money, this event has a considerably big line-up of mainstream singers and groups converging in one place, one weekend. The list includes bands Callalily, The Juans, and This Band, as well as soloists Katrina Velarde, Janine Tenoso, Mark Bautista, and John Roa. Girl groups come aplenty, too, with the enlistment of Viva Hot Babes, Sexbomb NewGen, and the Ppop Girls.
Talks by well-known screenwriters and directors, in addition, the media influencers, actors and actresses should make Viva Con sound educational and inspirational with drum rolls.
Over 100 booths showcasing products and services related to the theme “Bida Ka Sa Viva” will treat fans in this specially planned weekend they long deserve to experience. The Viva Books booth alone offers book-signing opportunities featuring fan-favorite authors like Bela Padilla (100 Tula Ni Bela), Yassi Pressman (Say Yass to Happiness), Mark Bautista (Beyond the Mark), Julian Trono and Ella Cruz (Jump In) and directors Jason Paul Laxamana (100 Tula Para Kay Stella), Irene Villamor (Sid & Aya), and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Kita Kita, Mr. & Mrs. Cruz).
Of course, inserted among fans are untapped talents waiting to be seen and become idols themselves. That’s why the open auditions are actually the highlight that may spell unforeseen wonders for this first of probably many Viva Cons to come. Who knows the next Sarah, Anne, and Nadine Lustre will be around ripe for moments to shine? Or some next band sensations are all geared up waiting for the cue to rock the world?
One thing’s for sure, countless selfies and video grabs await social media feeds on and after this weekend to remember.
(Check out Viva online sites for activity schedule and www.viva.com.ph/vivaauditionsmain for guaranteed audition slots.)