FHM.com.ph

For the vets, did you ever think you’d have your own reality show?
Mike: Bagong Liwanag was an audition process that was shown on TV. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t a reality TV show. It never featured our lives on TV or the lives of the participants. It was just the challenges and the singing. And I think Bagong Liwanag was the best way to introduce the new member, and to include all those who have been supporting us in the recruitment process. Although I don’t think there’s anything wrong with reality shows. It’s entertainment!
Japs: Honestly, during the planning stages; I wasn’t too keen on the idea of having a TV show. Eventually I realized its advantages. Fourteen years ago, Rivermaya started out by holding auditions. A handful of people came and tried out. I would love to watch that if only it was caught on film! Fourteen years later, here we go again; we’re giving everyone a chance to be part of the Rivermaya history.
Mark: Same as Japs. I, too, was not too keen on having the TV show. However, from day one of the auditions and up to the end of the series, I cannot be more thankful that we pushed through with it. Can you even imagine the energy you feel from over 500 people who showed up to tell you that you have no problem at all? We could’ve held the exact same auditions in a rehearsal studio anywhere, mentors and all, but then kami lang yung makikinabang doon.