After the success of Survivor Philippines, GMA-7 is launching another reality show on Philippine primetime. Titled Kitchen Superstar, the new show aims to find the best amateur cook in the country.
There is no announced schedule for Kitchen Superstar yet. However, auditions had already been held all over the country since February.
PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) was present at the first auditions held at SM Skydome, SM North, Quezon City on February 19.
A total of 827 individuals came up to audition. It was a mixed group: mothers and carinderia owners auditioned along with wannabe models and actors. All of them brought choice samples of the dishes that they prepared for the judges to taste.
PEP and other entertainment press were able to talk to Marvin Agustin, the show's host, in the middle of the audition day. The actor said he does not just want to be a host for the show, because he also wants to be a mentor to the contestants.
Marvin, a self-made restaurateur, said he can see himself in the various contestants that showed up for the audition.
Professionals chefs and graduates of culinary schools were barred from joining the contest, Marvin mentioned, because the show aims to discover ordinary people who have passion for cooking.
"Ito ay pag-asa para sa mga taong gustong baguhin ang buhay nila, na ang passion talaga nila, pagluluto, na may gusto silang patunayan sa pamilya nila, sa sarili nila, ambisyon nila," he pointed out.
Marvin said one does not need to study in school to be a top chef.
"Yun yung gusto kong sabihin sa kanila, na, hindi sila kailangang sumuko. Hindi ibig sabihin hindi sila nakapag-aral, o may magsasabi sa kanilang wala kang tiyansa diyan. Hindi e!
"Nasa sa 'yo. Ikaw makakapagsabi kung gusto mo, at ikaw lang ang magdadala sa sarili mo kung saan mo gustong pumunta. So yun yung... kaya nung ine-explain sa akin kung bakit ako bagay dito sa show... Kasi at first, sinasabi ko sa sarili ko, 'Am I a kitchen superstar? Am I the big chef in the Philippines?'"
Life experiences, he added, teaches passion, which in turn makes good cooks.
"You don't have to be technical about cooking. Ang passion, innate 'yan. Nasa sa atin 'yan. Hindi 'yan ituturo ng school, hindi 'yan ituturo ng ibang tao, at hindi mo pag-aaralan kung wala kang passion dun.
"It helps na yung nanay at tatay ko, nagluluto. It helps siguro sa bahay na wala kaming helper. Na ako yung namamalengke, ako yung... Ang ayaw ko lang talaga sa bahay, maghugas ng plato. Pero papalengkehin mo ko, pag-set-in mo ko ng table, lahat 'yan gagawin ko. Pero yung paghuhugas, yung sister ko ang gumagawa nun. Sister ko naman ayaw magluto."
Those who pass auditions will go through rigorous challenges, to be helmed by the country's top chefs. The ultimate winner will then be awarded a P1 million cash prize. Becoming the host of his/her cooking show may also be thrown into the prize pot.
"Actually may sinabi rin sila sa aking possible cooking show, kung itong mananalo ay entertaining, kayang humarap sa camera, maganda ang personality, puwede siyang magkaroon ng sariling cooking show," Marvin said.
pep.ph
March 22, 2011
