Laarni Lozada was voted Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) Season II Grand Star Dreamer (to the wonderment and disappointment of Bugoy Drilon?).

Of course, being a Cebuano, I rooted for Van Roxas (remember the campaign I headed here?) but then maybe the rest of the tele-viewers thought that Van already has the smoldering looks and, if he becomes the grand winner, that would be too much in his favor. Hindi naman siya lang ang anak ng Diyos, no?

My other bet was Liezel Garcia, she with the exotic beauty and clean, distinctive voice. It’s a given that all the PDA scholars, including those who were voted out and those who made their exits voluntarily, have the makings of great singers.

But Liezel to me simply still stands out.

At first, I tolerated Bugoy’s antics and actuations but later they became distracting and irritating. I also noticed that he has become self-conscious and “feeling artista already,” to quote a friend, several days before the grand night.

Add to this the glaring favoritism by the mentors, ao my dislike for him grew night after night. I can still remember that scene where teachers Monet and Kitchie danced like fools while singing Alleluia after Bugoy delivered the song they wanted. Shame on them!

My reaction on his declaration that “in my heart I am still the Grand Star Dreamer”? No way!

While the top three winners (Miguel Mendoza completes the list) will enjoy the cash prizes and the other items that go with the top slots, I have this strong hunch that it will be the bottom three (Cris, Liezel and Van) who will enjoy a
longer stay in show business.

You can bet on that.

Laarni Lozada, a 22-year-old working student from Sultan Kudarat, was voted winner of ABS-CBN's top-rated talent show Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Sunday night.

Laarni, who was dubbed the show's "Independent Woman" for her quicksilver temper and amazing vocal range, garnered a total of 651,696 votes or 35.21 percent to beat Jay "Bugoy" Bogayan, a canteen janitor and farm hand from Camarines Sur, who placed second with 547,760 votes.

It was an emotional victory for Laarni who struggled in the early part of the contest and was in danger of elimination in her very first week in the academy. She also got in spats with fellow scholars because of her moods but always impressed the audience and the judges week after week because of her performance.

After being declared Grand Star Dreamer, Laarni was in tears as she sang the show-stopping "Manalig Ka", which was included in the scholars' compilation album "Pinoy Dream Academy Season Two Scholars Sing Cayabyab." Her prize package includes a laptop computer, component and LCD television from Sony, kitchen showcase from Whirlpool, P1.5 million worth of Crystal Clear purified water store franchise, a brand new house and lot from Globe Asiatique and a check worth P1 million from ABS-CBN.

Second-placer Bugoy sang "Climb Every Mountain" and gave an emotional speech to his supporters for bringing him one step closer to his dreams. "Mangarap po tayo. Kahit simpleng tao pwedeng mangarap!" he said as his fans cheered.

Balladeer and former Philippine Idol finalist Miguel Mendoza placed third with 13.69 percent or 253,402 votes. Mendoza, who entered in the academy with his girlfriend Bea Munoz, had been in danger of elimination several times but was always saved through text votes.

Five-time Star Scholar Liezel Garcia placed fourth in the contest with 13.36 percent or a total of 247,346 votes. Garcia, an early favorite in the contest, thanked the mentors for the training while inside the academy.

Van Roxas placed fifth with 6.06 percent or a total of 112,065 votes. The 18-year-old Roxas (real name Van Louelle Pojas) had revealed early in the contest that he did not tell his mother about how long he would stay inside the academy since he had to skip school to join. He was later prevailed upon to stay in the academy by the PDA mentors.

In last place was Cristina Pastor, 21, with 36,487 votes. Lozada is the second PDA scholar to win the top prize. The first was Yeng Constantino in 2006.

Cris Pastor is declared Top 6 Scholar in the Grand Dream Night of Pinoy Dream Academy season 2 Sunday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Cris received a total of 36,487 votes or 1.97%.

In the first part of back-to-back Grand Dream Nights of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 last night September 13, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, the top six scholars demonstrated what they could do as artists if they were named this as season's Grand Star Dreamer.

The scholars did not offer surprising performances, as in the first season's Jay-R Siaboc's "Kisapmata." And the scholars certainly didn't take any notable risks, like when season one winner Yeng Constantino sang her own composition, "Salamat," for the finale. But they were able to show how much they improved in a span of 13 weeks, proving that they could have a place in the country's mainstream entertainment industry.

Miguel Mendoza betrays his "versatile musician" label when he sang "Love is on the Way" and "Man on the Mirror," the type of songs he had been singing for the longest time. Juror Girlie Rodis was for Miguel. She said the "outstanding balladeer" had vastly improved since the start of his "journey," perhaps a reference to his stint in Philippine Idol two years ago. "Maganda naman ang performance mo, you delivered the song well. I can't say anything against it... Maski ano pa mangyari ngayong gabi, alam mo na magaling ka, may talento, pagtibayan mo na lang ang loob mo sa mga darating na challenges sa buhay mo," she said.

Meanwhile, Laarni Lozada (her new screen name instead of Laarni Losala) proved last night that while she may not be a perfect singer, she is clearly an engaging performer. Laarni's rendition of "Manalig Ka" and "Boogie Wonderland" may seem impeccable for the typical listener, but not to the keen ears of Headmaster Ryan Cayabyab. "Ang laki ng pagkakamali mo," he said, although he continued, "maganda pa rin ng dala mo sa pagkanta mo." The Headmaster also said Laarni is the most "blessed" of all the singers in the competition because "ang dami mong nagagawa sa boses mo."

Mentors and jurors alike have been saying all season long that the show's "Heartthrob" Van Roxas (formerly Van Pojas) does not possess the show's most impressive voice. But his songs "Hard Habit to Break" and "Probinsya" did for him last night what his previous renditions of "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" and "Tatsulok" did for him during the competition-prove that, with the songs, Van can shine as a singer. "Alam mo kung ano ang advantage mo sa lima na kasama mo lalo na pagkatapos ng performance mo ngayong gabing ito? You're biggest advantage is that you are a star. So go for it," Performance Master Joey Reyes said. 

Sexy sultry Cris Pastor had tagged as the season's resident female eye candy, but she is obviously more than just decorative last night, when she delivered "Out Here On My Own" and "Candyman" commendably. Voice mentor Monet Silvestre was on the spot with her critique of Cris' performance: "Sa buong three months ng academy, si Cris kasi nabansagan na sexy, maganda. Pero ang natutuhan naming mentors, at ng mga co-scholars, at ng buong bayan at mundo na rin, na si Cris ay isang totoong artist talaga. She's finally found her focus," he added. 

It might be too early to give Liezel Garcia the title "The Future of Philippine R&B." Still, her "I am Changing" and "Respect" were her typical fare. The season's resident juror Louie Ocampo, a Liezel fan right from the start, was clearly impressed. "I believe people are... destined to become stars. It may not happen to today, tomorrow, but I think you will have your time and you will be a star." 

Bugoy Drilon (formerly Bugoy Bogayan) performed last, with "Ligaya" and "Climb Every Mountain." "Angels did bring you here," Voice Master Kitchie Molina said. "You deserve to be here tonight and I hope will come true."

Now that we know what mentors and jurors have to say, it's time for the voice of the public to be heard. Who among Miguel, Laarni, Cris, Van, Liezel, and Bugoy deserves to be named the Grand Star Dreamer of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2?

Was Ryan Cayabyab's comment on Laarni's mistake called for? Is Van really a star? Can Cris and Miguel rise up to the stiff competition? Can Liezel take the crown after dominating the competition for several weeks? Are speculations that Bugoy will win by a landslide true?

Find out during the finale tonight, September 14, in Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2's Awards Night, right after Goin' Bulilit on ABS-CBN.

After their rehearsals, the Scholars were surprised to see formally set tables inside the Academy. Upon seeing the tables, they already had the feeling that they will be accommodating some visitors tonight”but they are not quite sure who.

Immediately, they hopped in their best outfits, just as Teacher Monet instructed them. After they finished preparing themselves, their Dream Mentors Headmaster Ryan Cayabyab, Teacher Monet, Teacher Von, Teacher Kitchy and Direk Joey ”arrived to join them as they wait for their visitors.

To start the party rolling, Headmaster asked Cris to sing one of her songs for Saturday. And to the last surprise, her mom entered the scene right in the middle of her performance and sang an excerpt from Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita.

Bugoy mom arrived too and shared with them her rendition of The Greatest Love of All. She wasnt quite familiar with the lyrics, but her song was indeed heartfelt. On Miguel moms arrival, she serenaded her son with Leah Navarro Kailangan Kita. Upon hearing her, it was pretty evident where Miguel got his great musicality. For Liezel, on the other hand, G-clefs oldie but goodie entitled I Understand How You Feel was interpreted by her mom.

During Laarni's turn, the event got quite emotional. It has been a long time since the two saw each other, so the Independent Woman couldnt help but burst into tears upon feeling the mixture of happiness and longing take over her. And in order to calm the lass down, her mom dedicated to her the song Close to You by the Carpenters.

Though Van's mom was not present tonight, his dad dropped by to show him his support and sing to him one of his favorite songs, Cant Fight this Feeling.

Now that the Grand Dream Nights are just a few days away, the Top 6 Scholars of "Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2" are undergoing intense training from all their mentors.

The final week before the much-awaited commencement exercises proves to be a tough one as the Dream Mentors are making sure that this season's crème de la crème have not forgotten everything they've learned about performing.

Teacher Kitchy has been busy polishing the Top 6's singing techniques for the past few days. With the help of Teacher Monet, she has been pointing out the things that the Top 6 are still doing wrong and reminding them of the proper ways of correcting them.

Meanwhile, Teacher Maribeth hasn't changed her stern and strict manner of teaching. She has been pushing the Scholars to perfect their choreography for the Grand Dream Nights, reminding them that the two-night finale is going to be the culmination of every single lesson they have learned in their three-month stay inside the Academy.

Voting for the Top 6 Scholars is still very much open. To support your favorite, key in PDA space BUGOY, PDA space LAARNI, PDA space MIGUEL, PDA space LIEZEL, PDA space VAN, or PDA space CRIS on your cellphones and send to 231 for Smart and Talk & Text, and Addict Mobile subscribers, and 2331 for Globe, TM, Sun, and Bayan subscribers. You can also vote online thru www.pinoydreamacademy.com.ph

Voting officially ends on September 14, 1 PM, on ASAP '08.

What other exciting events will take place during the last few days of "Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2"?

Stay tuned from Monday to Friday to "Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Uberture", 5:30 PM, and "Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Primetime", after "Iisa Pa Lamang" on ABS-CBN to find out. You can also watch the Scholars everyday on Studio 23, 12:00-2:00 PM and 24/7 online via TFCNow Video Stream (www.abs-cbnnow.com).

For online updates, check out Pinoy Dream Academy 2's official website: www.pinoydreamacademy.ph

After their band rehearsals yesterday, the Scholars were surprised to see formally set tables inside the Academy. Upon seeing the tables, they already had a strong feeling that they would be accommodating some visitors, so they got a little excited.

Immediately, they hopped in their best outfits, just like Teacher Monet instructed them. After they finished preparing themselves, the Dream Mentors—Headmaster Ryan, Teacher Monet, Teacher Von, Teacher Kitchy and Direk Joey arrived to join them, as they waited for their special guests.

To start the party rolling, Headmaster asked Cris to sing one of her songs for Saturday. And while she was in the middle of her act, she was surprised to see her mom enter the scene, singing an excerpt from Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita.

Bugoy’s mom arrived too and shared with them her rendition of The Greatest Love of All. She wasn’t quite familiar with the lyrics, but her song was indeed heartfelt. On Miguel’s mom’s arrival, she serenaded her son with Leah Navarro’s Kailangan Kita. Upon hearing her, it was pretty evident where Miguel got his great musicality. For Liezel, on the other hand, G-clef’s oldie but goodie entitled I Understand How You Feel was interpreted by her mom.

During Laarni’s turn, the event got quite emotional. It has been quite a long time since the two saw each other, so the Independent Woman couldn’t help but burst into tears upon feeling the mixture of happiness and longing take over her. And in order to calm the lass down, her mom dedicated to her the song Close to You by The Carpenters.

Though Van’s mom was not present last night, his dad dropped by to show him his support and sing to him one of his favorite songs, Can’t Fight this Feeling.

Surprisingly, the Top Six Scholars’ visitors just kept on coming. Aside from their beloved parents, former Scholars—Sheng, Bea, Christian, Apple, Iñaki, Bunny, Chivas, Poy and Sen dropped by the Academy to bid the Final Six good luck.

The Grand Dream Night will be the final performance night of the Top Six as official Scholars of the Academy; and whether they like it or not, it will also be time for them to finally bid the Academy that kept them for 91 straight days, good-bye. Tomorrow will be their last chance to prove themselves to the viewing public that they deserve to take the Grand Star Dreamer title home with them. Who among the six of them will stand out? Don’t miss PinoyDreamAcademy Season 2’sGrand Dream Night tomorrow, right after Varga!