August 18, 2006
26K Girls: The Gems of KDOND
What's it like to hold another person's fate in your hands? To face a crowd with a huge smile plastered on your face for 5 hours despite the cold? And how did a few seconds on the small screen make them the most talked about girls on TV? Meet the 26K in an exclusive interview, before they bid so long and farewell to the first season of Kapamilya Deal or No Deal.
It was the last taping day for the show and the girls were happy and sad at the same time as the lights closed and the props were being removed during the interview. Studio 4 has been their home for a couple of months after all. The 26 K are comprised of Sheila Mae Abeleda, Diana Qeblani, Charmel De Asis, Karmela Chua, Chloe Dauden, May Rose Aban, Rechell Ann Moreno, Liz Alvarro, Marcia Cruz, Meral Ates, Lindsay Gonzales, Mae Herrera, Marilena Perez, Christine Legarda, Mari Wabamiya, Angel Chichara, Candi Red, Catherine Beltran, Toni Hipolito, Olive Cortez, Missie Cruz, Jo Anne De Jesus, Arbie Ramos, Mai Moldero, Agnes Dizon and Sandeeh Orbeta. With ages ranging from 17- 23 years old, most of them were ordinary students, commercial and print ad models before the special suitcases came into their lives.
They all answered to a casting call they saw advertised on ABS-CBN. The girls laughed as they remembered the steps they had to take to get their precious spots on the KDOND stage. "We had to act, sing, dance, did some ramp modeling. Yung iba talaga wala palang kinalaman sa job." Marcia explained with a smile. They all had to undergo workshops on personality development and modeling after passing the auditions. "They taught us how to walk, how to smile and project." Diana said. The first time they went on stage their family and friends couldn't help but feel proud, for the girls immediately sparkled on stage. "Masayang-masaya sila para sa amin." Chloe related.
Standing, smiling on stage and holding a briefcase may look easy but in reality its not. Being a 26K girl is a lot of hard work. Take for example the sexy, colorful costumes they have to wear on the show plus their 2-3 inch high heels. It's really cold in the studios and the girls have to endure this for hours. They also have to hold the suitcase in one position and smile like a beauty queen at the same time. But eventually they got used to these for its part of the job, the freezing cold, cramps and all.
They also enjoyed working with the Queen of Game Shows, Ms. Kris Aquino. The girls say the KDOND host is really professional and they were star struck when they all first got on stage with her. Kris was given their profiles during the beginning of the show and cards also assisted her then when calling out to the 26K. But the girls are proud to say that Kris now knows each of them, calling on them automatically without kodigos.
The girls have gotten used to the ins and outs of the show but there are two things that would always be a mystery to them -- the contents of the suitcases they hold and the identity of the Banker. They draw lots before the start of each show to know which case belongs to who. As for the shadowy man above the stage they only have this to say, "Para siyang si Darth Vader, si Big Brother. Walang nakakakilala."
Fame though is not as elusive to the girls. A lot of people now recognize them on the street and ask for their pictures and autographs. It's flattering and they are very thankful to the show for opening a door for them into showbizness. They are also very appreciative of their fans. Hopefully they will all still be there when KDOND returns in December. "Thank you sa kanilang lahat. Sana andyan pa rin sila para supportahan kami. 'Wag sila magalala babalik din kami!" And that's a genuine promise from the gems of Kapamilya Deal or No Deal.
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