Kalinga Province native Ruth Paga may have lost her job because of the pandemic, but she showed the world that she can achieve her dreams with enough determination as she won ABS-CBN’s online star search “Bida Star: Gandang Naturally Fresh” last March 31.
Ruth persevered despite the tough challenges she faced by turning to vlogging and eventually joining ABS-CBN’s online star search. In the competition, it was her never-say-die spirit that judge and Star Magic Acting Guru to the Stars Rayhan Carlos found admirable.
"I like your passion. You are a fighter. I like that attitude," Direk Rahyan told her after their final acting challenge.
Ruth nabbed the title ‘Ultimate Bida Star’ as she earned a total of 89.54% from collected kumu diamonds, KTX votes, and a score from Direk Rahyan Carlos.
"Sa lahat na naging parte ng Bida Star journey ko, thank you so much. Ang dami kong natutunan sa inyo. Nakabuo ako ng family and friends," said Ruth.
Ruth said she gained enough confidence to jump out of her comfort zone with Direk Rahyan’s help. "Mas nakilala ko yung sarili ko. Kasi dati gusto ko talagang maging artista pero sobrang linilimitahan ko yung sarili ko. Sobra niya akong natulungan na lumabas sa box ko," she said.
Aside from the title, “Ultimate Bida Star,” Ruth also took home P50,000, an ABS-CBN management contract, an Eskinol Talent Contract, a chance to participate in a Star Magic Workshop, her own digital show, and a chance to star in a digital film with Kapamilya stars.
Meanwhile, finishing as Ruth’s runner up is Nics Sevilla, who got 69.37 percent. Taking 3rd and 4th places were Mikaela Angela and Ayra Paraiso with 66.98 percent and 39.47 percent, respectively.
Follow Ruth’s journey on Star Hunt’s social media pages on Facebook (@starhuntabscbn), kumu (@starhuntabscbn), Twitter (@starhuntabscbn), Instagram (@starhuntabscbn), and Tiktok (@starhuntabscbn).