My kid isn't shy. She likes to sing and dance to an audience from the very beginning. The past few years friends and family members have been encouraging me to have my kid in a VTR "just to try".
I never felt there was a need as she has other avenues for her skills like ballet classes and swim classes, that's on top of school activities. For several years also, I worked within the confines of ABS-CBN and have seen auditions for PBB 1st edition take place, auditions for the revival of AngTV which has been axed soon after and this wasn't something I was excited on partaking in.
A few weeks back however, we go approached by 2 "talent scouts" at MoA and were invited to a VTR at Tri-Media Advertising at Palanan, Makati. Initially, I didn't commit but as soon as the scouts were out of earshot my kid kept asking me if she can be a model and be in a commercial. I said I will think about it. When we got home, I told his grandparents who immediately got excited. I explained I have no plans of driving all the way to Makati from the east side especially since I am not familiar with the neighborhood. My uncle and aunt happily volunteered to drive and accompany us. That was the clincher that made me say yes. My kid and her grandparents all getting excited.
The day came and after multiple confirmation via SMS we we're on our way. It wasn't hard to find however, there were nowhere to park in the vicinity. We even asked the building "office" where we can park and was told Tri-Media doesn't have an parking space in the building. So my kid and my aunt alighted while my uncle decided to drive back to a nearby Shakey's we saw earlier to spend the time there.
When we entered their office, it was filled with kids and parents/guardians to the brim. There was an AC on but with the amount of people, it just wasn't enough. However, I won't deny that 80% of the kids look excited and happy. The entire thing was over in 20mins and was thankful to leave so others can take our seats. It was pretty painless really except for the parking.
We were told they will contact us for an update. The following day I woke up to 6 messages ranging from I can call their office to having someone call me. When I replied was told the person is already in a meeting and we can just talk the following morning to which I agreed.
I was happily informed the following day that my daughter passed the VTR and for the next 15 minutes I listened to all the projects their other talents got and how much their TF were. I was informed to become their talent my daughter has to go through a workshop, This I already know based on other blogs I read. Yep, did my research before going there. So to make the long winding "sales talk" short, I asked if they would still consider my kid their talent if I decide to forego the workshop and was informed they will have to give my kid's slot away. To this I agreed immediately.
After the call I immediately called my aunt to give her the news. She mentioned the day before that some kids get into this not for fun but because of the money and their parents. I told her, her comments the day before makes sense now, after all, I was on the receiving end of a barrage of peso signs and TFs. Unfortunately, since the day I learned about the ponzi scheme I told myself that if someone "offers/gives" you work but you have to pay/buy or put some money out then just head out the door.
In this case (nope, not saying this is a ponzi scheme), if my kid is to be a talent but I have to pay up then that's a no deal for me. Heck, I'd spend the same amount of money and enroll her somewhere where I'm sure she'd get something out of. Even companies pay for the development of their employees and not the other way around. (Imagine heading to your boss' office saying, "Boss, pa six sigma training mo ko, ito bayad ko! :) LOL).
Also from my sleuthing I found out that after the workshop you'd just continue to shell out money but no assurance of a go see. You can read about this more from another blogger mommy here.
Anyway, as my aunt said, at least we know my daughter is not shy. And nope, by all means, if you feel your kid will have a great experience with TMA and their workshop then go and try it out. I just don't feel it's something I want for my kid.
Disclaimer: Please note I am not in any way connected with this brand, the online store or the delivery partner of the store and I have not received any form of payment for this review. I am a regular consumer and bought these products and services for my own personal use.
