The final day of auditions had begun, and the atmosphere in the dimly lit hall was tense. Adrian Rivera stood at the back with his arms crossed, watching each performance with careful eyes. Two long days of reading, singing, and dancing had brought them a modest roster of talents—some promising, some rough around the edges—but none who truly fit the image of the female lead in *City of Stars*.
Jom stretched on a folding chair. "You sure this girl even exists?"
Kai, laptop open on his lap, scrolled through his notes. "We've seen over seventy. Maybe she's late?"
Lance Villarta leaned beside the door, glancing at his watch. "Last slot. One more, then we call it."
Then the door creaked open.
She walked in—Gabbi Garcia. Dressed casually but with quiet confidence, she introduced herself, voice slightly nervous. Her photo had come from a late submission, and none of them had high expectations.
But as she stood on the makeshift stage and sang, the room fell silent. The tone, the vulnerability—it was exactly what Adrian had envisioned. When she acted out a breakup monologue, her voice cracked ever so slightly on the last line, and Adrian saw it. The spark.
He didn't say anything at first. He just looked at Lance, who gave him a knowing nod.
"That's her," Adrian finally whispered. "That's the one."
---
**\[SYSTEM ANALYSIS: GABBI GARCIA – AUDITION COMPLETE]**
**Name:** Gabriella Louise Ortega Lopez (Gabbi Garcia)
**Age:** 20
**Nationality:** Filipino
**Role Considered For:** Female Lead – *City of Stars*
**Current Stats:**
* **Acting Talent:** 76/100
* **Stage Presence:** 78/100
* **Emotional Range:** 77/100
* **Singing Ability:** 81/100
* **Charisma:** 83/100
* **Camera Chemistry (with MC):** 86/100
**Overall Rating:** ★★★★☆
**Potential (Based on Simulation):**
* **Acting Talent:** 92/100
* **International Appeal:** Moderate
* **Award Potential:**
* Best Actress (National Level) – High
* Asian Indie Film Recognition – Moderate
* Long-Term: Crossover to International Film Circuits (possible)
**Notable Traits:**
✔ Beautiful on-screen presence with authentic vulnerability
✔ Harmonizes well with cinematic music cues
✔ Learns quickly, highly coachable
✔ Strong emotional nuance despite limited exposure
**Career Projection:**
If cast and trained under Adrian Rivera's direction, subject has a **72% chance of national breakout fame** within 3 years and **35% probability of regional acclaim** by age 23. High potential for long-term stardom with the right guidance and exposure.
**\[NOTE: Subject is currently unknown to major networks. Strong pick for originality and emotional connection to audience.]**
---
By the next day, the core cast was set. Most were unknowns recommended by Lance's connections, but each had impressed in their own way—authentic, raw, and eager. Kai had already begun logging their profiles for editing continuity, while Jom coordinated equipment rentals.
They gathered in the small production office Lance had secured.
"Alright," Adrian said, pointing at the casting board. "We've got our main roles filled. Now we need to lock in locations, crew support, and... music."
That last word hung in the air.
Lance exhaled. "Still no composer?"
"Not one I trust with this tone," Adrian admitted.
"I could try reaching out to a college conservatory," Kai offered. "Maybe someone under the radar."
"Do it," Adrian said. "We need someone who understands emotion—not just instruments."
As the planning continued, Adrian's phone rang. It was his mother.
He stepped outside to take the call.
"Hi, Ma."
"Anak, are you okay? You haven't been calling."
"Yeah, just busy. I'm prepping for a new movie."
"Your papa and I are proud," she said softly. "But listen, your sister's coming home from the U.S. next week. Vacation lang daw."
Adrian's shoulders stiffened. "She's coming back?"
"Yes. She's excited to see you."
He paused, memories returning—of a younger sister full of questions and opinions, who looked nothing like him, her pale complexion and light hair inherited from their American father. She always had a sharp tongue and a strong will.
"Thanks for letting me know," he muttered.
"She missed you, you know."
"I missed her too."
After the call ended, he rubbed his temples. This was going to be... interesting.
---
Meanwhile, across the globe in Tokyo, the Japanese program director who had seen *Voicemail* had finally arrived in the Philippines. Her goal was simple: to track down Adrian Rivera and formally invite him to the prestigious **Sakura Film International** showcase. She had only a name and a title—but that was enough.
Back in Los Angeles, a young woman with pale skin and sharp brown eyes zipped up her luggage. Adrian's sister. She stood at the gate, passport in hand, waiting to board.
"You're really going back?" asked her friend beside her.
"It's just vacation. A short one," she replied.
Her friend raised an eyebrow. "But you hate the heat."
"I want to see my kuya. And..." She looked out the window. "Something tells me he's up to something big."
With a final glance at the terminal, she turned and walked toward her gate.
---
In Manila, Adrian looked at the pinned notes on the whiteboard. Budget was tight. Time was limited. But for the first time, everything felt like it was falling into place.
"Alright," he said, returning to the group. "Let's get to work."
The stars were aligning—and the real journey was about to begin.(End chapter)