Fifteen-year-old Yasmien Kurdi started joining singing contests at the young age of three. At seven, she was doing monologue acting in Kuwait where her family moved following her father�s assignment there and even got to perform as Maria Clara in a zarzuela play hosted by the Kuwaiti-Filipino community in celebration of Philippine Independence.

Yasmien prefers doing drama because, according to her, she cries easily. Just thinking of her financial problems brings tears to her eyes, she says. Her father has long left her and her mother and she grew up under the care of her grandfather, who died three years ago. If not for her modeling, she wouldn�t have any means to continue her studies now. But she is determined to survive. She believes that she has what it takes to be a well-rounded artist who can be efficient in drama and be equally effective in a variety show as well.

When she made it to the Starstruck Final 4, Yasmien Kurdi realized that she�s only a step closer to reaching her goal � that whatever she would be doing in the next few days would determine her fate. �It was then that I told myself that this is not just all about having fun. I have to take this competition seriously if I really want to win. It�s about time that I start using the valuable knowledge I gained from my Starstruck experience and let it work to my advantage,� she shares.

Only turning 16 this January 25, Yasmien has already learned to appreciate every bit of knowledge that comes her way � be it from criticisms or from her personal observation of her own flaws or shortcomings. She admits that Starstruck has taught her how to become her own person, to carve her personality from the very traits that are unique to her. �Imitating someone else will not do me any good. I�ve vowed to just be myself and let the people like me or at least accept me for who I truly am and what I can offer them. I want them to see the real Yasmien who is a �kalog� person who always gives her best,� she adds.

Yasmien discloses that the main reason why she wants to pursue a career in showbusiness is because it is what she enjoys doing most. �It�s not really all about the money, but more of following your heart and doing what you love to do most. I love to perform because it�s self-gratifying for me and at the same time I am able to make other people happy,� she says.

As part of Starstruck�s reality-based format, Yasmien and the other three survivors are each handled by professional and renowned talent managers to give them a taste of the actual life of a superstar. Find out how Yasmien will fare under the tutelage of Wyngard Tracy.

Sources: StarStruck.Tv and thanks to Jerome Garcia for the profile.