MANILA -- Markki Stroem and Garrett Bolden, Jr., two of the cast members of the upcoming 9 Works Theatrical staging of the musical “Rent,” reminisced how both of them previously competed in the semi-finals of ABS-CBN’s talent competition, “Pilipinas Got Talent,” more than a decade ago.

“In 2010, we both joined the talent competition, ‘Pilipinas Got Talent,’” Stroem, who is Norwegian-Filipino, said. “We were in the same batch, Season 1.”

“If I will be specific, during the semi-finals Week 2, we were both competing with each other on the same day,” recalled African-American Filipino talent, Bolden. “The difference between the text votes was only 1 percent.”

Stroem played the piano and sang “Ordinary People” during the semi-finals which impressed judges Ai-Ai de las Alas, Kris Aquino and Freddie Garcia.

Aquino commented after Stroem’s performance, “You sang to my heart. You sang exactly what I’m feeling. You’re wonderful. Kung ako lang ang papipiliin, panalo ka na.”

Meanwhile, Bolden crooned “Ikaw” in the semi-finals.

Stroem edged out Bolden by merely 2 percent in text votes to advance to the next round of “Pilipinas Got Talent,” which was eventually won by Jovit Baldovino.

Stroem and Bolden cannot be thankful enough that after 14 years, they get to work together again in “Rent,” but in a non-competing setting.

In Jonathan Larson’s well-loved musical, which goes onstage at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza this April, Stroem plays Benny while Bolden plays Tom Collins.

“This is my third musical, but I consider this my first professional production” Bolden said. “The process is really fun because I look forward to doing rehearsals every day.”

For his part, Stroem said, “I really, really enjoy working with Garrett. He’s like a sponge. I like opening your mindset to what could be instead of sticking to what you know.

“Working with each other, it’s like working together for a common goal instead of fighting. It’s great because we keep challenging ourselves. I watched him, he watched me. When you have a collaborative approach, a team is actually getting far instead of competing.”

In his 14 years in the entertainment industry, Stroem never limited himself to just one aspect of performing. He acts and sings onstage, television, film and even has a daily radio show.

“A lot of people want to focus on just one thing,” said the 37-year-old Stroem. “One route in their life to succeed. My goal isn’t really monetary gain, fame and success in that aspect. Mine is more of doing what I love to do on a regular basis.

“I love to entertain, but every year, you need to grow. You need to evolve. You need to find something that will make you happy.”

Directed by Robbie Guevarra, “Rent” will run for seven weekends until June, according to 9Works Theatrical executive producer and managing director Santi Santamaria.