FUN, EXCITING JOURNEY AWAITS KIDS AT SM LITTLE STARS
The Filipino kid is teeming with talent and SM Supermalls makes sure to celebrate that! Now on its 12th year, SM Supermalls unwraps a bigger and more exciting SM Little Stars, as the kiddie-talent search continues to be a platform for kids to share their talent, enhance their personality, and develop their confidence.
SM Little Stars achievers who are now making their names in showbiz include 2014 Girl Grand Winner Fil-Korean Chun Sa Jung, who is now a mainstay of the show “Goin’ Bulilit;” 2013 Boy Grand Winner Nhikzy Calma, who was awarded as WCOPA 2017’s Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World in Long Beach, California; and 2016 Girl Grand Winner Sheena Bentoy, who is part of the currently running Disney’s “The Lion King The Musical.”
It has already been five years since he joined the competition but Nhikzy is still thankful for the friends he was able to make through the kiddie-talent search. “I’m happy because I was able to meet other kids who are still my friends until now,” he said.
SM Little Stars giving them the chance to travel to China and perform on stage made the experience memorable for Chun Sa. Krystal Brimner, regional finalist went on to play the lead role of Annie, while Marcus Cabais, 2016 Boy Grand Winner, is now a cast of “Team Yey! Season 3” and has starred in the movie, “My 2 Mommies.”
Joining SM Little Stars not only gave Esang De Torres, 2013 3rd runner up, the chance to showcase her talent. It also taught her how to interact with different individuals and to appreciate other kids’ talents. Esang has since been part of musicals, playing the lead role of Matilda and Little Cosette in “Les Miserables.”
2014 Boy Grand Winner JC Gumacal and 1st runner up Nicoli Lista, now both commercial models and members of “It’s Showtime’s” Junior Hashtags, learned that dreams come true with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Joining SM Little Stars opened a lot of doors for him such as gaining more TV exposures, according to Marcus Trirogoff, 2014 grand finalist and now a commercial model. “I learned to never give up on my dreams,” Marcus said. Johan Yalong, 2016 first runner up also turned commercial model, discovered that listening to his mentors make a big difference in honing his talent.
To kids who want to join SM Little Stars, Sheena has this advice, “Show your best talent, at the same time enjoy the moment on stage and cherish the wonderful time. The experience is so memorable and a lot of opportunities will open for you just like what happened to me.”
“To all the kids who aspire to become part of SM Little Stars, be inspired and have fun. It’s important that you’re happy with what you’re doing,” said 2012 grand finalist and child actor Lance Lucido. Lei Navarro, 2015 Boy Grand Winner, who plays “Junior” in the long-running TV series “Ang Probinsyano” added, “Just believe in yourself and don’t let stage fright take over.”
SM Little Stars finalists will get to experience exciting activ- ities courtesy of SM Supermalls, that include bowling, skating, and a visit to SM Storyland’s kiddie theme park. The kids will also go through workshops and mentoring to further hone their talents and develop their confidence.
This year, SM Little Stars is giving away over P9.5 million worth of prizes, including two brand new Chevrolet Trax, trips to China for 2, college scholarships from National University, and P200,000 worth of cash and SM gift certificates. The top 10 grand finalists will be given a 5day tour of China that include visits to some of the SM China malls, performing at the SM Little Stars China grand finals, as well as visit to popular kiddie attractions and theme parks.
Auditions have begun in participating SM malls nationwide. For more details about SM Little Stars, check out www.smlittlestars.com.ph.