Is your child bright, charming, and talented? If you answered yes to all these, then your child could be the next movie or TV star as SM Supermalls, together with TV5, launches SM Little Stars 2015, the country’s top nationwide talent search for kids with ages 4 to 7.
At the media launch on Wednesday, April 8, at SM North Edsa’s The Block, VP for Advertising of SM Supermalls, Grace Magno, noted the history of the prestigious search. “It all started in SM Xiamen in 2003. Then, in 2007, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. through its president, Mr. Hans Sy, introduced the concept to the Philippines. Since then, there have been thousands of little kids who have joined, from which we have over 30 movie, TV and advertising talents who’ve come from the ranks of SM Little Stars.”
SM Supermalls’ VP for Advertising Grace Magno shares the distinct history of SM Little Stars, which actually started in SM Xiamen in 2003. The concept was brought to the Philippines in 2007. Photo by Bernard Testa, InterAksyon.com.
Among these kids who’ve followed their dream of being in the entertainment or modeling world include child actors Vince Angeles (SM Little Stars Batch 2012), JM Ibanez (SM Little Stars Batch 2009), commercial model Makee Dulalia) SM Little Stars Batch 2012, musician and singer Kyle Jimenez (SM Little Stars Batch 2012), and dancer Nhikzy Calma (SM Little Stars Batch 2013 Grand Winner).
SM Little Stars 2013 Grand Winner Nhikzy Calma, now 7, wowed the audience with his Michael Jackson-inspired dance number at the SM Little Stars media launch, April 8, 2015. Photo by Bernard Testa, InterAksyon.com.
Lyn Lazaro, marketing manager for SM Supermalls, said that the search has always served as a platform where kids can share their creative gifts. “This contest has consistently been SM’s avenue to bring families and the community together in celebrating the talents of their children, and showcasing these talents in a wholesome venue, to the delight of the cities and municipalities they live in. Kids from all over the country participate, and if a child from Davao or Iloilo or Baguio makes it to the finals in Manila, they bring a whole team to cheer for them!”
Magno encouraged parents to support their kids who would like to join SM Little Stars. “SM’s core values are family fun and making communities happy and with SM Little Stars does that. Families have fun and communities are proud of their winners.”
TV5 joined hands with SM Supermalls in this endeavor to search for the next big “little stars.” The network’s Media Quest president Jane Jimenez-Basas shared, “TV5 positions itself as a Happy Network that’s why we have shows for children, for kuyas, ates, for moms, and dads. The value that this particular kiddie talent search promotes is consistent with the values that TV5 supports.”
Basas added, “We’re one with SM in providing opportunities for children to have a platform to speak their minds and to show their talents. Actually, I am very thankful to SM for choosing TV5 as a media partner in this endeavor.”
Adding even more excitement to this year’s SM Little Stars search is the line-up of celebrity judges that includes movie and TV director and Talent5 head Mac Alejandre, multi-awarded young star Jasmine Curtis Smith, and theater veteran Audie Gemora. Two seasoned actresses are also set to join the team of judges.
Fab prizes and more
Winners of SM Little Stars 2015 will bag about Php3.5 million worth of prizes including a one-year contract with TV5, a trip for two to China, college scholarship grants, and Php200, 000 worth of cash and gift certificates.
But more than these very enticing prizes are the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will always be remembered by the participating kids and their families.
Lazaro added, “We really want the kids to experience new things and have memorable experiences. Their trips to China to perform and shop and enjoy are truly one of a kind.”
JM Ibanez, 11, who was part of the SM Little Stars Batch 2009, shared, “Yung experience ko, naging masaya po ko kasi marami po kong natutunan doon, marami po akong naging friends, at dahil sa SM Little Stars, na-discover po ako ng isang teleserye.”
(“I had a happy experience because I got to learn a lot, I gained many friends, and I got the opportunity to join a teleserye.”)
Seven-year-old film and TV actor Vince Angeles who was part of SM Little Stars Batch 2012 shared, “‘Di ko po makakalimutan yung nangyari doon kasi natuto po ako maging confident. Dahil sa SM Little Stars, nawala po yung (pagiging mahiyain) at masaya po ko.
(“I cannot forget my experience because I’ve learned how to be confident. Because of SM Little Stars, I overcame my shyness and I was happy during that time.”
Vince’s mom, Abigail Angeles, noted that because of the contest, they were able to discover Vince’s talents. “Hindi namin alam na marunong siya mag-acting, na-catch niya yung attention namin nung sumali siya.
(“We didn’t know that he has a talent in acting, he was able to catch our attention when he joined the competition.”)
Let your child shine
If your kids dream being like Vince, JM, and Makee and if they have a talent to share, then here’s their chance to shine under the spotlight—while gaining fun learning experiences and meeting new friends.
Thelesa Marie De Torres showed the impressed audience how much she has bloomed as an artist with her stirring rendition of ‘On My Own’ from ‘Les Miserable’ during the SM Little Stars 2015 launch on April 8. Photo by Bernard Testa, InterAksyon.com.
Auditions are still on with schedules on April 19 and 26; and on May 3, 17, 24, and 31. For the preliminary screening requirements, parents should submit an application form, the contestant’s birth certificate (original and photocopied), and two copies of 4R size photo (one close-up shot and one whole-body shot).
The application forms are available in all SM branches nationwide or you can download it at SM Little Stars’ website for more information.
• SM Little Stars is brought to you by TV5, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Toy Kingdom, Microtel, and National University.
