SM Little Stars 2026 Contest Mechanics

• GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
  • The competition is open to all individual boys and girls aged four (4) to seven (7) years old as of their Preliminary Screening schedule.
  • Participants must be photogenic/telegenic, cute and charming, and must possess a talent under one of the following three categories:

• Singing
• Dancing
• Other Talent (defined under Section 11.1)

• Contestants must choose one talent from the three (3) categories and can only perform the chosen talent category throughout the stages of the competition.

• WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO JOIN
• The following are not eligible to join the SM Little Stars 2026 competition:
  • Previous winners or placers from similar contests (2025–2026) by companies/sponsors that may conflict with SM Supermalls or its retail affiliates.
  • Boys and girls under a talent management contract (verbal/written), or those who have appeared or will appear in commercials, advertisements, or shows during the contest period.
  • Contestants who have commercial arrangements with any advertising, publishing, or talent agency within the contest period.
  • Top 10 winners of any previous SM Little Stars competitions.
  • Any contestant found ineligible will be disqualified at any stage, and all prizes and titles will be forfeited.
• HOW TO JOIN
  • Parents/legal guardians must register via:
    
    • SM Malls Online (SMO) app
    • Or in person at the Mall Administration Office (Marketing Department)

• • Submission requirements:
    • Completed and signed application form
    • Original and photocopy of birth certificate
    • Two (2) 4R photos (1 close-up, 1 full-body, light makeup only)

• Registration Schedule:

• Pre-registration: Starts May 21, 2026
• On-the-day Registration: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on screening dates (see below)

List of Participating Malls in the Preliminary Screenings

• COMPETITION STAGES
  • STAGE 1: PRELIMINARY SCREENINGS
    • Participating Malls: 68 SM Supermalls nationwide
    • Schedule: Please refer to Annex A for the complete list of the 68 participating malls, including the schedule and venue details for the preliminary screenings.
    • Performance Duration: 1 minute per contestant
    • Props Allowed: Only essential items such as mat, table (max 4ft x 1.5ft), lyric stand, microphone stand, etc. (Section 8.2 applies)
    • Judging Criteria:

• • • Winners Per Preliminary Screening Day (per mall):
      • Best in Singing (1)
      • Best in Dancing (1)
      • Best in Other Talent (1)
        
        There will be three (3) winners per Preliminary Screening schedule (per mall), with one (1) winner in each talent category: Singing, Dancing, and Other Talent.

• • • Advancement: A total of 68 malls will participate in the preliminary screening dates, hosting 133 auditions in total. Given the configuration of having three (3) winners—one (1) per talent category (Singing, Dancing, and Other Talent)—per screening, 399 participants will advance to the Regionals.
    • Replacement Clause: In case a declared winner is disqualified, withdraws, or found ineligible, the next highest scoring contestant shall advance in their place.
      
      

• • STAGE 2: REGIONALS
    • Participating Malls: 10 designated SM Supermalls
    • Schedule: Please refer to Annex B for the complete list of participating malls, including the schedule and venue details for the regionals.
    • Performance Duration: Maximum of 2 minutes
    • Props Allowed: Permitted as long as not among restricted items listed in Section 8.1
    • Judging Criteria:

• • • Winners Per Regionals Day (per mall):
      • Best in Singing (1)
      • Best in Dancing (1)
      • Best in Other Talent (1)
    • Advancement: Thirty (30) regional winners (3 per mall x 10 malls) advance to the Grand Finals.
    • Replacement Clause: In case a declared winner is disqualified, withdraws, or found ineligible, the next highest scoring contestant shall advance in their place.

• • STAGE 3: GRAND FINALS
    • Date: August 8, 2026 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
    • Venue: Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia
    • Participants: 30 Finalists
    • Performance Duration: Maximum of 2 minutes
    • Music: Finalists must choose from a provided list (no song duplication allowed; if the same song is selected by more than one finalist, a draw—conducted in the presence of SM officials and event organizers—will determine who keeps it).
    • Props Allowed: Permitted, subject to Section 8.1
    • Judging Criteria: Same as previous stages –

• • • Grand Final Winners Configuration:
      • Grand Shining Star
      • Grand Dazzling Star
      • 1st Runner-Up
      • 2nd Runner-Up
      • 3rd Runner-Up
      • Top 6 to 10

• • • Winners Determination: Top 10 winners will be determined based on overall scores, computed using the official judging criteria. After the selection of the two Grand Winners, the remaining finalists will be ranked according to their overall scores.
      
      In case of a tie in any category, the higher overall score will serve as the tie-breaker.

• • • Replacement Clause: Same as earlier stages

• TALENT CATEGORIES
  • Each contestant must choose one (1) category:
    • SINGING
    • DANCING
    • OTHER TALENT, please choose from:
      • Gymnastics, Acrobatics, Acting
      • Beatbox, Hula Hoop, Juggling, Jump Rope
      • Playing an Instrument (instrument provided by contestant)
      • Ventriloquism, Magic Show, Painting, Drawing
    • PROHIBITED ITEMS & PROPS RULES
    • Strictly Not Allowed Props (at any stage):
      • Dangerous or flammable items, real food, balloons, confetti, animals, competitive branding, smoke effects, sharp objects
    • Preliminary Screening: Only essential performance items allowed (see Section 4.4)
    • Regional & Grand Finals: Props allowed, excluding restricted items
    • Special Effects: Not allowed at any stage

• • MISCELLANEOUS RULES
    • Without any formal written complaint for disqualification, the announcement of the winner/s by the judges, with the concurrence of DTI, is final. The decision of the judges, with the concurrence of DTI, pertaining to violation of contest mechanics and general rules and regulations, and disqualification, is final.
    • Prizes (GCs, scholarships, contracts, trips) are non-convertible to cash (unless explicitly stated).
    • Contestants must always be accompanied by a parent or an authorized guardian.
    • SM Supermalls is not liable for any loss, injury, or accident which occurred during contest period.

General Rules

1. Eligibility
   The competition is open to individual boys or girls aged four (4) to seven (7) years old as of the date of the Preliminary Screening. Contestants must be photogenic/telegenic, charming, have a pleasing personality, and demonstrate talent.
2. Application Requirements
   Contestants are required to submit a fully completed application form signed by a parent or legal guardian. They must also present a birth certificate or any valid document, digital or physical copy, as proof of age.
3. Ownership of Entries
   All submitted forms and materials become the property of SM Supermalls and will not be returned.
4. Information Disclosure
   Contestants and their parents/guardians must provide personal information as requested by SM Little Stars organizers to verify eligibility and compliance with the contest rules.
5. Punctuality
   Contestants and their parents/guardians must arrive at least 30 minutes before the event schedule.
   
6. Judging
   All judging decisions, with DTI concurrence, are final and binding.
7. Expenses
   Contestants are responsible for their own accommodation and other expenses related to participation unless otherwise provided. SM Supermalls is not liable for any such costs. Expenses for LTO registration, transfer of ownership and car insurance shall be shouldered by the grand winners.
8. Behavioral Expectations
   Any form of unsportsmanlike behavior or disruption at any contest venue (including host hotels) may result in disqualification. Decisions by SM Supermalls are final.
9. Safety Compliance
   Any contestant posing a health or safety risk to themselves or others will be disqualified.
10. Compensation
    Contestants and their guardians acknowledge that they will not receive any fees, honoraria, or other compensation for participating in the SM Little Stars 2026 competition.
11. Use of Media and Intellectual Property
    SM Supermalls reserves the right to use participants’ names, photos, bios, videos, and performances in current and future promotional materials without additional compensation. Copyright and moral rights are assigned to SM Supermalls.
12. Broadcast Disclaimer
    SM Supermalls is not obligated to broadcast or publish any part of the competition or participant performances.
13. No Undue Influence
    Contestants, parents/guardians, and sponsors must not attempt to influence judges’ decisions in any way.
14. Rule Application
    These General Rules apply throughout all stages of the competition: Preliminary Screening, Regional Finals, and Grand Finals.
15. Finality of Decisions
    Without any formal written complaint for disqualification, the announcement of the winner/s by the judges, with the concurrence of DTI, is final.  The decision of the judges, with the concurrence of DTI, pertaining to violation of contest mechanics and general rules and regulations, and disqualification, is final.
16. Prize Tax
    The twenty percent (20%) prize tax for the car and all cash prizes shall be shouldered by SM Supermalls.
17. Transfer of Ownership of Prizes
    Prize ownership shall be processed and transferred under the name of the parent/s or appointed guardian
18. Cash Prizes
    All cash prizes shall be paid in check in the name of the parent/guardian.
    Please refer to Annex B for the complete details on how to claim the prizes.
19. Gift Certificates and Gift Cards
    Gift certificates and gift cards awarded in the competition are transferable but not convertible to cash.
20. Discount on Tuition Fees & Miscellaneous Fees at National University
    The discount on tuition fees & miscellaneous fees at National University that will be awarded to the top ten (10) grand finalists of the competition are transferable but not convertible to cash. The registration at National University after the Grand Finals shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
    Please refer to Annex A for the breakdown of prizes.

21. Trip to Hong Kong
    • The trip to Hong Kong that will be awarded is exclusive to the top ten (10) winners and finalists and their chosen parent or guardian. The trip will be scheduled within the next 6 months from grand finals.
    • All travel requirements, taxes, airfare expenses, food, transportation, and hotel accommodation in Hong Kong, excluding the passport application and issuance, of the grand finalists and their accompanying parent or guardian, will be shouldered by SM Supermalls, provided the contestants and their chosen companion have submitted the supporting documents within the deadline set by SM Supermalls.
    • The Philippines shall be the country of origin in going to Hong Kong.
    • Failure to submit the foregoing requirements and unavailability to join the trip for any reason shall constitute a waiver of the winners and finalists and their chosen parent or guardian to travel to Hong Kong.
    • The trip to Hong Kong for two is transferable but not convertible to cash or any cash equivalent. SM Supermalls reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the trip due to unforeseen circumstances, force majeure, or any act of God. In the event of a cancellation, SM Supermalls may provide cash compensation of Php 40,000.00 per winner to the top ten (10) winners.
22. Eligibility for Employees
    Employees of Shopping Center Management Corporation (SCMC), their affiliates, sponsors, organizers, advertising agencies, and judges, including their relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity or affinity, are not eligible to join this promotion.

Talent Performances

• Performance Duration
  Talent presentations must NOT exceed –

• • One (1) minute during the preliminary screening
  • Two (2) minutes during the regionals and grand finals

• Performance Type
  Acceptable performances are singing, dancing, or a combination thereof provided the contestant must choose the talent category between singing or dancing. Other unique talents (e.g., playing musical instruments, acting, declamation) will require prior approval of the organizers.
• Prohibited Performances
  Dangerous or risky acts involving sharp objects, fire, animals, or stunts are strictly prohibited.
• Music Submission
  Talent music must be submitted in advance (format and deadline to be specified by organizers). It must be child-appropriate and free of explicit content.
• Costume Guidelines
  Costumes must be appropriate for a child’s age and should not be revealing. The use of props is allowed provided they are not among restricted items listed in Section 12.1 and should be managed by the child without assistance.
• Parental Assistance
  Parents or guardians are not allowed to coach or assist the child during the performance.
• Talent Scoring
  Talent scores will be based on performance quality, stage presence, creativity, and audience impact. The scoring system will be disclosed prior to the event.

Rehearsals and Workshops

• Mandatory Attendance
  Contestants must attend all scheduled rehearsals and workshops as required at each competition level. Absences may lead to disqualification unless prior notice and valid justification are provided.
  • Regionals: Workshop Schedule and Venue (separate attachment) 
  • Grand Finals:
    Workshop Schedule: August 7, 2026
    Workshop Venue: SM Prime Headquarters, MOA Square, MOA Complex, Pasay
• Conduct Expectations
  Contestants and their parents/guardians must demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and cooperation during rehearsals and workshops.
• Guardian Attendance
  One (1) parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to all official events, workshops, and rehearsals.
• SM Supermalls’ Rights
  SM Supermalls reserves the right to record or photograph any portion of the workshops and use such materials for promotional purposes.
• Workshop Exercises
  Each workshop uses creative dramatics to unlock the kids’ performance potential, helping them express their imagination and build confidence. This leads to a production showcase at the Regional and Grand Finals of SM Little Stars.
  
• Workshop Exercises for Regionals:

• Workshop Exercises for the Grand Finals:

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-257560 Series of 2026