Child actors in this day and age have never had it so good. They land lead roles on TV and movies, good roles that keep them busy and well paid, pampered and lionized with endorsements left and right.

But, many of them are also out of school. That is the downside that their parents have to deal with.

Young as they are, these child actors are taught by their elders to work hard, save up, invest their money on houses and lots. Zaijian Jaranilla, the reigning child actor (“Noah,” “May Bukas Pa”), recently moved in to a house of his own.

Star Magic, the talent development arm of ABS-CBN, last Christmas season also taught the kids under its supervision what sharing with the less fortunate meant.

The talent agency gathered 300 children beneficiaries of the SM Foundation and the Children of Joy Foundation to a holiday party that featured games, prizes, a magic show, and a fashion show to boot.

Held at the Skydome of SM North EDSA, the host entertainers included the cast of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Third Best Picture “RPG Metanoia” – Zaijian Jaranilla, Basty Alcances, Aaron Junatas, Jairus Aquino and Mika dela Cruz.

Robert Ty of Moose Gear and Caryle Aguilar of SM Marketing helped put together the charity event.

The Star Magic kids were joined by their older counterparts from the Star Magic teens and pre-teens, including the cast of “Mara Clara” – Kathryn Bernardo, Albie Casino, John Manalo and Julia Montes.