WITH the help of a stage, a microphone and a spotlight, some local kids showed how they shine during the second preliminary competition of the annual search for SM Little Stars held at the SM City Davao Annex last April 19, 2015.

It was indeed another great weekend for me, to see kids jumping, running to and fro and innocent laughs at the backstage while parents were getting anxious at every second, to wait at their kids turn to show up onstage.

A total of 81 children vie for the elimination round and fill in the anticipated 12 slots to qualify for the Regional Finals on July 19, 2015 and finals come Aug 8, 2015.

Twelve kids from Davao City compete for the title to join the Regional Finals at SM City. The winners include Patrick Jan Jakob, Thalia Haley Pasadas, Isabel Louise Bennett, Hannah Kirsten Carpio, Seth Levi Salada, Lady Jewel Agduma, Natasha Lindsey, Daryll Glenn Daliguat, Rudian Eve Simbulan, Janril Hujh Bagaforo, Marco Antonio Unabia, and Giann Simon Tan.

To quiet the kids or contain them in one corner was a burning task for the organizers, the backstage became their playground, however because they are so bubbly and cute, you can only smile and shrug things off.

It was a lengthy show but the rewards were immeasurable as we hear kid’s giggles endlessly, parents beaming with pride to see their talented mini me’s onstage and having fun watching the kids showcase their talents.

The Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk” drum solo by Seth Levi Salada, brought the house down and Patrick Jan Jakob earned praises from the crowd with his singing voice and natural charm.

The 81 SM Little Star Qualifiers strutted the stage and introduce themselves, to the delight of the audience, as kids showed self-confidence and talent with ease. SM Little Stars are a contest for boys and girls ages four to seven years old, smart, photogenic, telegenic, cute and charming.

The criteria for judging in every stage of the competition-Preliminary Screenings, Eliminations, Regional Finals and Grand Finals are as follows: Star Quality (40 percent), Personality (20 percent), and Talent (40 percent).

Over 2.5 million worth of prizes is at stake, which include a Trip to Xiamen, China plus a college scholarship from National University, P10,000 worth of Toy Kingdom Gift cards and SM Gift Certificates to be won in the Grand Finals which will be held in Manila.

Members of the Board of Judges were Song spell Alumna & Musikademy Voice Coach Ms. Shelley May Libaton, Mutyang Davao 2009, TV Host, and Atty. Resci Rizada, Lead Vocalist of 7th heaven and Alconera Project Bands and restaurant owner Ms. Rochelle Venuti.

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