LAST weekend a smile was plastered on my face as I was watching returning ABS-CBN program Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. Last time the program earned quite a following, no thanks to the adorable performances of Kapamilya kiddie stars, with many of them even going viral worldwide.
This year the producers wish to continue that success with the new batch of kids and based on the pilot weekend I watched, I think they can not only equal but even surpass last year’s edition. In fact, last weekend’s episodes recorded a 31.1 percent and 33.39 percent ratings, respectively.
The kids are composed of 10 bright Kapamilya stars who certainly pulled out all the stops in the pilot weekend. Let’s meet them one by one:
First up is “Anghel ng Masa” Marco Masa, who was first showcased in the values-laden shows Nathaniel and Super D, and is now dabbling in comedy via Goin’ Bulilit. Meanwhile, his fellow Goin’ Bulilit star, Chun-Sa, a.k.a. Bulilit Kikay, is also part of the competition. He sure has got some experience in competing, as she was discovered as a mini Maja Salvador in It’s Showtime’s “Mini Me” segment.
Then there’s Bibong Astig Onyok Pineda, who was part of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and the movie Ang Panday. Kiddie Kontesera also makes the competition interesting, as besides being a “veteran” in various singing contests, she also did theater stints, most notably in the Manila staging of Les Miserables and Matilda The Musical.
“Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalists Sheena Belarmino (Inday Wonder and the first winner for her phenomenal transformation in channeling Sarah Geronimo), Francis Concepcion, Mackie Empuerto and Keifer Sanchez (collectively known as the Bigshot Trio) are also part of this year’s roster. Precious Darling Krystal Brimmer will further prove her talent. She gained popularity playing the daughter of John Lloyd Cruz in Honor Thy Father and was also in the local production of Annie.
Rounding out the contestants is Voice Kids alum Noel Comia, a.k.a. Poging Lodi. Besides starring in various theater plays, Noel is actually a Cinemalaya Best Actor winner for the film Kiko Boksingero.
All of the kiddie performers will guided by celebrity mentors Jed Madela and Nyoy Volante. Returning to the juror pool are Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid and Sharon Cuneta. Just like in the past seasons, the competition will pit the kiddie performers against each other but no one will be eliminated. In every episode, the kid who gets the highest score will take home a cash prize, half of which will be given to their chosen charity.
****
ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, won a Silver World Medal in the Cinematography category at the 2018 New York Festivals World’s Best TV & Films for “Bandurria,” the pilot episode of its documentary series Local Legends.
The episode narrated the grand history of guitar-making in San Antonio, Pampanga, where guitar-making has been around for more than a century. Produced by ABS-CBN News’s DocuCentral, Local Legends aimed to promote a deeper sense of pride in our country’s heritage by showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and artistry in music, food and textiles.
ABS-CBN Integrated News & Current Affairs Head and ANC Managing Director Ging Reyes said that through the program, they hope Filipinos will have a newfound appreciation for the “living legends” in our cultural communities.
“In Local Legends, the star is the product. Behind each piece is the story of someone who mastered their craft, their struggles, their inspiration, how they differentiate their product from the West, and their efforts to sustain their craft in a globalized market with more modern competitive means of mass production,” she said.