The road to Little Big Superstardom

Little Big Star, ABS-CBN’s hit kiddie singing show of 2006, has evolved into local TV’s ultimate search for the next child singing superstars.

In the show’s recent media launch and press conference at Club O in Quezon City, host Sarah Geronimo with past Little Big Star finalists opened the event with their rendition of Rivermaya’s Awit ng Kabataan.

Guests had a grand time relishing the glorious past of Little Big Star as its alumni performed song numbers that highlight their innate talent and artistry, and peeking into the future with the introduction of the show’s 15 kiddie finalists.

Past Little Big Star winners Charice Pempengco (Lipad ng Pangarap), Gian Barbarona (Sometime, Somewhere), Angelie Urquico (Don’t Cry Out Loud), Mica Roi Torre (Anak ng Pasig), Robert Villar (Halik), Kyle Balili (Bakit ‘Di Totohanin) and Rhap Salazar (Rain) proved they are indeed the Brightest Stars of the past seasons, further inspiring the next batch of kiddie hopefuls.

Not present during the launch, however, were the show’s most famous products like Makisig Morales and Sam Concepcion. Both were busy taping the Super Ending of the Super Inggo.

Sarah sang Carry My Love, a cut from her latest album Becoming. After the song, she ushered in the 15 finalists to their Hawak Kamay number.

Months after the second season of Little Big Star bid farewell, Sarah’s signature "yoohoo!" vanished into oblivion, only to be heard once again.

Sarah then explained that Little Big Superstar, directed by Bobbet Vidanes, looks for the next kiddie superstar, who excels in singing, acting, dancing and hosting just like Makisig and Sam.

Cathy Perez, business unit head for the show along with Enrico Santos, admits she is very excited with the show, "since, it is my first time to work on a TV show with this format." When the 15 finalists — Kristine Sanchez, Allan Parel, Ysrael Carreon, Clarissa Chua, Von Flores, Jea Reyes, Joshua Cadelina, Luisa Pressman, Devanni Tusi, Kristoffer Martin, Janet Japor, Christian Mercado, Trina Alcantara, Ronald Jaimeer and Aria Clemente — were presented to the press, they noticed how good-looking the contestants are.

At the presscon’s open forum, finalists were asked what their edge is as performer. Christian, 10, wowed the audience as he dished out Kabataan, his own composition. Spectators could not help but identify him with Pinoy Dream Academy Grand Star Dreamer Yeng Constantino, a songwriter herself.

Aria Clemente, 11, said her experiences in TV acting and performing will help her win. In fact, she adds that she was part of the Philippine Delegation to South Korea that won Best Folklore Performance award for the country.

Ronald Jameer of Little Big Star Season 1 confidently says he has better chances of snatching the top plum this time because he is more prepared for the challenges that will come his way.

In a separate interview, Sam, Brightest Star of Little Big Star Season 1, shared that seeing the new batch of hopefuls gives him a sense of nostalgia.

"Little Big Star has opened more doors for me and I’m very grateful," Sam declares. "The show is God’s gift to me, and I’m certain it will also be this way for the next batch of candidates."