After 10 years, lots of discovered young talents, and priceless cultural exchanges with their Chinese counterparts, the SM Little Stars competition recently held its 10th Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Centerstage. And it was a shining moment for Marcus Rayden Cabais and Sheena Kirtsten Bentoy when they were named SM Little Stars 2016 during the much-awaited event.
This year’s winners make an adorable singing duo as six-year-old Marcus, representing SM City Pampanga, wowed the audience with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’”; while 7-year-old Sheena of SM Center Molino, captured everyone’s hearts with her poignant performance of “Tomorrow,” from Annie.
Marcus and Sheena bested 21 other finalists in the nationwide search for cute, bright and promising kids aged 4-7 in this annual talent competition. As grand prize winners, they each received a Suzuki Ciaz brand new car; P500,000.00 worth of cash and SM gift certificates; and a five-day and four-night trip to China for two including round-trip tickets, hotel accommodations and tours. They are also each entitled to a 4-year college scholarship grant from National University and a one-year Talent Management Contract with TV5. Marcus and Sheena also received P15,000.00 worth of gift certificates from Toy Kingdom.
Other shining stars include first runner-up Johan Jozef Yalong of SM City San Pablo who showcased his loveable acting and dancing skills; second runner-up Christal Grace Sanchez of SM City Clark and third runner-up Shamir Jarred Parungao of SM City Marikina who both rocked the stage with their cool dance moves. SM City Bacolod’s Brianna Nikola Ang received the Super Mom’s Choice Award presented by Elica.
Hosted by Jasmine Curtis Smith, the grand finals was also a memorable evening for the distinguished board of judge-mentors, who were tasked to select winners based on the following criteria: 40 percent for Star Quality, 20 percent for Personality and 40 percent for Talent.
Movie and TV director Mac Alejandre who was also a judge last year, was amazed by the amount of talent in this year’s batch, revealing that the scores were so close. Celebrity judge Ogie Alcasid meanwhile thanked the finalists’ parents for giving their full support during the kids’ Little Stars journey. Other celebrity judges included Bianca King, Tuesday Vargas and Alwyn Uytingco.
In celebration of SM Little Star’s 10th year, past winners who have since become young celebrities had a happy reunion on stage. Chun Sa Jung, Nhikzy Calma, Lance Lucido, Rowena Grado, JC Gumacal, Nicoli Lista, Makee Dulalia, Marcus Trirogoff, Queenie Sulit, Vince Angeles, Aliah Franzin Navarro and Lei Andre Navarro performed a fun dance number; while Telesa De Torres, Patricia Medalla, Steven Ocampo, Kyle Jimenez, Annastacia Penny, and Johnny Regaña gave a heartwarming song rendition.
As a tradition during the past grand finals, SM Little Stars winners from the SM malls in China also showcased their talents. They were SM Zicuan’s Zhao Enjie and Gao Zimeng, SM Jinjiang’s Li Kaize and Chen Siyu, SM Xiamen’s Chen Yu and Li Jiamin, and SM Chengdu’s Zhao Menghan.
SM Little Stars is one of the many exciting events of the SM Supermalls.