CEBU, Philippines - Public elementary school pupils of Lapu-Lapu City gifted with impressive performing skills are given the chance at a free Montessori education and some decent cash to pocket if they best out their competitors in “Are You The Next Shining Star? The Search for Mactan’s Next Talented Kid.”
The contest is initiated by Sto. Niño Mactan Montessori School (located at Soong 1 Mactan Lapu-Lapu City), whose school coordinator Sunshine Barcelo-Lim stated that this was their means of rewarding kids displaying singing, dancing or some other unique talent an opportunity to attend school without the burden of costly tuition fees.
Their ages ranging from 6-12 years old, the 15 finalists are all residents of Lapu-Lapu City and all enrolled in public elementary schools. The youngsters, who performed a brief singing production number to the delight of invited guests, include: Mary Rose Tuburan, Jeed Regidor, Maricho Tuñacao, Jesu Myril Tuburan, Joenardy delos Reyes, Joyce Ann May delos Reyes, Earl Anthony Viagedor, Aloisa Kimberly Alegres, Majolica Santos, Galena Santos, Jay Gomez, Mary Grace Icoy, John Myco Berame, Rex Impas and Shawn Michael Viño.
The winner will get 120,000 pesos worth of scholarship and a cash prize of P10,000; P80,000 worth of scholarship and a 5,000 pesos cash prize for the first runner-up; and the 40,000 pesos worth of scholarship and a cash prize of 3,000 pesos for the second runner-up.
Adding star power to the grand kiddie showdown on June 11, 1pm-6pm at Gaisano Grand Mall-Basak is special guest Akiko Solon, a proud Lapu-Lapu resident and top five finalist of Sharon Cuneta’s “Star Power: The Next Female Singing Superstar."