Kids, teens learn to shine

Building one's confidence can start early and young. Just like the 21 kids and 13 teens, who enrolled in the Personality Development Avenue program of Art Dynamics Cebu, and showcased what they've learned in a grand culminating night held recently at the Cinema 1 of SM City Cebu.

PD Avenue is a combined workshop in public speaking, vocal music, acting and modeling offered by Art Dynamics Cebu (ADC, a speech and talent development company). Dubbed as "Dream, Shine and Grow: An Evening of Words, Music and Fashion," the PD Avenue culminating night featured a variety show which had participants performing in a Speech Choir, starring in VTRs, doing hosting, and dishing out songs from the Sound of Music, High School Musical, and other Disney films, plus reenacting comical scenes from the movie "Home Alone." There was also a fashion show directed by fashion designer Danny Booc.

"I wanted them to come out of their shell and show the talents that they already have within them," said managing director of ADC, Rudynah Entera, referring to the participating kids and teens.

After week-long workshops, PD Avenue was able to hone the talents of 34 kids and teens who dream of maximizing their talents and potential in a bigger stage in the field of performing. Prior to the culminating variety show, series of activities were first held to prepare them for the "Big Night"-on location shooting at Plantation Bay, appearances on local TV networks, a press conference, studio pictorials at Desires Studio and mall shows.

After the exposure activities, everything was all set for the culminating night. Combined talents in singing, acting, dancing and public speaking took the spotlight. Proud parents and relatives of the PD Avenue graduates gave the loudest cheer.

The two-hour show ended with the giving of awards. One lucky audience won a scholarship grant courtesy of Cebu Music Learning Center and Art Dynamics Cebu. Four PD Avenue students were also awarded.

Macauly Lofgren, the half-Swedish and half-Filipino eight-year-old, was hailed as Darling of the Press for the Kids category, while 19-year-old Christy Gail Andan grabbed the same award in the Teens category.

After going through a complete workshop, according to Andan, she is most comfortable with modeling.

Peace Marie Panangin and Mary Mylene Legaspina were the People's Choice Awardees for the Kids and Teens categories, respectively. They got the most number of tickets sold or bought in their behalf. Nine-year-old Panangin said that PD Avenue helped her improve her talents and develop her interests like modeling.

Following the success of PD Avenue batches 1 and 2, ADC is coming up with the 3rd batch of PDA workshops to begin on March 17, with enrollment to start this Feb. 18 (call 2616592 or 09164276078 for inquiries). Entera said, "We have the same module and content, but different songs and acting stints" that will still teach young Cebuanos to overcome shyness and build concrete blocks of confidence.