Lukas is grand i-Shiner

Manila, Philippines -  “I want to be popular in the whole of Visayas!” This, seven-year-old Lukas Enrique Magallano, dubbed as the Acoustic Kid of Cebu, exclaimed after he was recently named grand i-Shiner of Promil Pre-School i-Shine talent show on ABS-CBN. “If I’m the best kid in the whole of Visayas, all people will like me and I’ll get rich as a performer,” he continued. 

The sole representative of the Visayas region, Lukas bested 11 other kiddie finalists when he garnered 87 percent of the total text votes in last Saturday’s final tally. He walked away with P500,000 cash prize and talent contracts from Star Magic and Promil Pre-School. He also received the Most Versatile Performer award for his artistic abilities. The winner was determined based on the over-all performance grade given by ABS-CBN and Wyeth (60 percent) and text votes (40 percent).

According to Lukas’ mom, Cristina, everything came unexpectedly. From the very beginning, she and her husband Luther Michael never knew that Lukas would end up as the grand winner.

“We never planned to join. We just went to the mall to buy a gift because we were to attend a beach party. Then, a woman in charge of the audition approached us and was so insistent so I let Lukas do it,” Cristina shared.

Although Lukas never had any experience in joining talent searches, he still managed to catch everyone’s attention with his ability to sing, act and dance. Having stayed in the i-Shine Talent Camp for five weeks, Lukas was able to hone his talents through the various workshops and activities under the guidance of celebrity mentors Karylle, John Prats and Luis Manzano.

Aside from his talent, Lukas’ good looks could easily make him a star. Even Korina Sanchez can’t help but admire the boy who guested in her Teleradyo program.

Now that Lukas has the chance to clinch stardom, are his parents ready for their son to enter showbiz?

“I told him (pointing at his husband) that if Lukas is cut for something really big then we will support him,” Cristina answered.

Non-winning finalists, on the other hand, took home P30,000 each and a one year supply of Promil Pre-School products. Special awards were also given to equally talented kids. Ella, the Singing Idol of Davao, received The Young Diva award; Justin of Laguna, Dance Charmer; Gabby, Funniest Bulilit; Prince, Crowd Favorite; Patricia, Multitalented; Charles, Sensational Kiddie Actor; Ayeisiah, Awe-Inspiring Singer; Icon, All-out Dance Performer; Jake, Kiddie Balladeer; JC, Amazing Kiddie Performer; and Althea, Darling of the Press.

Dimples Romana, Xian Lim and John Prats hosted the talent search show while Bobot Mortiz was resident judge.