MANILA, Philippines - It was a shining night for Annastacia Beatriz Penny and Lei Andre Navarro, both seven, and representing SM City North EDSA, when they were named SM Little Stars 2015 during the grand finals held recently at the SM Mall of Asia Center Stage.
Annastacia charmed the audience in her rendition of the classic Somewhere Over the Rainbow while Lei impressed the audience with his acting talent. He, too, danced to the tune of Twerk It Like Miley, Eh Kasi Bata and Whong Dance Revo.
Annastacia and Lei bested over 17 finalists in the annual nationwide search for adorable and talented kids. Each received amazing prizes that included P200,000 worth of cash and shopping money, and a five-day and four-night trip to China for two with round-trip tickets, hotel accommodations and tour.
They were also entitled to a four-year college scholarship grant from National University; a one-year talent management contract with TV5, P15,000 worth of Gift Cards from Toy Kingdom and a Ride-All-You-Can passes from SM Storyland for one year.
Meanwhile, other shining stars were first runner-up Dawn Arione Angela Ilagan of SM City Naga; second runner-up Seth Levi Salada, SM City Davao; and third runner-up Aian Kurt Garcia, San Fernando Downtown.
The kids charmed the board of judges composed of Trumpets co-founder and president Audie Gemora, Gelli de Belen, director Mac Alejandre, Venus Raj and director/choreographer Joshua Zamora.
Other finalists included SM City Iloilo’s Raphaela Aguila and Arnell John Borre, SM City Marilao’s Kyle Ian Baterna, SM City Cagayan De Oro’s Leanne Margaret Cajulao, SM City Bicutan’s Leandro Comia, SM City Lucena’s Liam Thaddea Paglicawan, SM City Manila’s Sofia Novielle Santos, SM City General Santos’ Ma. Teresa Sagario, SM Center Las Piñas’ Aiyana Kailyn Silva and SM City Muntinlupa’s Jeanne Elisha Ventura and Jian Arthur Wills.
Among the highlights of the program was the participation of the SM Little Stars winners from China who also showcased their talents during the event. They were SM Zicuan’s Zhao Dingwenxuan and Zhang Jingqi, SM Chengdu’s Wang Yize and Yang Xiaopan, SM Xiamen’s Huang Yuwen and Cai Lin Qian, SM Chongqing’s Liu Jing Yu and Yang Hui Lin and SM Jinjiang’s Huang Leixuan and Shen Yushu.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith hosted the event.