A show for kids by kids

A new batch of young stars have taken Saturday morning TV by storm. These 22 kids, some as young as seven years old, are members of TOPPS Sarap TOPPstar TV, a show on GMA 7 where kids are the actual stars. Testament to the show’s quality and the kids’ talent, TOPPstar TV was given a Special Citation Award by the Catholic Mass Media Awards for its Best Children and Young Program category, and an Anak TV Seal Award at the 2019 Anak TV Awards.

The program features the kids doing song-and-dance numbers, playing instruments and games, and discussing topics relevant to their fellow children. As positive feedback and ratings began pouring in from supportive fans and families, the TOPPstar TV kids are now being trained to host alongside Kapuso stars as well! With this kind of exposure and training, it wouldn’t be surprising if these kids will be tomorrow’s biggest celebrities.

What would later be the highlight of children’s Saturday morning began as a promo. Banking on the catchy jingle of TOPPs Sarap Cupcakes, Rebisco Philippines’ Marketing Manager Lulu dela Peña shared that they originally “asked the kids to video themselves singing and dancing to the tune of it.” A multi-talented boy named Ken Mangua made history as the contest’s first winner.

Due to the numerous entries and overwhelming talent that they received, the company decided to give awards to more kids. The best of the best were picked and from there, a weekly show was created to showcase the talents of the chosen kids.

The show welcomed its second year with an even bigger number of hopeful kids. The talents that these kids showcased were no longer confined to just singing and dancing. “We received an entry from a young pole dancer, a violinist, a drummer, and many more,” stated dela Peña. From this new batch, 10 kids were shortlisted. Since the number of TOPPstar TV kids doubled, dela Peña said that a cap was set. “Once they turn 12 years old, they will have to graduate from the show to give way to the younger sets of kids.”

For many of the kids, performing in front of the camera is a dream come true. That’s why when the spotlight turns on and the director says action, these TOPPstar TV kids burst with energy and give their best to perform. However, it takes more than talent to go in front of the camera.

Jenny Cordova, program manager for GMA 7, shared that a lot of work is put in to prepare the kids per episode. “We do a series of workshops before we start with the grind,” said Cordova. For this season, the kids were encouraged to attend voice and dance lessons before taping an episode. “During actual performances, the vocal coach and choreographer are present to guide them,” added Cordova.

The kids also attend a training for on-cam development. “There’s a difference between facing a camera for a commercial and to sing onstage or talk to an audience behind a camera,” emphasized Cordova.

All sessions and episode tapings are done during weekends. Since everything happens at GMA, participants who are based outside Metro Manila are billeted in a hotel with their parents. “We want them to come to the studio well-rested,” said Cordova. If a rehearsal falls on a Friday, it is most likely scheduled after school. “We strongly discourage skipping class for TOPPstar,” reiterated Cordova.

When the program tapes an episode, TOPPstar TV Kids arrive early at one of GMA’s studios for technical dry runs. Before they get down to the day’s business, the morning batch will have their breakfast first. A production coordinator briefs them for the day’s schedule. To get them ready for their production numbers, a choreographer practices with the kids.

After the rehearsals, the kids go to the powder room to get acquainted with the episode’s theme. They take turns to have their makeup and styling done. Parents and guardians help by adding some final touches on the kid’s hairstyle or wardrobe. While waiting for their turn, the kids prepare for their segment, reading lines or practicing scenes. By the time the show starts, the TOPPstar TV kids are a hundred percent ready.

While on the stage, they perform naturally and just giggle when they miss a line or beat. In between show breaks, the kids squeeze in some selfie time with the guest Kapuso celebrities who gamely pose. To date, TOPPstar TV Kids appeared with Kapuso stars Barbie Forteza, Cassy and Mavy Legaspi, Rayver Cruz, and Alden Richards. All the Kapuso celebrities were reportedly fascinated with the energy, talent, and preparedness of the kids. Even Rayver, a known dancer, was visibly impressed by the kids’ dancing skills.

Trained to be like little Kapuso stars, the TOPPstar TV kids are constantly reminded to be punctual, humble, and kind, especially to their co-stars. Their journey has inspired many kids to express themselves through their talents.

“We intend to continue for as long as there are kids who are willing to show their talents to the world,” shared dela Pena. The company is considering putting additional categories to help hone more kids who are talented in other areas such as visual arts, performance arts, and more. “Down the line, it is something we have to consider,” said dela Peña.

Even with the golden opportunity that they have right now, the kids remain at the top of their class in school. It is ultimately the message the company wanted to underscore: You can pursue your passion,” but while you do that, you have to be able to prioritize your studies, because that’s the most important thing,” concluded dela Peña.

TOPPstar TV’s first and second seasons’ episodes can be viewed on YouTube via GMA Playground. For more information about TOPPstar TV, visit and like TOPPS Sarap’s Facebook page.

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