MANILA, Philippines -- Promil Pre-School and GMA Network have teamed up for a talent show featuring pre-schoolers that starts airing today (June 12) right after “Showbiz Central.”

Dubbed “Promil i-Shine Talent Camp TV,” the reality TV program is hosted by Mikee Cojuangco, Paolo Contis and Jillian Ward.

Showcased are 12 talented children who topped a nationwide search. They are Juan Carlos Rodriguez, 6; Sean Gallenit, 7; Inigo Macabuhay, 6; Vaugh Ryan Payungayong, 5; Sayara Satsumi, 4; Styve Fyren Capao, 4; Maria Francesa Rojas, 4; Valerie Rose Barillo, 4; James Neil Agsalog, 6; Cassey Yuson, 5; Nicole Caroline Renopal, 5; and Sasha Baldoza, 5.

Every Sunday, viewers will see these talented pre-schoolers journey as they hone their talents in singing, dancing, and acting with the help of their Kapuso mentors (Jolina Magdangal for hosting, Gina Alajar for acting; Mark Herras, Joshua Zamora, Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Maita Ponce, Robert Alejandro, and Roxanne Barcelo), and their parents. The show is directed by Albert Langitan.

Each episode will have the i-Shiners receiving stars for their performances. The i-Shiner awarded the most stars at the end of the workshop will win the grand prize of P200,000, a contract with GMA Artist Center, and the title of “Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp TV’s” “Grand Shining Child Star!”

At show’s launch, Jolina offered this tip: “Wag sasabihing lagot ka. Encourage your kids and always be positive.”

Gina Alajar shared: “I would say if they see that their kids are leaning more towards arts, music, dance, try to hone that. Encourage it without pushing them. Always be available to support them.”

Musikang Pinoy,  Handog ni Kuh

Kuh Ledesma has a gift for Filipino music lovers today, June 12 to celebrate Independence Day through “Musikang Pinoy,” a concert set 5:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

Her repertoire includes “Ang Ibig Sabihin Nito,” “Silayan,” “I Love You,” and “Hawak Kamay;” songs highlight Filipino pride like “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika;” and of course, music that celebrates our love of country like “Ako Ay Pilipino” and “Bayan Ko.”

The Independence Day celebration begins with a flag raising ceremony at 7 a.m., and continues with exhibits in line with the “Rizal@150” festivities including the National Historical Commission’s Chronology of Events in Jose Rizal’s Life; as well as the University of Southern Philippines’ Rizal Traveling Museum. Terracotta figurines depicting Rizal’s life by designer John Ablaza will also be featured.

‘Sining Kalilang’ to be launched

“Sining Kalilang,” which uses the arts as a binding element for Christian and Muslim unity, will be featured during the celebration of Manila’s 440th founding anniversary on June 16. On that day, an exhibition of paintings by Muslim Arts will also be launched at 9 a.m. at the Bulwagang Villegas ng Lungsod ng Maynila. To be exhibited are the works of Arch. Edris Tamano (to be flown in from Saudi Arabia), and those of Ms. Jamila Tamano Lucman’s.

Architect Tamano has been residing for over 30 years now in Saudi Arabia where he is connected with the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah where he has exhibited his works, some of which have been bought by the Saudi Royal Family. Ms. Lucman, on the other hand, is a former commissioner of the National Poverty Commission, and has participated in art shows in Manila.

The exhibition is another thrust of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim whose vision is to use history, the arts, and trade to forge a firmer unity between Christians and Muslims. The 440th founding anniversary theme is “The Remembrance of Rajah Sulayman,” the Muslim rajah who rules Manila just before the coming of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

The art exhibition is coordinated by Ms. Bae Bayolan T. Marahombsar.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 12, go to action star Tony Ferrer, Dr. Soledad Consing, former PTA General Manager Robert Dean Barbers, Susan Marie Brian Rosario, Divina E. Cabantac, Danilo Francisco and Steve Belen... Happy wedding anniversary to Tito and Belen Tagum... Model-actor and coffee magnate Tony Boy dela Rea marks a milestone tomorrow, June 13, and will celebrate it with a big bash tonight at his well-appointed residence in New Capitol Estates in Quezon City. Tony Boy just arrived from a short vacation in La Mirada, California... The Search for Binibining Mestiza happens today, 6 p.m. at the SMX Covention Center Function Room 1. Admission is free...