It’s Showtime has been giving us extra good vibes since introducing Argus Aspiras and Princess Kathryn “Kulot” Caponpon via “Isip Bata” segment. But, more than humor, these kids also bring us inspiration, reminding us that dreams do come true.
In this video, Bernadette Sembrano takes us backstage with the budding child superstars and chats with their parents about the changes in their lives since signing with ABS-CBN.
Bernadette opened her vlog with an old clip from her first interview with Kulot in 2022 where the young girl talked about her many dreams including joining showbiz and meeting her idol Vice Ganda. Fast forward, Kulot met Vice in It’s Showtime, with a big bonus as she’s now one of the show’s segment hosts in “Isip Bata.” She cried tears of joy upon meeting the Unkabogable Star. While we see her as bubbly and chatty on-cam, Kulot is often shy behind the cameras.
It’s Showtime creates a fun environment for the kids by treating them like family. They also built a play area complete with a slide, playhouses, toys, and other recreational stuff, where the kids wait before they are called in for the segment. Bernadette got inside the holding area and met the kids’ parents – Argus’ mom Carla and Kulot’s mom Babylyn.
Mommy Carla mentioned that Argus is independent at age four. The ‘kuya’ to his 5-month-old sibling, he can put on his shoes and dress up without help. His father works as a policeman in South Africa. When asked how Argus learned to make TikTok videos, which led to his discography, Mommy Carla said they just saw it as a pastime during the lockdown and they never thought it will lead them to bigger things, though they’ve also dreamed of seeing Argus become a star.
The same goes for Mommy Babylyn, who is still shocked that Kulot is now making her dreams happen, “Hindi po ako makapaniwala na andito na kami. Natutuwa po ako. Hindi ko po maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko kasi dati pangarap lang ni Kulot tapos nandito na kami. Tapos binigyan nga po kami ng kontrata. Masaya po na kinakabahan.”
With a two-year contract with ABS-CBN, the kids are now bonafide Kapamilya talents. The parents carefully traverse stardom with balance, still prioritizing the children’s studies and making sure they are happy with what they’re doing. As parents, they are there to guide and listen.
“Nakikita ko sa anak ko na masaya siya eh, kaya okay lang sa akin. Hangga’t masaya siya, hangga’t nag-e-enjoy siya, okay lang sa akin, support lang. Basta hindi mapapabayaan ang pag-aaral,” shared Mommy Carla. Meanwhile, Mommy Babylyn said that every morning, she asks if Kulot is still comfortable with all these.
They are provided with nearby accommodation. During days off, they would go to the mall altogether, thus creating a solid bond between Argus and Kulot who are now best friends.
Argus, Kulot, and Yzah were then asked to stand by backstage and they would act their natural ‘kulit’ selves “para mag-ipon ng energy.” The kids aren’t briefed on the questions that would be asked in the segment, therefore, everything that happens there is spontaneous and real. “Matatalino talaga ang kids,” Bernadette noted.
After the show, they are seen dropping by Kim Chiu and Vice Ganda’s dressing rooms. Bernadette had the chance to talk to Vice, who wishes that this opportunity may open more doors for the kids, “At sana maging maganda ang epekto nito sa pagkatao nila, ‘yung experience at exposure na binibigay ng It’ Showtime.”
“Ang laking bagay ‘yung ginagawa nila sa Showtime. Iba ‘yung vibe, iba ‘yung energy nila kasi for the longest time parang hindi na natin nakikita ‘yung mga bagets. Ang tagal na parang walang mga bata sa TV, so ngayon parang ang refreshing na ang daming bagets na nakikita,” Vice added.
When told that he builds the potential of young dreamers like what happened to Aaron “Yorme” Sunga who is now part of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, Vice remarked, “Magagaling naman kasi talaga sila. ‘Yung mga batang ‘yun, hindi mo maikakahon magkapandemya man o anuman ang mangyari, talagang gagagawa at gagawa, bubukas at bubukas ang mga pinto para sa kanila.”
To cap it off, Bernadette toured Kulot around the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, where the little girl learned historical lessons and freely exercised her wit. She was amazed to see General Emilio Agunaldo’s bedroom, the old medicine cabinet and laundry area, the bomb shelter, the amulet collection, and the large hall where Bernadette met her husband Emilio “Orange” Aguinaldo IV, grandson of Gen. Aguinaldo, during an occasion in 2006.
Play the video and get your dose of good vibes from It’s Showtime’s “Isip Bata” kiddie hosts! Catch It’s Showtime, Monday to Saturday, at 12:45 pm, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live,TV5 and A2Z.