Among the many talent competitions on It’s Showtime, Mini-Me is considered the most precious, given that it gives the opportunity for little children the time to shine, and most especially their chance to emulate the idols they hold dear.
As we celebrate the 9th anniversary of It’s Showtime, here are the top 10 contestants who stood out in the past three seasons of Mini Me and eventually made their mark as the wonderful child stars in the country today:
1. John Philip Bughaw AKA “Balang”
This sensational kid first appeared on Mini Me as the “Mini Clarence Delgado.” Though he did not win in the competition, ‘Balang’ went viral on social media for his dancing video to the hit song ‘Bang Bang’ by divas Jesse J., Arianna Grande and rapper Nicki Minaj. He amazed not just Filipinos but also the international audience, especially in the US, where he guested several times on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He shared in an interview on Umagang Kay Ganda about how overwhelmed he is for being internationally famous.
2. Marcus Rayden Cabais
Before he became part of the children’s show “Team Yey!,” the musically talented Marcus was introduced on Mini Me as the “Mini Bon Jovi.” Continuing his image as a rock star, he can now play the drums aside from singing.
3. Esang De Torres
The Broadway aspirant Esang had her debut on Mini Me as the “Mini Lea Salonga.” Years after, she joined the second season of The Voice Kids Philippines and was coached by Lea Salonga herself. Though she did not win in the said competition, she became the youngest artist to stage a major solo concert in the Philippines at age 9. She continuously appeared in various shows like Gandang Gabi Vice, and became a contender in the recent Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Season 2.
4. Enzo Pelojero
Do you remember My Dear Heart lead character Heart’s playmate named Bingo? Yes, he is Enzo in real life. He was the “Mini Daniel Padilla” on Mini Me, who acted with the small-sized standee of the Queen of Hearts Kathryn Bernardo. He recently appeared on the top-rating series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
5. Chunsa Angela Jung
Before this cute bubbly girl became one of the judges on The Kids’ Choice, Chunsa was first the “Mini Maja Salvador” on Mini Me. She also became part of the long running kids gag show Goin’ Bulilit, and also became one of the kid performers on Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids 2.
6. John Steven “Josh” De Guzman
Awarded as the first runner up on Mini Me Season 1 as the “Mini Vhong Navarro,” Josh continues to appear in various shows like Goin’ Bulilit. He starred on films like My Illegal Wife in 2014. He also became prominent for his role as Macmac, Ningning’s (Jana Agoncillo) close friend in the 2015 comedy-drama series titled Ningning.
7. Nhikzy Vheench “Ikkin” Calma
In 2014, Nhikzy was hailed as the very first grand champion of Mini Me Season 1 as the “Mini Michael Jackson.” His exceptional dancing skills is one of the main factors why the jury chose him as the grand winner. Quite far from the 5-year-old dancing phenomenon that he is, he recently appeared as Romina’s younger sibling in Kadenang Ginto.
8. Nayomi Lhieanne “Heart” Ramos
Nayomi first appeared on Mini Me as the “Mini Anne Curtis.” Though she did not win, Nayomi had her first lead role in the 2017 primetime drama My Dear Heart with Coney Reyes, Ria Atayde, Bela Padilla and Zanjoe Marudo. For this, she became widely known as the lovable Heart De Jesus with the famous line: “I heart you”.
9. Xymon Ezekiel “Onyok” Pineda
Recognized as It’s Showtime’s Mini Me Season 1 second runner up, he was the “Mini Bamboo Manalac” whose cool and tough personality impressed us all. He became prominent as Cardo Dalisay’s (Coco Martin) cute and witty sidekick on FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano named Honorio “Onyok” Amaba. He became famous for his catchphrase: “Hay naku!”.
10. Xiamara Sophia Vigor
Xia is the grand champion of Mini Me Season 2. She was known as the “Mini Selena Gomez.” Her exceptional wit, intelligence and talent brought her to her fast-rising journey as a child star. She starred in numerous shows including the family drama series Langit Lupa in 2016, and is currently one of the judges on The Kids’ Choice.