Jan Angelo Batongbakal

EXCLUSIVE: Jonathan Manalo excited to discover young talent as new SM Little Stars judge

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>From serving as a judge on <em>Tawag ng Tanghalan</em> to leading creative projects as ABS-CBN Music&#x27;s Creative Director, songwriter-producer Jonathan Manalo is adding another role to his growing list of accomplishments as he joins the panel of judges for this year&#x27;s <em>SM Little Stars</em> competition.</p><p> In an exclusive interview with<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> <strong>PUSH ABS-CBN</strong></a>, Mr. Music himself expressed his excitement about becoming part of the long-running talent search.</p><p>“Ako, excited ako because this is my first time to join SM Little Stars. I’m joining because ABS-CBN Music is a partner kasi ‘yung mananalo magkakaroon ng opportunity to sign as an artist under one of the labels of ABS-CBN Music,” Jonathan revealed.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780918603366Screenshot 2026-06-08 193615.png" style="width:850px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>For Jonathan, talent competitions provide aspiring performers with a valuable platform to develop their skills at an early age.</p><p>“Nakakaexcite kasi syempre mga bata ito and nakakatuwa kasi madi-discover sila at an early age and mate-train sila nang mas maaga. Kumbaga mas early sila magsisimula, mas okay for a long-term journey ng mga kids,” he said.</p><p>Joining Jonathan on this year&#x27;s judging panel are singer-host Karylle, filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone, choreographer Angel Datanagan, and SM Little Stars 2016 Grand Winner and HORI7ON member Marcus Cabais.</p><p>As a judge, Jonathan said he will be looking beyond technical skills and focusing on qualities that come naturally to young performers.</p><p> “Yung qualities na hinahanap ko kasi mga bata, syempre ‘yung laro and talent should be there. When they have the raw talent, ‘yung training madali na iyon kasi ‘yung natural talent iho-hone mo na lang. Talent will easily show lalo sa mga bata kaya excited ako na ma-spot iyon,” he said.</p><p>“Mahirap kasi ‘yung energy ng bata kasi hindi mo matuturo. Mahihirapan kapag pinipilit ‘yung bata so dapat nandoon ‘yung natural fire nila,” he added.</p><p> Jonathan likewise shared advice for parents who are encouraging their children to join talent competitions.</p><p> “Advice ko sa parents ay wag pilitin ang bata. Kailangan ‘yung mga bata ay gusto nila ‘yung ginagawa nila. Kapag gusto ‘yung ginagawa nila, give all the support kasi mas nakakatulong ‘yun sa self-esteem ng mga bata and ‘yung confidence building nila and mas lalo sila gagaling.” he said.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780918676867Screenshot 2026-06-08 193726.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Meanwhile, <em>SM Little Stars</em> alumna Esang de Torres, who attended the competition&#x27;s media launch, reflected on how the program became one of the first major steps in her own career.</p><p>“As an <em>SM Little Stars</em> alumni, I also experienced at one point being a contestant. It was also my roots, my starting point in my career, so I&#x27;m very excited for the kids,” Esang said.</p><p> She added, “I am very grateful because it’s the 17th year already of <em>SM Little Stars </em>and mas marami pa pong mga kids na masho-showcase ‘yung talent nila and their love of what they can do and to show the world and the people watching them. <em>Little Stars</em> continues to nurture these kids’ talents by supporting them further and giving them the platform they deserve.”</p><div> </div><div><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780918752188Screenshot 2026-06-08 193842.png" style="width:850px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/> </strong></div><p>For aspiring contestants, Esang encouraged children to stay connected to the reason they started performing in the first place.</p><p>“It&#x27;s important that you love what you are doing. If this is something they chose to do. It’s important to find that inspiration and motivation. Always keep that in mind and that will help you along the way,” she said.</p>

<p><b>What qualities does Jonathan Manalo look for the next SM Little Stars?</b></p>