Young Yasmene Grace P. Arim Is Bonakid Pre-School’s Ready Set Laban Season 2 Grand Winner

When Yasmene Arim decided to take on the challenges in Bonakid Pre-School’s Ready Set Laban Season 2, her mother had very simple but no less relevant words of wisdom for her precocious seven year old daughter: “Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.”

The dance, swimming and taekwondo aficionado sent in their auditions online and actually became the show’s first guests to make it via online auditions.

“Sobrang excited ko (I was so excited),” young Yasmene enthused.

“Pinapainom ko si Yasmene lagi ng gatas at pinapakain ng maraming gulay at fruits. We believe we are strong, we can fight and we can win this competition,” her mother adds.

And they did.

The show is designed to bring out the strength, energy and resilience of children and bring out the Batang May Laban in them by way of traditional Filipino games such as tumbang preso and patintero. The host of Ready Set Laban Season 2 shares how he can describe the show in three words: Ready To Play. “The kids I encountered are so ready to play and face the challenges in the show. It did not feel like I was working. I just had fun and I played a lot with them,” Drew Arellano shares.

For its second season, Bonakid Pre-School Ready Set Laban came back with more exciting challenges and bigger prizes. As for what young Yasmene asked for as a prize? She asked for school bags and supplies for her friends and classmates at school which Bonakid Pre-School Ready Set Laban Season 2 happily provided.

Unleash the art prodigy in your child

Did you miss Promil Pre-School’s biggest co-created hand-painted masterpiece? Now, here is your chance to let your child share in outstanding child artist Hamzah Marbella’s exceptional talent in painting.

Hamzah Marbella, 12 years old, is making a famous name in the art industry both here and abroad. Not only is he representing Filipino art on the global stage, he has also won more than 50 national and international accolades, including a Special Citation from the National Commission for Culture, an Outstanding Artist Award and the Arts (NCCA) and a Certificate of Recognition at the United Nation International Children’s Art Competition.

Hamzah is the youngest member of the Artists Association of the Philippines and was recently named Promil Pre-School’s Outstanding Child Artist. There is no stopping this child prodigy from showing the world his exceptional talent in painting and achieving his ultimate dream – to become the country’s future National Artist.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that a big reason behind Hamzah's success is the invaluable support of his family. At an age when most young kids are just beginning to walk and talk, Hamzah was already painting and producing what his father, Renato, described as art forms.

"Two years old siya noon at nasa kuna pa lang lagi na niya akong pinapanood magpinta, (He was just two years old then when he started watching me paint while in his crib),” relays Renato who is also an artist himself.

“Humahanap siya ng kung anu-anong mga bagay – tansan, bato, sipit ng damit – maya-maya magiging mga art form na. Makakabuo na siya ng mga hayop, paru-paro, bulaklak, at iba pa (He would look for different things like stones, bottle caps, clothespin, etc. and later on transform it into art. He’d be able to build animals, butterflies, flowers and many others things).”

Meanwhile, his mother Elma remembers the time when she bought Hamzah a "magic slate" and how this served as his first canvas. "Doon siya nagsusulat at nagdo-drawing pero dahil ang dami-dami nyang ginagawa, ang bilis nasisira ng magic slate kasi bura siya nang bura. Kaya ang ginawa ko, binilhan ko na siya ng crayon at sketch pad– yun na ang naging libangan at laruan niya (That is where he writes and draws but because of the many things he illustrates the magic slate is quick to get damaged. That’s why I bought him crayons and sketchpads, which became his toys and hobby).”

It came to a point though when Hamzah's parents realized that art was more than just a hobby for Hamzah. "Pati ako nagugulat at nagtataka sa kanyang mga ginagawa (Even I am was amazed and was wondering what he was doing),” shares Elma.

“Instead of discouraging his talent, we did everything we can to make sure that Hamzah's gift flourished. Binibilhan ko siya lagi ng children's books at kanya itong tinitingnan at kinokopya (I often buy him children’s books and he’d use it as an inspiration).”

“I always commend his improvement as well as give him rewards like toys. We want to make sure that he feels our support and has everything he needs at home. One of the important things I make sure Hamzah gets is superior nutrition. As a mother, I understand that my role in nurturing his talent is essential, but I still need a partner who does just the same to make sure his mind absorbs what we are teaching and that he is healthy to support his activities. This is the kind of partnership I have found with Promil Pre-School."

Promil Pre-School is a powdered mild drink for children 4 – 7 years old designed to help them achieve optimal growth and development. It contains a unique combination of essential nutrients, like vitamin A that supports healthy eye development, Iodine and & Iron that support brain development, Biotin and Zinc that support normal growth and help maintain a healthy immune system, Niacin that aids in healthy digestion and promotes normal appetite as well Potassium that promotes healthy muscles to support various activities of your children – all these are found in Promil Pre-School’s Nutrissentials. Plus it has DHA, an important nutrient for cognitive and eye development and AA which helps your child’s body absorb DHA better.

Hamzah Marbella, the youngest member of the Art Association of the Philippines with mom Elma and dad Renato Marbella at the ceremonial first painting of Promil Pre-School’s first co-created hand-painted masterpiece in the recent Imagine-nation event held at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global. 


“We believe that the interests and talent of a child begin to emerge at their pre-school age. It is the perfect time to start nurturing them with the right activities. As a partner of mothers in nurturing, Promil Pre-School is very happy to launch the Paint like Hamzah promo,” says Rhea Villareal, Promil Pre-School Product Manager, Wyeth Nutrition.

Consumers will receive limited edition canvas bags inspired by Hamzah Marbella’s artworks and art materials with every purchase of Promil Pre-School 1.6kg and 180g packs in leading stores nationwide. Canvas bags are available in three collectible designs. Promo runs from February 1 – March 31, 2014.

We hope that in sharing Hamzah’s exceptional talent in painting we can help mothers nurture their child’s creativity and talent so that it may become exceptional as well,” adds Villareal.

Every purchase of Promil Pre-School 1.6kg and 180g packs, mothers will be equipped with tools to help their child develop their talent in art.

For more information visit our Facebook fan page, www.Facebook.com/PromilPreSchool. Per DOH-FDA-CFRR permit no. 0518 Series of 2013.

Hamzah Marbella: Child prodigy, global Filipino artist, nurtured by Promil Pre-School

Try searching “Hamzah Marbella” on Google and chances are you’ll see an article entitled The World’s Youngest Art Prodigies (Artists who got their start when they were still in diapers). In the article, he’s mentioned in the same breath as Kieron Williamson from UK who’s touted to be the next Monet; Akiane Kammarick whose realist religious art began fetching millions when she was just 4 years old; and Wang Yani, the youngest ever artist who had a solo exhibit at the Smithsonian.

What this shows us is that Hamzah – at 12 years old— is already representing Filipino art on the global stage.

Twelve-year-old Hamzah Marbella, Promil Pre-School’s Outstanding Child Artist, shares his gift in painting by creating this beautiful artwork as the inspiration for Promil Pre-School’s first co-created, hand-painted masterpiece.


A gift from within

At an age when most young kids are just beginning to walk and talk, Hamzah was already painting and producing what his father, Renato, described as ‘art forms’. “Two years old siya noon at asa kuna pa lang lagi na niya akong pinapanood magpinta (When he was two years old in his crib, he would always watch me paint),”relays Renato who is also an artist himself. “Humahanap siya ng kung anu-anong mga bagay – tansan, bato, sipit ng damit – maya-maya magiging mga art form na. Makakabuo na siya ng mga hayop, paru-paro, bulaklak, at iba pa (He looks for anything – bottle caps, stones, clothespins – later on they become art forms).”

And from there, the rest became history.

At the age of 5, his artwork ‘Bounty’ was auctioned off for a whopping HK$60,000 (the 3rd highest at the charity auction of the International Care Ministries (ICM) in Hong Kong – a feat considering that his work was auctioned off together with that of National Artists from all over Asia.

Besides being a proud recipient and receiver of more than fifty national and international accolades and awards including Special Citation from the National Commission for Culture, an Outstanding Artist Award and the Arts (NCCA) and a Certificate of Recognition at the UN International Children’s Art Competition, Hamzah is the youngest member of the Artists Association of the Philippines. He has produced approximately 300 artworks, some of which have been featured at the Asian exhibitions and have been appeared at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

It’s a little known fact that Hamzah actually has a photographic memory and that he translates the everyday things he encounters into striking works of art. “Dito sa amin sa Cavite, maraming nagtitinda ng isda – may mga naglalako, yung iba naka-kariton (Here in Cavite, there are a lot of fishes sold on the streets, some in crates),” shares his father in explaining the predominantly pastoral setting in Hamzah’s art. Fisher folk with cats, fish, flowers and Hamzah’s signature image of the sun, prompt art lovers to enter Hamzah’s wonderful visualization of the world. In his own words, Hamzah shares: “sa painting nasasabi ng kamay ko ang hindi nasasabi ng bibig ko (with paintings, my hands are able to say things that my mouth can’t).”

Nourishing the gift

With its long-standing thrust of encouraging Filipino children who have exceptional talent, Promil Pre-School recognized Hamzah as an Outstanding Child Artist in an event held at the Activity Pods 1 and 2 of Bonifacio Highstreet in Taguig. Hamzah will be joining fellow painter CJ de Silva and a select group of exceptionally talented children, all of which are walking testaments not only of Filipino talent, but of the Promil Pre-School heritage in nurturing gifts as well.


During the event, attendees experienced Hamzah’s artistic world firsthand by joining him in painting the biggest children’s collaborative masterpiece. Meanwhile, Wyeth Leadership team painted alongside Hamzah himself, CJ de Silva, Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp 2 host Dimples Romana and her husband Boyet Ahmee. This first co-created, hand-painted masterpiece will be displayed in different venues in the metro. First stop will be at the left entrance of Eastwood Mall Open Park in Quezon City, starting November 11 to November 24, 2013. For details on the next venues, visit Promil Pre-School’s Facebook fan page.

“We’re glad that parents continue to take an active role in developing their children’s gifts to excellence. Through Hamzah’s story and his achievements, we hope to inspire and encourage even more Filipino parents to nurture their children’s talents,” says Rhea Villareal, Promil Pre-School Product Manager, Wyeth Nutrition. “We hope that by recognizing Hamzah, we can continue to inspire a new generation to develop their talent and potential towards excellence.”

 

2013 Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp Grand i-Shiner Yesha Camile, enjoys painting with other kids

Matteo and Xian pay tribute to their ‘Star Moms’

Two of local showbiz’s most popular leading men are “Mama’s boys.” And guess what? They’re being loud and proud about it. Matteo Guidicelli and Xian Lim are both vocal about the love and respect they have for their mothers; after all, they are the keys to the success that the two of them are enjoying today.

Xian’s shining light

For Xian Lim, his mother Mary Ann will always be his shining light.

“A mom’s role is always important.” says Xian. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn't for her kasi she was always there.”

Xian fondly recalls that as a kid, he liked to pretend that he was, of all things, a carpenter. “As a kid, mahilig akong magpretend na karpintero ako tapos may hawak ako na hammer then I will make things out of it. Basta anything I can get my hands on, sisirain ko and I'll try to make something out of it. Other hobbies are drawing and playing the piano.”

His mom though would always be encouraging and supportive. “Any activity I like, she would always consider. She would always tell me—“go for it, palaging go for it. You wouldn't know until you try it.””

Xian also saw how important it was to have a supportive environment to develop a child’s talent when he hosted the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp. “The show helped children be closer to their parents; Plus the fact that there were provided workshops and mentors for the kids’ specific talents. More than the training, yung extra kasi dun is yung bonding nila, they worked together.”

Matteo’s number one fan

Looking at Matteo today, no one would ever think that he was once a shy kid. He says that his mom Glenna was a big part of why he now has the confidence to perform not only in front of a crowd; but with the entire country watching him. “I was very shy when I was kid – I didn’t want to sing, dance or act. I remember when I was about 12 or 13, I had to ask for the lights to be turned off before my relatives can convince me to perform,” shares Matteo.

“It all changed when I was in my senior year and I started to have an interest in performing and there, I really saw how supportive my mom was. When I was starting to take voice lessons, my mom would stay at the back to take practice videos… she would always say a lot of positive things and this built a lot of confidence in me. She also prayed a lot for me, which is of course, the most important thing.”

Matteo says that not only the show; but their parents are really responsible for this change. “I remember how my mom used to tell me ‘Matteo stop being negative-- you always have to look at the bright side’ and he saw how the same is true when he hosted Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp together with Xian. “It’s nice to see how the i-Shiners have grown… the winners gained so much more confidence. You can really see their improvement as performers and as people.”

About Wyeth
Nutrition Wyeth Nutrition, formerly Pfizer Nutrition, is part of Nestlé S.A. Wyeth Nutrition develops premium-quality nutritional products scientifically-designed to meet the needs of infants and young children, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers. As pioneers in infant nutritional science, our mission is to provide the best nutritional support for future healthy outcomes. For nearly a century, Wyeth Nutrition has leveraged clinical rigor, scientific research, world class manufacturing and product safety standards to drive scientifically-sound solutions that offer parents confidence, help nourish children and support their healthy futures.

Nurturing a Child’s Talent to Excellence

Among the many delights of a parent is discovering and nurturing the inherent talents of their children. Simply having talent however, will not automatically translate to success; It has to be developed—something the parents of Promil Pre-School’s Top i-Shiners know about.

 

Singing Towards Success

For Nathan John Bautista, who became the Top i-Shiner for singing at Promil pre-School’s recently concluded i-Shine Talent Camp 2, standing out was a matter of having the confidence to share his natural talents.

“As a mother to Nathan, my vital role is to be a supportive, loving and caring mother. It’s important to nurture him physically, mentally and spiritually so we can bring the best out of him,” says Ednorlyn Bautista, mother of Nathan.

Thankfully, programs like Promil Pre-School’s i-Shine Talent Camp 2 gave parents the opportunity to hone a child’s talent to excellence.

“This experience helped not only in nurturing Nathan’s singing skills, but contributed a lot in developing a closer relationship between me and my son,” she ends.

Dancing to the Top

The same sentiments ring true for the parents of i-Shiner, Jan Michael Andres, or JM for short, who was recognized for his dancing skills at the young age of 7, and became the Top i-Shiner for dancing.

“Bilang isang magulang, importante ang gabayan ang pagpapalaki sa mga bata ng may disiplina, takot sa Diyos at mabigyan sila ng wastong edukasyon,” shares Lola Margie Patricio.

In JM’s quest to become a talented dancer, his parents wholeheartedly gave their support when he expressed interest in joining Promil Pre-School’s i-Shine Talent Camp 2. As parents, it was important for them to be behind JM’s goal, empower his talent and believe that he can be the best.

Acting to Reach Triumph

“An exceptionally talented child is one that exceeds others by virtue of what they can do. In Yesha’s case, it was her talent to recite the Desiderata before she learned how to read,” the mother of our top i-Shiner for acting and grand i-Shiner, Yesha Camile, fondly recalls.

“This experience boosted her confidence and gave her an opportunity to work with individuals who could do a lot towards her growth,” she adds.

Truly, the right nutrition and the guidance of these children’s mothers played an important role in their talent development; proving that a mother’s support goes a long way in nurturing a child’s gift to excellence.

Dimples Romana: Tips to Nurture your child’s gift

Having children is a gift—a gift that just keeps on giving and giving. Everyday brings a different surprise, a new discovery or sometimes a new milestone from your child. One day, it can be the wonder to see your daughter take her first step; the next, it can be the moment she discovers that she likes to sing; or the joy of hugging her close to you after seeing her sing well at home. Then it sinks in that more than being a gift, your child is actually an exceptionally talented child.

TV Host and character actress Dimples Romana knows this firsthand. A mother to a beautiful daughter named Cal; she also hosted a TV reality program that helped develop talented kids - Promil Pre-School’s i-Shine Talent Camp.“I watched hundreds of kids audition and participate, and it made me realize that there are a lot and I mean a lot of talented kids out there. It’s just a matter of encouraging and tapping into their inherent talents,” notes Dimples. However, she reminds parents not to pressure their children too much. “There’s a fine line between encouraging and pushing your kids too far.” Here are a few tried-and-tested tips straight from Dimples herself that you can use to help develop the talents of your kids and nurture them to excellence.

1. Take a cue from your child

Dimples says that sometimes it may actually be better to take the cue from your child himself and provide opportunities for your kids to work on things that they’re good at.

“If your son or daughter enjoys singing, then go ahead and enroll them in singing classes. And if you think they’re ready, signing them up for singing competitions or talent shows like Promil Pre-School’s i-Shine Talent Camp is a good way for them to improve their skills, meet new friends or be the next big child star,” suggests Dimples.

 

2. Introduce your children to new things and experiences

Remember: your children can only be interested in what they are aware of! Your daughter may be an opera singer or a synth player in the making; but because she’s not exposed to these things, that talent may just remain hidden forever. Make the effort to introduce your child to as many different experiences as possible – take him ice-skating one weekend, then maybe to basketball game or an art show the next. Not only are you creating fun bonding moments, you’re also taking the chance to discover what he’s really good at.

3. Nourish talents in your own home

Once you’ve gotten a lock on what your child can excel in, make sure that his talent can flourish in one of the most important places in the world: your home. If he’s into the arts, then having a steady supply of sketchpads and paint and colors at home is a good idea. If music or singing is more his thing, then having DVD concerts of his favorite singers or playing music all over the house will be something that he’ll appreciate.

4. Give him access to a balanced diet

According to Michelle Edelbaum, Digital Editor of EatingWell.com, there’s more to gain from having a balanced diet than just a healthy diet. Eating right can help even out your children’s moods, sharpen their minds and stabilize their energy. Aside from the requisite go, grow and glow food, Dimples stresses the importance of milk, especially in children’s formative years. “Promil Pre-School has always been my top choice ever since, so Cal can get the essential nutrients that she needs to help nurture her talents,” shares Dimples.

5. Be sensitive and nurturing

For Dimples, this is probably the most important tip of all—children need to know that they’re appreciated and loved because of who they are and not because of their talents. “Yes, their talents are special; but they need reassurance that they are special, regardless of whether or not they win the Quiz Bee or get into the next round of the talent competition,” notes the mom and TV host. “This is especially important for talented children; because parents often feel it is important for those abilities to be maximized; often regardless of their children's feelings.” Dimples advice is simple: provide nurturing experiences for your child, but don't allow your drive for a brilliant and exceptionally talented child to overrule everything.

A note for the future - Wyeth Nutrition commits to support Philippine education of underprivileged youth

Wyeth Nutrition launched  Nurture.Inspire.Give  campaign  last  June 6, 2013  at   Chateau 1771, Greenbelt Makati.

It was Pablo Picasso who said_ "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." He may have said this decades ago, but these words still ring true until now. After all, how many children - all brimming with promise and creativity - just fade away when they grow up?

Today, Wyeth Nutrition and Synergeia Foundation are working hand-in-hand to do their part by nurturing future generations through education. And they're doing it through a simple but ingenious way - by giving notebooks to thousands of underprivileged schoolchildren all over the country.

"A notebook may not seem anything special to some, especially for kids who have had the benefit of growing up with cellphones. tablets and gaming consoles; but for a same-aged child who's not as fortunate, a simple notebook can represent his canvas for the future," says Richard Arboleda, Associate Director for Communications, Wyeth Philippines.

Arboleda shares that what makes the notebooks extra special are their designs, which were specially made by three gifted artists who are schoolchildren themselves. The child artists are Allie Arroyo who began painting at 5 and is now improving her craft under noted artists Bambi Manosa and Elaine Herbosa; Antonio Tordesillas, who has already had a solo exhibit at the age of 14; and Marco Flores who hails from the art capital of the Philippines, Angono Rizal.

Our aim is to promote literacy and to encourage children to be creative and value education; we are able to achieve that through the gift of these three children. Access to notebooks leads to more writing and reading, which then fosters an increase in proficiency," says Arboleda.

From June 15 to August 15, Wyeth Nutrition and Synergeia Foundation will be launching the Nurture.Inspire.Give. campaign.  Here, any purchase of Aqiva (900g), Progress Pre-School Gold (900g and 1.6kg), Promil Pre-school (900g and 1.6kg), Bonakid Choco Boost (800g), Bonakid Pre-school (900g, 1.2kg and 1.6kg), Enercal Plus (900g), or Promama (900g) comes with free limited edition notebook and a scratch card. The scratch card has a promo code, which one can use to register through SMS to be eligible for the raffle promo and to enable a child to receive his/her own notebook.

Wyeth Nutrition will give away P20,000 worth of gift certificates for school supplies and an educational gift pack worth  P5,000 to 50 raffle winners on July 17 and another 50 winners on August 16.

Wyeth Nutrition and Synergeia Foundation pledge to give away notebooks equal to the total number of registrants. 10,000 registrants would mean 10,000 notebooks to be given away to less fortunate schoolchildren in the Philippines.

"No one understands children better than children themselves; and it is because of this that we chose to have Marco, Allie and Antonio design the notebooks," notes Arboleda. "Looking at their designs, it's no exaggeration to say that we may be very well looking at the future of Philippine art."

Arboleda is also proud of Wyeth Nutrition's partnership with Synergeia Foundation, which implements programs to improve basic education to nearly 1.5 million schoolchildren in 240 municipalities in the Philippines. Since 2011, the organizations have collaborated to implement feeding programs and inspire employee volunteerism. "What they do is travel to the remotest barangays in the country to work with communities in order to upgrade basic education - and that's why we're sure that help really reaches those who really need it.

Students of  Bagong Tanyag Elementary School as they presented  a song  number,  "Yesterday's Dream."

"It's our hope that this initiative will serve to inspire and somehow influence the future of children. This is, after all, what Wyeth Nutrition is all about - nurturing generations after generation of Filipinos."

For more information, visit www.wyeth.com.ph.  Per DOH-FDA No. 0801 Series of 2013