Nurturing good child talents.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Nestor U. Torre

HOW do you discover, develop and nurture new child performers who can become as outstanding as Nino Muhlach and Aiza Seguerra? At the moment, two talent searches on TV are trying to do just that, with not very exciting results. How can they do better?

They should go beyond making tisoy good looks and pa-cute appeal their basic requirements. As the search programs show, looks and cuteness can't hold viewers' attention for a long time. Talent should be the name of the game.

Big mistake

While auditioning for possible contestants, the search programs should deliberately be on the lookout for kids who are good at acting, singing, dancing and talking a blue streak. A big mistake is being made when the searchers think that those skills can be taught after the finalists have been chosen on point of looks and cuteness.

As the current search shows all too sadly indicate, those skills can't be taught overnight. Their child discoveries are particularly inept at singing, thus making their musical numbers a disappointing exercise in futility.