September 30, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — To be part of TV5’s newest series “Ang Himala Ni Niño” is the greatest miracle that happened to its child actors, Zion Cruz, Achilles Ador and Kenneth Mendoza.
The heartwarming series is the prequel of the Maja Salvador and Noel Comia Jr.-starrer series “Niña, Niño” in 2021.
“Ang Himala Ni Niño” tells the journey of Niño (Zion), which is centered around his deep connections with Kring Kring (Ryrie Sophia), his best friend and confidant; Buchoy (Kenneth), an introvert who finds joy in companionship; and Joko (Achilles), a former bully who becomes a loyal ally.
Through these relationships, Niño discovers that the true miracle lies in the value of family — whether by blood or by bond. It’s within this sense of family that Niño learns invaluable lessons of love, hope, and the blessing of having people to call his own, no matter how imperfect they may be.
During the show’s “Back to Eskwela Grand Activity Day” at the Camarin Elementary School in Caloocan held recently, the kids told The STAR that bagging their respective roles in the series is their major acting project to date, thus, the biggest miracle that happened in their showbiz career.
Zion, a Grade 4 student, had no acting background prior to the show, but he nevertheless got the lead part. “When I got cast in ‘Ang Himala Ni Niño,’ it is a miracle for me because I have no acting experience,” he shared.
From left: Zion Cruz, Achilles Ador and Kenneth Mendoza. — Photo from TV5’s Facebook page
The nine-year-old recalled that he was asked to show various emotions during the audition process. “Mga iyakan, angry and then happy. Lahat po ng emotions.”
After earning the titular role, Zion expressed his thanks to the people who made it possible, especially her supportive mom. “And then I hugged my mom after I was selected (for the character). ‘Mommy, mommy, napili ako.’”
“It’s my first time to have this big show,” declared Kenneth, also a Grade 4 student, who played minor roles in GMA Network’s series, “Black Rider,” “Hearts on Ice,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” and in the short film “Barya.”
Achilles also appeared in “Black Rider,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” and “Call My Manager.”
“Ito yung pinakamalaking show ko,” said Achilles, who’s referring to “Ang Himala Ni Niño.” “I thanked God (for the opportunity). I auditioned along with Kenneth,” he shared.
Aside from the child actors, the “Ang Himala Ni Niño” cast also includes Carmi Martin, Dawn Chang, Jay Gonzaga, Kych Minemoto, Paulo Angeles, Queenay, and K Brosas.
Zion, Kenneth and Achilles, likewise, gleaned acting lessons from their “ate” and “kuya” on set.
“Like how to be courteous and respectful to senior actors,” offered Zion. “Also, different tones para hindi pare-parehas (acting).”
“(They say) we have to show different emotions,” added Achilles.
“We have to show different facial expressions. The eyes should communicate with the audience,” echoed Kenneth.
“Ang Himala ni Niño” reflects the themes of kindness, love, and hope. They were highlighted during the “Back to Eskwela Grand Activity Day” where they mounted “Ang Himala Ni Niño Quiz Bee Challenge” (open to Grade 1, Grade 3, and Grade 5 students), a “Poster Making Challenge” (for Grade 5 students) with the theme “Basta May Pagmamahal, May Himala sa Araw-Araw,” and the “Slogan Making Contest” (for Grade 5 students) centering on “Kabutihan at Pag-asa!”
(“Ang Himala Ni Niño” airs today at 11:15 a.m. on TV5, and Mondays to Fridays thereafter.)
Be the first to comment