What makes a showbiz child wonder, especially in Philippine show business?

Precociousness. The X factor and charisma. Gift of gab, sounding and expressing himself or herself like an adult but always innocent and insouciant. Lovable antics and yes, talent, specifically in acting, that will make the audiences laugh, cry or go crazy in a good kind of way.

The most eminent Pinoy child wonders began with Niño Muhlach, considered by many as the longest-reigning one. Muhlach’s talent, superstar appeal and box-office power was unquestionable. He even paired up on screen with Philippine cinema legends namely Fernando Poe, Jr. in Ang Leon at ang Kuting, Dolphy in Ang Tatay Kong Nanay, directed by Lino Brocka, not once, but twice, the first being Tahan na Empoy, Tahan and with Vilma Santos in Darna at Ding.

Before he transitioned to be Ice Seguerra, Aiza Seguerra was the most beloved little girl in Eat Bulaga, Aiza Kabisote in Okay Ka Fairy Ko, and many box-office comedy films in Regal Films. As Aiza then, biggest child wonder rival was Matet de Leon, adoptive daughter of Superstar Nora Aunor and Drama King Christopher de Leon. Matet’s porcelain doll looks and mestiza features endeared her to the public and her movies I Love You, Mama, I Love You Papa, Bunsong Kerubin and Takot Ako Eh slayed the box-office.

The boys like Steven Claude Goyong and BJ “Tolits” Forbes also had their moments to shine, the two being Eat Bulaga discoveries.

Of course, Aling Maliit, or Ryza Mae Dizon, was the last child wonder that truly made a mark not only on television but on the silver screen as well. As a matter of fact, Dizon was the youngest morning talk show host all over the planet in the Ryza Mae Dizon Show.

 Other kids who made an impressive mark on national television with them being leads in three-hanky melodramas were Zaijan Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Marco Masa and Jana Agoncillo.

Joining this elite circle is Zia Grace, the little tot who is the center of the universe in the Philippine adaptation of Mother, now billed as Saving Grace, with two episodes aired every Thursday night on Prime Video.

Chosen one

She is the chosen one, this Zia Grace by no less than ABS-CBN’s COO Cory Vidanes, gives life to Mary Grace Banaag in the much-anticipated drama under the directions of FM Reyes and Dolly Dulu, showing tonight on Prime Video, and every Thursday thereafter.

During the press preview held at the Cinema 11 of the Gateway 2, the most striking child wonder of Grace is how much the camera loved her.

In the many moments of her on screen, singing while on her way home, reciting positive affirmations, talking to the picture of a father gone too soon, how she looked adoringly at her mother (played by Jennica Garcia), disheveled hair an all, school uniform bigger than her pint size, every inch of her screamed, we have a true star in this amazing grace of a girl.

Her expressive eyes conveyed happiness, hope, longing, fear, sadness and love. For someone who is only seven years old, having that kind of gift, eyes that speak in volumes, it truly is an exceptional endowment.

Her emotional commitment and the truth she gave her character, it was so beyond her years.  Here is a girl, as you watch how much she gave Grace, her little joys, aches and pains, who she pins her hopes on, the honesty and hurt in her voice, and boy oh boy, when her many ways of crying that made you feel her anguish, anger, discomfort, struggles and suffering, one cannot help but cry with, and her sincerity in being Grace, trigger that maternal/paternal urge to protect her, promising that no one will harm her, while you are around.

Director FM Reyes was all praises for Zia. He said, “Zia is a rare gem. It is not every day there is a child actress like her.  Fun and loving, a good listener, follows instructions well, and she knows instinctively what emotional strings to pull to bring out her character’s truth. Plus her eyes, allows you to be more involved and in love with her. Truly, she is this generation’s child wonder.”

Of course, complementing the Gen Z and Alpha wonder girl are some of Philippine show business’ crème de la crème, namely Julia Montes, Janice de Belen, Jennica Garcia, Christian Bables, Mary Jane Apostol, Sam Milby, Sharon Cuneta and many more.

All the respective characters they portray in this 10th Mother adaptation, will affect and has an explosive effect on the life of the titular character.

Having watched the South Korean version of this much-loved Japanese drama, and given the opportunity to be able to see its pilot episode during the press preview, I dare say it is not just as par with the other versions, but will hold its candle and place as the incarnation of the drama, that gave it more feels and integrity, touching the heart and pulling its strings, and what raises it to the all different level, the child wonder that is Zia Grace.