Getting slimed at the Nick Kids Awards

BY NICKIE WANG/ Manila Standard Today

The first-ever Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Philippines was definitely a tweens affair.

Thousands of kids flocked to the Aliw Theater on Nov. 29 to see their favorite stars walk on the orange carpet and get slimed on stage in an event made brisker and enjoyable by the quick-witted host Michael V.

The personalities, mostly grownups, thought they were “in,” also somehow “out,” based on the perspective of the younger generation. Kids have their own preferences and it was undeniably evident when the winners at the orange event were announced.

Marimar fever had the kids hooked before the boob tube. It was voted Favorite TV Show with Dingdong Dantes winning over other male stars like John Lloyd Cruz, Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual, and Richard Gutierrez as Favorite TV Actor. Other nominees for Favorite TV Show were Bubble Gang, Goin’ Bulilit, The Singing Bee, and Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan.

Kim Chiu probably has the charisma that makes young girls adore her and young boys giggle whenever her face appears on the TV screen. She received the orange blimp for the Favorite Actress category beating other television darlings like Angel Locsin, Iza Calzado, Marian Rivera, and Sarah Geronimo.

Christian Bautista won Favorite Musical Act besting nominees Gary Valenciano, Parokya ni Edgar, Sandwich, and Yeng Constantino.

If the oldies thought Manny Pacquiao was hot among the teens, they’re definitely wrong for Ateneo cager Chris Tiu was favored over the “Pamabansang Kamao” to win Favorite Athlete. Other nominees for the same category were cue master Efren “Bata” Reyes, two-time Olympian Miguel Molina, and taekwondo athlete Japoy Lizardo.

SpongeBob SquarePants remained the most popular cartoon show among kids. It was voted Favorite Cartoon Program. Other nominees were Avatar, The Legend of Aang, Ben 10, Dora The Explorer, and Tom & Jerry.

Just like its original version, the local Nick Awards also gives honor to a celebrity idolized by most kids. The orange blimp for the Pinoy Wannabe went to KC Concepcion. She was voted among nominees like Charice, Lea Salonga, Marc Nelson, and Vhong Navarro.

Chin-Chin Gutierrez, who was featured in 2004 Time Asia as one of the Asian Heroes for her exceptional environmental advocacies, was given the special award The Big Green Help Award.

Who got slimed?

In the US version of the popular orange award show, one or more celebrities get to be slimed on stage or offstage without them knowing it beforehand. It is one of the most anticipated parts of the show. Normally, the host gets to be slimed at the end of the program and another celebrity during the course of the event.

Although it was pretty obvious that Michael V. rehearsed the act of getting slimed, his effort paid off for the kids did enjoy seeing him partly covered with the green glop.

KC Concepcion, who got one of the loudest screams from the tweens, got slimed right at the center of the stage while bidding goodbye at the young audience.

The live show was interesting and the transition of segments was flawlessly delivered that even older folks won’t feel being tricked. It’s also good to mention that celebrity presenters like Miriam Quiambao, Marc Nelson, Rufa Mae Quinto, Paolo Bediones, Regine Velasquez, and director Joey Reyes did outstanding performances making the first-ever Nickelodeon KCA Philippines truly at par with international Nick Awards staged in the US, Australia, and Britain.

Since its inception in the US, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards has been a venue that gives younger television viewers a chance to vote for their favorites in music, movies, sports, television, books, and more. In the Philippines, Nick reaches over 1 million households via cable 24/7. It also has a five-hour terrestrial block on free-to-air channel TV5.