Meet SM Iloilo’s little stars Jenesis Rain and Maxwell Jesse

Jenesis Rain Simpson and Maxwell Jesse Figueroa are making the most of their childhood by engaging in personal development activities that open up opportunities for them.

One such opportunity is joining SM Little Stars 2017 and becoming the representatives of the Visayas in the grand finals held in SM Aura last August 6, 2017, where Jenesis Rain won third runner-up.

Jenesis Rain showcased her prowess in gymnastics during the grand finals. She is seven years old, homeschooled and the daughter of Joseph and Brittany Simpson. Her other hobbies are dancing, singing, reading, coloring, and playing with her stuffed toy Tiger.

Jenesis Rain Simpson and Maxwell Jesse Figueroa, SM Little Stars 2017 for Iloilo

Rhemaya, Jenesis Rain’s sister also joined the competition as the representative of SM Bacolod and she made it to the regional finals.

"Rhemaya and I practiced every day. It was hard at first but we got better. I'm so happy that we both joined. I was happy to share the light of God through gymnastics during the talent competition," said Jenesis Rain.

Meanwhile, six-year-old Maxwell Jesse enthralled the audience when he sang “New York” during the SM Little Stars 2017 grand finals.

He is a grade 2 student at SPED-ISEC and the son of Francie Joy and Judel Figueroa. His hobbies are singing, dancing, reading, playing games, and riding a bike.

Jenesis Rain Simpson during the talent competition. She is the third runner-up winner in the SM Little Stars 2017 grand finals. Photo courtesy of Win Rumbaua.

BALANCE

It was not all competing for the contestants. Apart from gaining friends and confidence and developing their talents, Jenesis Rain and Maxwell Jesse said they had so much fun during the search.

"I made many friends, went bowling and made my own Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I made chocolate with sprinkles!" said Jenesis Rain.

Maxwell Jesse said he had fun watching a movie at the Imax theater, SM Mall of Asia's cinema that shows films in 3D.

Jenesis with her family. Her sister Rhemaya (held by Joseph in the photo) also joined the competition.

TALENTS: GOD’S GREATER PLAN

Behind every successful kid are supportive parents who never fail to impart their wisdom.

Jenesis Rain’s father, Joseph shared that he and his wife have always encouraged their children that they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength. (Philippians 4:13.)  “We always remind them to enjoy their journey and learn from it. We teach them the value of prayer and to hold on to the promises of Jesus through His Holy Word. We remind them to always give God the glory for all the success and learn from their failures,” Joseph said.

It was Joseph who trained Jenesis Rain and Rhemaya to become skilled gymnasts. Joseph is a gymnast who was a member of their high school gymnastics team in the United States.

Maxwell Jesse Figueroa showcases his talent in singing

“Our technique for raising talented kids is, first of all, imparting in them the vision that their gifts, skills, and talents are all part of God's greater plan for their lives. According to Jeremiah 29:11, God has a good plan for us, a plan of good and not of evil and a plan for a better future. By putting God first in their lives, as well as trying hard and learning the joy of discipline and hard work, they will see the harvest of their labor. We teach our children to be serious and at the same time enjoy the process of training, for when no one really sees and when it is time to perform or minister, it will be excellent. We also teach them to never give up, even if at times they may have not succeed, to learn from their mistake and make a change for the better. In short, we as parents rely on the grace and favor of the Holy Spirit, but at the same time, teaching them the discipline of hard work and training,” he added.

Maxwell with mom Francie Joy Figueroa

SEEING POTENTIAL

Francie Joy shared that when she discovered Maxwell Jesse's potential in singing, she started to train him “I was so amazed at how he confidently performed onstage.”

“I raised a talented kid by giving him words of encouragement and I let him explore and discover new things. I praise his effort in all the things that he does. I also make sure that there is a balance, so he gets to enjoy every experience and have fun. I always tell him that he is God’s best creation and he can do great things,” she explained.

Jenesis and Maxwell with SM City Iloilo’s Lee Andrea Pedregosa

FUTURE

At a young age, they already have aspirations on what they want to be when they grow up. Jenesis Rain said that she wants to become a dentist. "I want to help people have a better smile," she explained. Maxwell Jesse wants to be an engineer like his father when he grows up and also to be a commercial model if given a chance, said Francie Joy.

With their talents, support of their family, solid foundation and opportunities given to them such as joining SM Little Stars, there’s no question on Jenesis Rain and Maxwell Jesse achieving their dreams.

To Jenesis Rain, Maxwell Jesse, and their families, congratulations!

Meanwhile, SM Little Stars is now in its 12th year. The search aims to foster child development through its activities such as the talent and interview portions, workshops and fun activities at the mall./