As Idol Kids Philippines main hosts, Kapamilya stars Jolina Magdangal and Robi Domingo shared how they strive to make each audition experience fun and meaningful for the kiddie hopefuls.
During the media conference for the talent search’s first season, Robi revealed that he and Jolina follow two simple yet important rules—centered on the welfare of both the young contestants and their parents.
“One of our jobs is to prep the parents first before pumasok sila bago magsimula yung taping and kaming dalawa ni Ate Jolens (Magdangal), we just have two rules lang naman. Yung mga contestants sa show na ito ay tinatawag na kiddie hopefuls,” Robi said.
He emphasized the importance of reminding parents that above all, the kids must still enjoy and be kids throughout the process.
“We remind the parents agad na the kiddie hopefuls mas nauuna yung pagiging kids nila. So ayon yung tandang na kailangan ma-enjoy ng mga bata,” he explained.
Robi added that win or lose, the children must take something valuable from the experience.
“In this program, it’s either you win or you learn. You never lose in this program. So, yun yung palaging mindset namin na mahirap din,” he expressed.
He acknowledged the emotional toll of rejection, not only for the contestants but also for the hosts, adding, “Siyempre, kapag nakakakuha ng ‘no’, pati kami naapektuhan. Kung paano naming sasabihin na okay lang iyan eh siyempre noong time, hindi okay talaga. Siyempre, ang layo ng trinavel niya mula iba’t ibang parte ng Pilipinas tapos ang tagal naghintay and then you’ll receive that.
“Nireremind din ni Ate Jolens na siyempre, it’s an experience. And just what like our judges said, it’s not just a show kasi patuloy yung pagtulong para sa kanila.”
On Jolina’s end, being a mom of two also brings a nurturing and relatable presence to the show. She shared that being a parent shaped her style in dealing with the kids.
“Siguro yung maa-add ko lang, hindi lang din to parang dahil grown-ups na kami. Si Momshie Reg (Velasquez), si Angge (Quinto), tapos ako ay mga mommy na but yung human connection. Kami ay hindi lang pwedeng maging nanay, pwede rin kaming maging friends. Pwede rin kami maging kalaro. Pwede ring taga-alaga psychiatrist (na rin),” she explained.
Jolina explained how she and Robi attend to the emotions of both the kids and their guardians before and after the auditions.
“Sabi nga ni Robi parang dalawa yung inaalagan natin, siyempre yung feelings ng bata pagpasok at paglabas. Siyempre pati yung (parents na rin.) Kapag nag-no, minsan sila yung unang nasasaktan so bago pa lumabas kahit nararamdaman na namin kung ano yung sagot, prine-prepare na rin namin yung magulang na para sa mga anak po ito,” she shared.
The two hosts also mentioned the support system behind the scenes that ensures the kids' well-being.
“We have to point out too na tama yung sinabi ni Ate Reg, in this program, we have our resident psychiatrist or psychologist, na handang umalalay right after the audition para i-debriefing sila. Para na rin sa mental health ng mga bata,” Robi said.
Although not their first time hosting together, Idol Kids Philippines marks Robi and Jolina’s first time as a tandem in a major primetime talent show. They both spoke highly of their working relationship.
“Sobrang kabang-kaba ako kasi knowing na ang makakasama ko ay isang icon lalong lalo na ng batang mga '90s diyan. ‘di ba? Yung pakiramdam nakaka-chuva choo choo. So, it’s really refreshing to work with Ate Jolens lalong lalo na brinibring up ko palagi ay mga Jolina dolls, Hey Babe, Marvin Agustin. and so much more. So, it’s a refreshing collaboration, I would have to say. Ang sarap kasama at katrabaho ni Ate Jolens,” Robi said.
Jolina shared that she had long admired Robi’s style as a host.
“Gusto ko talagang maka-work si Robi dahil kapag pinapanood ko siya alam ko, nararamdaman ko as a viewer, hindi lang siya nag-hohost, parang partnership yung kanya pag may ka co-host siya. So, gusto ko yung mga ganoong katrabaho,” she expressed.
“Yung mga kwentuhan namin in between, yun yung mas feeling ko nagpapakilala pa more kay Robi as a real person, I mean yung talaga personalidad niya na totoo siyang tao kahit pala naghohost, ganoon din siya. Generous siya sa mga knowledge, sa mga wisdom na gusto niya ma-ishare.”
Aside from the main show, Kapamilya stars Shanaia Gomez and Emilio Daez will host the digital companion series Idol Kids Spotlight. The show offers exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and highlights the journey of the contestants.
Shanaia is a former Idol Philippines 2019 contestant, while Emilio is known as a former housemate from Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.