Kiku as Buttercup of the Philippines!!

SUGAR, SPICE, AND EVERYTHING NICE…...

MAKE PINOY POWERPUFF GIRLS
Cartoon Network introduces the country’s very own sugar-coated superheroes

In line with the celebration of the Powerpuff Girls’ 10th anniversary, Cartoon Network recently concluded its nationwide search for the Philippines’ real-life Powerpuff Girls in 10 Years of Saving the World: The Powerpuff Generation. On June 1, 2008, Gabriella Louise Lopez, Jacie Gwynne Odiver and Phing Mauris “Kiku” Nizuma were crowned as the Philippines’ Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, respectively, in a glittering awards gala held at SM Mall of Asia. Selected out of hundreds of girls between the age of six and ten over a three-month long contest, the three winners each received a Personality Development Course from John Robert Powers, cash prize of PHP 20,000, Nature Trip for two from Haribon Foundation and lots of Powerpuff Girls goodies.

Like a crown resting on her head, Blossom’s red bow signifies her commander-in-chief place amongst The Powerpuff Girls. And carrying this perfect combination of brains and beauty of Blossom’s is nine-year-old Gabriella Louise Lopez. “I’m so happy to be chosen as the real-life Blossom in the Philippines,” said Gabriella. “I’ve always wanted to be like The Powerpuff Girls and, even though I don’t have super powers, I think I can still be a hero by being a role model.”

As joyful as Bubbles, six-year-old Jacie Gwynne Odiver is the Filipina version of the very bubbly Bubbles. Sharing the same personality, Jacie is as bright as a summer day, loves and treats everyone, everything with respect. “The Powerpuff Girls is my favorite show and I am so happy that I was chosen as Bubbles, because I think she is very pretty and cute. I try to be like her by obeying my parents all the time,” said Jacie with a giggly laugh.

Always alert and aware, Buttercup no doubt is the ultimate fighting machine amongst the Girls. at only eight years old, Phing Mauris Niizuma, or Kiku, is already like Buttercup, going full speed ahead in saving the environment. Kiku is learning about biodegradable materials at school: “I feel like I am really like Buttercup because I’m tough,” said Kiku. “I tell my classmates not to use plastic anymore and not to litter.”

Under the theme of “Saving the World”, this “Power Pick” search looked for young Pinoy Girls who epitomized the personas of Cartoon Network’s kindergarten crime-fighting trio, The Powerpuff Girls. Fifteen top finalists showcased their talent, wit and charm in a double-weekend extravaganza at the SM Mall of Asia attended by thousands of Cartoon Network fans. The fifteen finalists were featured in an exclusive fashion show in which they modeled the latest Powerpuff Girls apparel as well as their own costumes while striking their best “Power Pose”. They also dazzled audience with their powerpuff talent in “Power Performance” and showed off their brains in “Power Ponder.”

Gabriella and Jacie also won Best in Costume as Blossom and Bubbles in the “Power Pick” finals, along with Kristen May Gonzales for Best in Costume as Buttercup. Kiku, who played a very convincing Buttercup, also won Best in Talent, as she rallied the audience to fight for the environment in her two-minute monologue.

The weekend events featured activities sponsored by partners such as GMA 7’s Art Angel, Junior Inquirer, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and the Haribon Foundation. From art workshops, storytelling, and lessons in communicating with animals through sign language to Powerpuff Girls-inspired nail art, balloon styling and Powerpuff Me portraits, event attendees were not only kept entertained but informed as well. Environmental awareness was the call of the day as kids were taught how to care for nature and, in effect, save the world before bedtime just like Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup.

Joining Cartoon Network in celebrating 10 Years of Saving the World: The Powerpuff Generation are GMA 7, QTV, Art Angel, Toy Kingdom, SM Character Shop, Jollibee, Haribon Foundation, Worldwide Fund, Junior Inquirer, SM Mall of Asia, K-Zone and Total Girl.