PRESS STATEMENT FROM GMA-7:

"On April 16, kids from 9 to 12 years old will prove that age, height or hand size cannot hinder cooking talent in GMA-7's Amazing Cooking Kids.

"Hosted by Carmina Villaroel, Amazing Cooking Kids is a reality cooking competition for kids who aspire to be chefs in the future.

"The show aims to provide a fun and friendly cooking environment where qualified kids could show what they know about cooking and gain more knowledge in their craft.

"In the auditions held in SM Hypermarket Sucat and SM Hypermarket Fairview last month, aspiring kiddie cooks impressed spectators and judges as they presented their signature dishes: from Filipino food like adobo and binagoongan to Mediterranean-style chicken and kebabs.

"Those who qualified in the auditions then went through a cook-off where cooking ability, plating skill and personality were observed. This showdown determined who emerged to be the 12 boldest aspirants, now finalists to the competition.

"Every week, finalists would perform cooking and skills challenges and would be evaluated by a panel of three reputable chef judges. These chef judges would decide who stays for the next round and who goes home.

"The cooking gurus who will share their culinary expertise to the kids are: Chef Rosebud Benitez, famous for her 10-minute kitchen wonders in Quickfire; Chef Jackie Ang-Po, owner of Fleur De Lys Patisserie and former host of True Confections and Delicioso; and Chef GB Barlao, Vice President of Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA).

"Meet the future of Philippine culinary industry represented by this Amazing Dozen of kids with different cooking backgrounds: Dingdong Lagman of Quezon City, Tasha Pulgado of Bulacan, Nica Fortuno of Batangas, Xymon Caballero of Caloocan City, Duday Reyes of Quezon City, Budik Villalobos of Cavite, Pat Reyes of Mandaluyong City, Ice Almalmani of Parañaque City, Tarah Santos of Muntinlupa City, Angela Rosales of Quezon City, Ronin Leviste of Makati City, and Pau Sablaya of Quezon City.

"Expect Saturday mornings to be fun, cute and deliciously awesome in Amazing Cooking Kids, where even adults can learn how to cook from young ones.

"Beginning April 16, Amazing Cooking Kids airs every Saturday at 11:15 a.m. on GMA-7."