Aren’t they the happiest when they see Christmas lights and décor on the streets? Aren’t they on the top of your gift list? And aren’t they the ones to best enjoy special holiday shows just like this weekend’s much awaited Hi-5 Holiday?

Yes! Beginning today until Sunday, the popular Australian Hi-5 gang of Stevie, Casey, Lauren, Tim and newest member Dayen will thrill their little fans as they perform in a series of live shows at the SM Mall of Asia Center Stage. Set on “Hi-5 Island,” Hi-5 Holiday will take children young and old on an ocean adventure, with surfing, penguin dancing, and underwater swimming.

On Wednesday, Hi-5’s cast arrived in Manila and went straight to press conference at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Pasay City. This is the second time for the popular Australian TV production to come to the country, after visiting in 2009.

In an interview with The Manila Times, the Hi-5 members shared what Filipino children can expect from their grand production.

Lauren Brant who has been with the TV show since 2009, said, “If there is anything that children love in the TV show, it’s the fun, color, and dancing. They can expect to experience all that. As for us, we are looking forward to meeting them.”

For Tim Maddren, the show will not be a hit without the children’s participation. He explained, “The kids give us energy. They are just full of excitement when they see us. It would be wrong for us not to feel the same way as them. It’s very easy [to perform] when we are around the kids.” Tim, like Lauren, has been on the children’s program since 2009.

For the past 10 years, Hi-5 has been one of the top 3 successful pre-school television shows in Australia, and has gained immense popularity around the world. With an engaging and energetic cast, it has captivated children between two to six with over 13 successful series to date.

It is estimated that in a week, Hi-5 reaches a global audience of 1 million. In the Philippines, the children’s show airs every day on the Disney Junior channel.

In Hi-5 Holiday, audiences can look forward to hearing the gang sing all their favorite songs including, Let’s Get Away, Wonderful, Zoo Party and Celebrate along with other new hits with which to sing and dance along.

Hi-5 Christmas
Since Christmas is fast approaching, the Hi-5 gang was asked how they will be celebrating the merriest time of the year. Stevie Nicholson, who has been with the group the longest, replied, “We are very lucky to have a Christmas break in Australia. And guess what? We spend it together!”

Lauren then added, “Yes, we spend it together, and then afterward, we go back to our families to be with them.”

Tim also recalled how surprised he was when he learned on his first visit here that Christmas in the Philippines begins as early as September.

“When we were here three years ago for our first show, it was in September and there were already Christmas decorations everywhere. That was how we remember our first tour here,” Tim related.

“Which we love because we love Christmas!” Lauren added.

With their new production in Manila just as the kids get out of school, there’s so much more reason to love Christmas this year.

Hi-5 Holiday is presented by Hi-5 Operations Pte. Ltd., Vivre Fort Entertainment and SM Cinema e-Plus Card. Tickets are available at all SM Cinema Ticket Booths. Log on to www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222 for more information. Show dates are tonight, and on December 15 and 16.