THE RECENT staging of "Nasaan Si Hesus," a musical revue on the difficulty of being Christian during these complex times, has produced two potential child stars--the bother-sister team of Daryl Reyes and Niña. Those who've watched the revue attested to the duo's natural acting ability--good proof that they are truly gifted stage performers.

Daryl has already appeared in a number of musical plays: as the boy Jesus in Ryan Cayabyab's "Magnificat," the title role in Musical Theater Philippines' "Saranggola ni Pepe," and the boy Rizal in Nono Gallardo's "Sino Ka Ba, Jose Rizal?"

He played a good role in "Saranggola," a film by Gil Portes, and he also sang its theme song. Likewise, he is the voice behind the Nutroplex and TJ Hotdogs commercial jingles.

"Magnificat" was Daryl's initiation into the world of theater. He was barely nine years old when he auditioned. The panel of auditioners was so impressed with his natural singing voice--something rarely found among children his age. Nowadays, it is common to hear and watch children imitate the sound and style of adult singers.

Who inspired him to go into stage acting? Daryl says it was his mom. "Malayo daw ang mararating ko. True enough, malayo nga, dahil with 'Magnificat,' which has already had 149 performances, I was able to travel all over the country--at libre pa," he grins.

In the almost four years that he has spent in musical theater, Daryl has a lot to be thankful for. "Noon kasi, mahiyain ako. Now I have self-confidence. I have also gained a lot of friends, and I was able to help my family financially and to save some amount in the bank for my education," he beams with pride.

Among the musical plays he has appeared in, "Magnificat" will always be special to him. He says: "It has made me know Jesus Christ more. Talagang napalapit ako sa Diyos. After almost four years with the group, it has also been my second home. Ang dami-dami kong nanay at tatay, kuya at ate sa 'Magnificat!'''

Truly, Daryl is "Magnificat's" baby. Lately, however, a natural occurrence happened and it has worried him so much. His voice has started to change--a clear sign that the "baby" is finally growing up. This has resulted in Daryl's outgrowing his boy Jesus role, but he now plays other roles in the show.

What would be his dream role? "The adult Jesus in 'Magnificat!''' was Daryl's quick reply. Why? Because he knows that, in time, "kaya ko na ang acting and singing parts niya."

Daryl, now 13 years old, is in seventh grade at De La Salle Greenhills. Despite his dedication to theater, he has still managed to land in his class' top 10. "Bumaba nga lang, dati nasa top five ako," he shares.

Niña, on the other hand, burst into the theater scene quite accidentally. As fate would have it, there was nobody in the house to look after this four-year-old natural charmer, so her Lola Dolly brought her along to one of Kuya Daryl's rehearsals for "Nasaan si Hesus?" When the script required a very small child, she was asked to try out--and passed the audition with flying colors!

Niña's love for performing was already evident even when she was only two years old. Her lola recounts that, up to this day, Carol loves to look at herself in the mirror and creates a scene--where crying, laughing and trying out different facial expressions. When opportunity allows it, she dresses herself up to complete the make-believe character.

She also voluntarily helps her Kuya Daryl review his songs or lines in a play and even corrects him when he jumbles his lines.

Niña attends nursery classes at St. Jerome School in Novaliches. Her lola is proud to say that she is at the top of her class. Naturally, everybody in her school is proud of her latest accomplishments.

Asked why she is not ashamed to act before a large audience, Niña perkily replies, "Kasi sabi nila, magaling ako." And why? "Kasi, tinuruan ako ni Direk!" (Producers can get in touch with Daryl or Niña through their Tito Lito at 713-9323.)

And Daryl need not worry about the loss of his much-loved boy Jesus role in "Magnificat." Guess who has taken over the plum part? Little Niña!