THE “Magpasikat 2023” performances of noontime variety show “It’s Showtime” ended with a timely and powerful message from the team of Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, and Ion Perez: be responsible in using gadgets and social media.
Unlike the previous “Magpasikat” performances, Team Jhong, Kim, and Ion did not showcase any advanced technology in their performance such as artificial intelligence (AI), live animation, or hologram. Instead, their production number tackled the technology itself and how it should be used properly.
The trio portrayed different roles to show the madlang people the effect that irresponsible use of gadgets and social media could bring not only to themselves but also to other people around them.
Jhong played the role of a father who wanted to spend time with his loved ones, but his family members were too occupied by their mobile phones.
Kim, meanwhile, portrayed the role of a content creator, who is also the provider in her family. She filmed and uploaded a video on social media that showed a restaurant server (played by Ion) and a customer (portrayed by actor Bernard Palanca) engaging in a fight.
Ion found himself being the talk of the town as the video that Kim shared online went viral.
The performance also highlighted what the young generation calls “Cancel culture,” a form of public condemnation in which people express their disapproval or rejection of someone who has done something that they believe is offensive.
The three characters expressed their frustrations over the irresponsible use of mobile phones and social media.
Jhong said that cell phones were invented to become a bridge between people and not to disconnect them from one another.
“Magkakasama nga pero hindi nagpapansinan. ‘Di ba ang cell phone ay para tayo’y pag-ugnayin? Hindi paghiwalayin? Kausapin niyo naman ako!” he said.
People should also be true to themselves and not harm other individuals for their own benefit, Kim said.
“Kailangan bang magkunwari para lang makaluwag sa buhay? Para lang makapagbigay sa pamilya, kailangan bang mantapak ng iba? Gipit lang ako!” she stressed.
Ion, on the other hand, shared how things can be hard for people who get canceled on social media.
“Ang hirap palang ma-cancel, sisikat na nga lang ako sa mali pang paraan. Hindi ako cellphone na gagamitin niyo lang para sa ikasasaya niyo. Tao ako!” he said.
The trio’s production number wowed the madlang people by offering a fresh concept that featured wall climbing stunts, apart from the hosts’ sing-and-dance performances.
Joining Bernard as special guests of Team Jhong, Kim, and Ion are actress Janice de Belen and dancer Lea Carla “Luningning” Santos.
At the end of their performance, the “It’s Showtime” hosts left a thought-provoking question to the audiences: “Ikaw, gaano ka ka-responsable sa paggamit ng cellphone?”
Be responsible
Many netizens agreed with the trio’s message that people should be responsible in using their gadgets and social media.
Some of them shared that they found themselves guilty of spending too much time on their mobile phones, instead of having quality time with their loved ones.
Other X users, meanwhile, encouraged netizens to really be mindful of what they would post online because it could have a negative impact on other people.
The winner of “It’s Showtime’s” week-long anniversary special will be announced on Saturday, November 11.
