HOSTS Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, and Ion Perez emerged as the grand champion for this year’s “Magpasikat” segment of noontime variety show “It’s Showtime” on Saturday.
“Magpasikat” is the annual week-long anniversary special of the show, where the hosts compete with one another by showcasing their talents.
Team Jhong, Kim, and Ion earned a score of 9.6 from the judges, also known as the “hurados,” comprising rock icon Jett Pangan, acclaimed filmmaker Olivia Lamasan, Black Eyed Peas star apl.de.ap, veteran actor Tirso Cruz III, and Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza.
The trio was the last team to perform for the “Magpasikat 2023” on Friday, where they promoted the responsible use of gadgets and social media.
They highlighted how these things could have a negative impact on people when not used properly, including neglecting family time.
Many netizens found the team’s message timely and relevant in today’s world where technology is a main thing.
This is two consecutive wins for Jhong after he won the grand champion title last year with co-host Ryan Bang for their Filipino-Korean-centered performance.
It is also Kim’s second “Magpasikat” triumph after winning in 2021, while this is Ion’s first grand champion title.
Team Jhong, Kim, and Ion took home P300,000, which will be donated to their chosen charity.
Meanwhile, the team of Anne Curtis, Ryan Bang, and Ogie Alcasid finished second, taking home P200,000. Their performance was about seeking healing.
The third place went to the team of Vhong Navarro, Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz, who paid tribute to the late Filipino comedians in their production number. The team won P100,000.
14th anniversary
The “It’s Showtime” family marked their 14th anniversary on Saturday.
In the November 11 episode, an audio-visual presentation was played, which highlighted the show’s milestones in the previous years such as the launching of new segments “Isip Bata” and “Mini Miss U.”
The video also featured the challenges that “It’s Showtime” faced, including the 12-day airing suspension imposed by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Despite these, the noontime variety show came back stronger to bring joy to the madlang people.
“Ever since naman, Showtime has always been colorful, ‘di ba? Pero this year talaga, it’s been extra colorful,” Vice Ganda said.
“Grabe yung pagpapalit ng kulay. Grabe yung pagpapalit ng emosyon. Grabe yung pagpapalit ng oras. Grabe yung bilis ng panahon. Grabe yung pagdating ng mga pangyayari. And we’re still here. Look at us, we’re still here celebrating and winning,” he added.
As one of the show’s main hosts, Anne said that the “It’s Showtime” family may not be a “perfect” one, but it is a “true family.”
“The memories that we make together and with the madlang people, for me, those memories, both good and bad, are perfect because it makes us a true family,” she said.
The other hosts also turned emotional as they thanked each other and the madlang people for not giving up on the challenges and supporting one another.
