Bogo quake survivor wins P1M in 'It's Showtime'

Vice Ganda stayed true to his word that “It’s Showtime’s” 16th anniversary would be scaled down, forgoing the high-concept performances of its annual “Magpasikat” tradition — productions that typically cost a minimum of P6 million per group — in light of ABS-CBN’s continued financial challenges since its shutdown and the calamities that have affected the Philippines in recent months.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

“Dati ang saya kasi afford namin. Right now, unfortunately and realistically, we can’t afford that anymore, and I’m sure you understand, and you know why,” the comedian said last October.

Still, the Kapamilya noontime show managed to mount a weeklong anniversary celebration from December 1 to 6 that felt festive despite its pared-down presentation.

Instead of awarding cash prizes to winning hosts, these were redirected to the show’s Madlang Pipol through an extended version of “Laro Laro Pick,” featuring a P1 million jackpot, as well as highlighting the program’s 16-year history since it first aired in 2009.

- MagPASKOsikat -

Each episode opened with a themed production number featuring selected hosts and guest performers, continuing to embody the spirit of “Magpasikat” in a noncompetitive format.

Monday’s episode was hip-hop themed, with the hosts covering iconic Filipino hiphop tracks, including Francis Magalona’s “Mga Kababayan” alongside the late rapper’s sons, Elmo and Arkin Magalona.

It also featured Anne Curtis performing the Cebu-made hit “Itusmo” with Dice & K9 and Hi-C.

“It was not our first time performing on the show, though it has been years since our last one. The energy and fun have always been the same,” Dice told The FREEMAN. “It truly felt like an honor to return and be part of the amazing celebration of It’s Showtime, a show that has always been close to our hearts.”

Tuesday’s show highlighted P-pop, led by Darren Espanto’s cover of SB19’s “Dungka.” P-pop groups VXON, KAIA, 1621, G22, and BGYO also performed their songs.

The episode marked the debut of the show’s homegrown idol group SWT16, composed of Curtis, Kim Chiu, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez, who performed BINI’s “Pantropiko,” with BINI member Gwen in attendance.