“It’s Showtime” Hosts Air Words Of Gratitude For Program’s Debut On GMA-7

Vice Ganda leads the “It’s Showtime” family in expressing their gratitude to the Kapuso Network!

ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime” airs its debut episode on GMA-7’s noontime block—marking a historic moment on Philippine television. 

The momentous shift in the history of Philippine entertainment has prompted some of the mainstays of “It’s Showtime” to echo their thanks and appreciation to GMA-7. 

Leading the pack, “It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda has aired her gratitude for the successful transfer of the noontime program to the Kapuso network. 

During her speech, she says, “Ngayong araw, pinag-isa, pinagsanib-pwersa, pinagbuklod ang mga Kapamilya at Kapuso sa pagpapasaya ng ating Madlang Pipol. 

“Ito na! Ito na talaga ang pinakamatinding plot twist ng dekada! We found a new home sa piling ng ating mga Kapuso. 

“Kaya naman po sa GMA Network, maraming maraming maraming salamat po sa pagbibigay sa amin ng tsansang muling maabot ang mas maraming manonood. 

In the presence of ABS-CBN executives, Cory Vidanes, Carlo Katigbak, and Mark Lopez, Vice has extended her gratitude to those who paved the way for such a possibility—especially the GMA-7 big bosses—Atty. Felipe Gozon, Gilberto Duavit Jr., Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Felipe Yalong, and Joel Jimenez. 

After that, Vhong Navarro has officially introduced the “It’s Showtime” family to the Kapuso viewers, saying that the noontime program is ready to give all-out entertainment from Mondays to Saturdays.

Anne Curtis has also taken the time to simmer the two biggest milestones—one of which is Vice Ganda’s birthday celebration which coincides with the debut episode. 

For Vice’s speech, she mentions that this has been the most favored birthday she ever had—especially now that she gets to spend it in their new home and in the presence of a much larger audience.

She says, “Ito yung pinakamalaking regalo, pinakamahalaga, pinakamakabuluhan—pinaka-gusto kong regalong matanggap ngayong taon kasi ito yung regalong hindi lang para sa akin kung hindi para sa napakaraming tao. 

“Ito ay para sa Madlang People na mapapasaya namin magmula sa araw na ito. Ito ay para sa GMA at para sa ABS-CBN. Sa lahat ng nagtatrabaho sa ‘It’s Showtime,’ sa lahat ng staff nating napakahuhusay at masisipag.

“At sa ating lahat na mga hosts, sa lahat ng mga kapiling natin—mga Kapamilya, Kapuso—ito ay isang regalo na lahat tayo ay mapapasaya.“

“It’s Showtime” hosts energize the studio

Anne and Karylle kickstart the first episode with a fiery performance of “Power” by Little Mix. It is then followed by Kim Chiu who takes the performance to another level by doing an aerial exhibition. 

Taking the heat to the stage, Amy Perez, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez also showcased their dance moves. Meanwhile, Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz serenade the Madlang Pipol with “Let Me Entertain You” by Robbie Williams.

MC and Lassy follow suit with a comedic performance, while Ryan Bang and Ion Perez dance with the same groove.

Ramping up the entertainment, Ogie Alcasid and Darren Espanto deliver their part of the song as equally intense—engaging the audience for a party. 

“Sample King” Jhong Hilaro shows all the breaks and reflexes with his moves, while Vhong Navarro does not lag behind with an equally energetic dance performance. 

The opening production culminated with a special performance from the “Unkabogable” Vice Ganda.

It starts with a cinematic clip of Vice in what seemed to be a desert. Trying to escape from the ominous sandstorm, the video then pans to the Kapuso tower in Kamuning Quezon City, wherein it features the building and the logo. 

For her live performance, the comedian dons a golden ensemble as she sings “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons, “Champion” by Buju Banton, and “Hall of Fame” by The Script. 

The production was then followed by the iconic “It’s Showtime” theme song—this time accompanied by various drag queens, including Drag Race Philippines Season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole. 

Pointing to a revamp, the song then resumed using its previous lyrics “magpasikat na” instead of its usual “Forever Kapamilya.” 

“It’s Showtime” replaces “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” 

The deal between ABS-CBN and GMA-7 was made on March 20, 2024—during a contract-signing event attended by the two networks’ executives and mainstays of “It’s Showtime. 

“It’s Showtime” replaces the defunct noontime show “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” after the latter’s exit from the Kapuso noontime block on March 8, 2024.

READ ALSO: “It’s Showtime” To Air On GMA-7 After “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” Cancellation

The decision to cancel the show was prompted by internal challenges that TAPE Inc.— the show’s producer—has experienced. 

“Tahanang Pinakamasaya” went by its original title “Eat Bulaga!” However, TAPE Inc.’s legal battle against Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon over the program’s copyright rendered itself unsuccessful. 

With that, TVJ has gained full rights to the license—including its logo, title, and overall branding—prompting TAPE Inc. to rebrand the noontime program as “Tahanang Pinakamasaya.” 

It was hosted by Isko Moreno, Paolo Contis, Buboy Villar, Betong Sumaya, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi, Winwyn Marquez, Glaiza De Castro, Yasser Marta, Michael Sager, Kokoy De Santos, Kimpoy Feliciano, Arra San Agustin, Chariz Solomon, Dasuri Choi, and Alexa Miro. 

Banner Art Dani Sison