Vhong Navarro emphasized the importance of using AI tech responsibly after their performance
Legendary comedians Redford White, Babalu, and Dolphy were brought back to life through the magic of artificial intelligence (AI) on the November 6 episode of “It’s Showtime.”
This week, the hosts of “It’s Showtime” were formed into different groups for their yearly Magpasikat performance as part of the show’s 14th anniversary. The first to perform is the team of Vhong Navarro, Jugs Jugueta, and Teddy Corpuz.
For their performance, their team honored comedy legends Redford, Babalu, and Dolphy alongside other iconic names in the industry such as Apeng Daldal, Ben Tisoy, Cachupoy, Don Pepot, Gary Lising, Ike Lozada, Mang Tomas, Palito, Panchito, Soxie Topacio, and Zorayda.
Vhong and his group used AI to digitally alter their faces to look like Bert Tawa Marcelo, Miss Tapia, Dencio Padilla, Tiya Pusit, and Yoyoy Villame, among others.
Actress-comedian Nova Villa, who just returned to ABS-CBN via the series “Can’t Buy Me Love,” also surprised fans as she showed up as Azon from “Home Along Da Riles,” the partner of Dolphy in the show.
The use of AI technology is something that Vhong’s team explored to keep their offerings always new and fresh every Magpasikat performance. However, the hosts emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly and how its capabilities shouldn’t be abused.
Vhong says, “Siyempre, dahil 14 years na ang ‘It’s Showtime,’ parang lahat nagawa na natin dito. So nag-iisip kami, ‘Ano pa ba ang pwede nating ipakita?‘ Kaya naisip ng team namin na gawin ang AI, dahil nauuso siya ngayon. Pero ang paggamit ng AI ay dapat ginagamit sa tama, hindi sa panloloko.”
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The family members of the late comedians, including those of Blakdyak, Willie Nepomuceno, and Babalu, also visited the studio to witness the tribute for their loved ones.
Vhong couldn’t hold back his emotions upon his return to “Magpasikat,” as he was not part of any team last year after he went on a short hiatus.
He told the audience, “Lahat naman tayo ay darating dito pero siyempre, ayaw naman natin na malimutan tayo ng mga tao. At isa rin, na-miss ko rin ‘yung Magpaasikat last year. Kaya at least ngayon ay nakabalik ulit ako para magpasaya ng madlang pipol,” he added.
The panel of judges for this year’s Magpasikat are director Olive Lamasan, veteran actor and FDCP head Tirso Cruz III, OPM icon Jett Pangan, Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza, and international artist apl.de.ap.
Banner Image Dani Sison
