Amid persistent rumors that ‘It’s Showtime’ may conclude its airing on GMA Network by December 2024, Ogie Alcasid has addressed the speculation surrounding the future of the long-running noontime show.
Alcasid, a host on the 15-year-old ABS-CBN show currently airing on GMA Network, revealed that he has not been informed about any such developments. “Six months? I don’t know, I am not privy to the dealings.,” he said. “Naririnig ko but I don’t know. Ako, I just show up every day and do my work, and that’s it.”
Alcasid took a moment to thank GMA Network for its support, particularly executive Annette Gozon-Valdes, who he noted has been instrumental in making the collaboration possible. “Pero in fairness talaga sa GMA, talagang ipinaglaban nila kami, especially Ma’am Annette (Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network executive). They’re very welcoming. Naramdaman namin yon nung ball (GMA Gala),” he said, recounting the network’s gradual approach that led to the show’s transition to GMA Network’s main lunchtime slot.
“They wanted Showtime kasi kung hindi naman nila gusto ang Showtime, wala kami, di ba? I think ang ganda ng preparations, it started with GTV, nakaramdam kami both ng ligaw-ligawan, and then we understood each other’s relationship and parameters. So, yung paglipat sa pagiging main lunchtime show ng GMA, sobrang imposibleng mangyari, pero nangyari because of the stage-by-stage events.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Alcasid expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am just blessed to be part of that and, hopefully, we can do it longer. Otherwise, life goes on.”
During a recent press conference, ‘It’s Showtime’ co-host Vice Ganda also addressed the rumors, pointing to “a demolition job” intended to discredit the program. “Well, there really was or there really is a demolition job against ‘It’s Showtime’. Pero hindi naman natin sasabihin kung kanino nanggagaling yun. Yung ginagawa sa social media, demolition job yun, diba? Nung mga trolls, demolition job yun eh. Meron silang masamang intensyon at balak kaya demolition job yun,” Vice said. “Maaaring kami ay may kakayahan o nasa isang posisyon na gustong maranasan at makuha din ng iba. At para makuha nila yun, kailangan nilang subukan yun ganung ruta. Kailangan natin mabasag at makuha yung kung anong meron sa kanila.”
Vice went on to say that ‘It’s Showtime’ has weathered numerous controversies and obstacles in its 15-year run. “We just have to deal with it and we just have to keep on going. Kaming lahat sa dami nang pinagdaanan namin, I believe that our team is strong enough to be able to battle all these negativities, challenges and threats together. It will be hard kung hindi kami magkakasama. Kaya yun ang lagi naming pinananatili at tinatawid. Kailangan magkakasama tayo,” Vice added.
Vhong Navarro also chimed in, stating, “Wala naman talagang perpekto, may mga pagkakamali. Sa dami mong ginawa na tama, isang pagkakamali lang na nagawa mo, ang maaalala lang ng mga tao ay yung isang pagkakamali na yun. Kumbaga, hindi mo maple-please lahat ng tao.”
The show is marking its 15th anniversary on October 24 with the annual ‘Magpasikat’ competition week, where the hosts showcase their talents in teams. ‘It’s Showtime’ remains one of the Philippines’ longest-running noontime programs, reaching audiences on GMA Network, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and ALLTV.
