‘It’s Showtime’ goes on the road

After its recent star-studded special at the Big Dome, the ABS-CBN noontime variety program, “It’s Showtime,” which is celebrating its sixth year this month, held court at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, in an effort to bring its stars closer to the “madlang pipol” outside Metro Manila.

“Fans in the provinces only get to see us on television. This time we’re bringing the show to them, so we can see and meet them in person,” host Vhong Navarro told reporters. “We plan to make the rounds and visit other cities.”

After a cheer-dance opening number that thrilled a crowd of about 5,000 Kapamilya fans, “It’s Showtime” kicked off its “Magpasikat” competition, which pitted its hosts against each other in a talent face-off.

Impromptu compositions

Vhong, Eruption and “Mini Me” season one champ Nhikzy Vheench Calma channeled their inner Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson; Jhong Hilario and Ryan Bang engaged in a comedy and dance duel;  Teddy Corpuz, Kuya Kim Atienza, Jugs Jugueta and “That’s My Tomboy” winner Epey Herher

—collectively known as “Tropang Biglaan”—showed off their impromptu song composing skills.

In an elaborate production, Karylle sang and danced, while Billy Crawford and “PINASikat” finalist Amokk performed fire poi routines; Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis, on the other hand, wore poofy wigs and shimmery, skintight costumes in a cabaret number that had the two twerking to Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda.”

Coleen Garcia regaled the audience with a dance number.

Other guests include “Asia’s Got Talent” grand winner, the shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra, as well as Kapamilya hunks Dominic Roque, EA Guzman and Joseph Marco.

Mr. Pastillas aspirants

Meanwhile, Internet celebrity Angelica “Pastillas Girl”  Yap, “It’s Showtime’s” answer of sorts to “Eat Bulaga’s” “AlDub” love team, was serenaded onstage by her admirers or “Mr. Pastillas” aspirants.

Although Angelica—who became famous online after posting a video of her narrating her angst-laden recipe for pastillas—has endeared herself to many, she also has her share of bashers.

Asked to comment on the bashing that Pastillas Girl gets, as well as on the brouhaha over Vice and Karylle’s “surprise” kiss in a past episode, Anne pointed out: “To each his own; whatever’s your flavor that’s what you’ll enjoy.”

“Of course, there will be negative [people], but there are also many viewers who get excited and can relate [with Pastillas Girl and Vice and Karylle],” she said.

The noontime show continues its monthlong anniversary celebration this month.

After Laguna, the “It’s Showtime” troupe will visit  Cebu on Saturday.

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