MANILA, Philippines — “It’s Showtime,” ABS-CBN’s popular noontime show will soon have an Indonesian version with Filipino singer-actor Leo Consul as one of its hosts.
Consul happily shared the news in a Facebook post on Monday captioned: “What’s up MADLANG PIPOL? The wait is over!”
“IT’S SHOWTIME INDONESIA is finally here and I’m so happy and proud to be part of it as one of its hosts!” he added.
He will be joined by Raffi Ahmad, Luna Maya, Chika Jessica and Indra Herlambang.
Consul, who has been working in the entertainment industry of Indonesia for several years now , shared how proud he is to have been offered the show.
READ: Good things coming to Leo Consul’s way
“Since this is a Pinoy program, maybe they thought it’s only fitting to have a Pinoy host and I happened to be around, so yeah, they offered me the show,” he told INQUIRER.net on Monday.
Consul said he also feels “very proud” because “It’s Showtime is such a huge program back home and to be part of it is just amazing. It’s surreal.”
As the sole Filipino on the franchise’s roster of hosts, Consul said his inclusion in the show can mean unity between the Philippines and Indonesia.
“Having Filipino representation will surely play a significant role in this franchise by showing people that both nations can work together regardless of our differences in culture and ways,” he said.
He said this may also potentially open up opportunities for artists both behind and in front of the camera.
“It will somehow open doors to other artists and those incredible people behind the camera, both in Indonesia and the Philippines, to explore more and expand our creativity and talents across nations,” Consul said.
“By having this representation, it will encourage and strengthen the beautiful concept and core value of acceptance and diversity,” he added.
Consul joined Starstuck Season 5 and Pinoy Dream Academy in the Philippines before making it big in Indonesia.
He got his big break after hosting Eat Bulaga Indonesia, also a franchise of a local noontime variety show, which ran for three years.
Since then, he has hosted various variety shows and even starred in soap operas and movies in Indonesia.