Some of the Kapuso stars who performed on “It’s Showtime’s” pilot episode on GTV include (from left) Sanya Lopez, Barbie Forteza, Pokwang, Rodjun Cruz and Rayver Cruz. Screenshot from Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s Instagram page
Kapuso stars took to social media to express their gratitude for the opportunity given to them to be part of the pilot episode of “It’s Showtime” on GTV.
The variety show opened with a bang on Saturday, July 1, combining the skills and talents of stars from both the Kapamilya and Kapuso networks in several production numbers.
“It’s Showtime” mainstays Jhong Hilario and Vhong Navarro collaborated with brothers and Kapuso actors Rayver and Rodjun Cruz for a dance performance. The Cruz brothers were former Star Magic artists and were also part of the dance group Anime.
In his Instagram post, Rayver thanked the variety program and expressed delight after he and his brother performed with the Streetboys members. “So happy to be sharing the stage again with our idols and mga kuya! @jhonghilario @vhongx44 solid!!” the “Bolera” actor said.
The brothers also got to reunite with “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” or “TNT”—a singing competition on the variety program—judge Gary Valenciano, who shared a video on Instagram of the heartwarming moment with the former Kapamilya stars.
“It’s Showtime” already had a star-studded lineup of judges for the grand finals of the duets edition of “TNT,” but added more star power, with Kapuso singers Mark Bautista and Christian Bautista also joining the panel.
Christian uploaded a video on Instagram, in which he showed clips of his participation in the pilot episode or what he referred to as a “historic event.” Aside from his judging stint, the “Star in a Million” alum is also “thankful” that he was able to perform on the show a song from the series “Unbreak My Heart,” another collaboration between the networks.
“Also[,] as a ‘[The] Clash’ judge, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the search for the next gen ‘TNT’ duets finals champions!” he said in his post’s caption. “The Clash” is a Kapuso singing competition.
Mark, aside from joining “TNT’s” panel of judges, also performed with Kapamilya singer Erik Santos and “It’s Showtime” hosts Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz. On Instagram, the “Chain Mail” actor shared snaps with his co-judges including former Kapuso singers Jona, Kyla and Jolina Magdangal.
In his caption, Mark thanked the Kapuso network for letting their artists join the variety show’s debut on GTV, saying it was a very “surreal moment.” “So great to see friends and colleagues today sa (at the) [ABS-CBN] building! Thank you ‘[It’s] Showtime’ for having us. [emojis],” he said.
“First Yaya” lead Sanya Lopez featured in a sultry dance number with the variety show’s mainstay Jackie Gonzaga and Kapamilya actress Chie Filomeno.
Along with other Kapuso and Kapamilya artists, she also joined “It’s Showtime” fans, or the “madlang people,” in singing the show’s theme song. In one of the photos she uploaded on Instagram, Lopez is seen singing the theme song with ABS-CBN stars Filomeno, Belle Mariano, Alexa Ilacad and “It’s Showtime” host Kim Chiu.
Lopez, in her caption, revealed that the experience was “[t]otally one for the books!” “Thank you Madlang People!” the Kapuso actress said.
Another former Kapamilya star who reunited with her former co-stars in past ABS-CBN projects was comedian Pokwang. The “A Mother’s Story” actress, along with “It’s Showtime” host Amy Perez and Magdangal, sang an ’80’s hit which was matched by the disco-inspired stage design.
In her Instagram post, Pokwang shared how she was “so happy” to be part of the joyous event, adding that she was delighted to see and embrace once again people who have been a part of her career.
“Masaya akong makita na nagkakaisa both @gtvphilippines @abscbn @gmanetwork para makapaghatid ng saya sa bawat [P]ilipino,” Pokwang said. (I’m happy to see that both ABS-CBN and GMA are united in bringing happiness to every Filipino.)
On her Instagram Stories, Pokwang shared photos of her with with former bosses—ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak, head of TV production Laurenti Dyogi and head of digital Jamie Lopez. The “TiktoClock” host described the company executives as “mga boss ko…na di naman nagbago sakin (my bosses who didn’t treat me differently).”
Screenshot of Pokwang’s Instagram Story
Other Kapuso artists who celebrated with the variety show’s cast and crew were “Unbreak My Heart” stars Richard Yap and Gabbi Garcia, and “Maria Clara at Ibarra” actress Barbie Forteza. Following her guesting, Forteza received shout-outs from Vice Ganda and Chiu on Twitter, with the comedian expressing how the actress is a good fit for their show. /ra