Ken Chan says he wants to work with Kim Chiu, as Julie Anne San Jose returns to ‘It’s Showtime’
Ken Chan and Julie Anne San Jose. Images: Instagram/@akosikenchan and @myjaps
Kapuso artists Ken Chan and Julie Anne San Jose were special guests on the July 29 episode of “It’s Showtime,” during which Chan revealed that he would like to work with Kapamilya star Kim Chiu.
Following the return of Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez on the “It’s Showtime” stage on Thursday, July 27, Chan marked his first appearance on the variety show, dancing to BTS member Jungkook’s “Seven.”
The longtime GMA talent — like previous Kapuso special guests — joined the “It’s Showtime” mainstays and the studio audience or the “madlang people” in singing the noontime show’s theme song, before Vice Ganda and the other hosts officially welcomed him to the variety program.
Chan expressed his gratitude to everyone in the studio, and said that it felt good to be on the show. Vice Ganda — who referred to Chan as “ang Kapuso kong beshie (my Kapuso best friend)” — shared that prior to Chan’s guesting, the “My Special Tatay” actor texted him, saying he felt nervous about his first-ever appearance on the show.
“Sabi ko, ‘Ate [Vice Ganda], kinakabahan ako, pero excited ako (I said, ‘Ate, I’m nervous, but I’m excited’),'” shared Chan, who would afterward request if he can shout the variety show’s signature greeting, “What’s up, madlang people!”
After also doing the trending “Mini Miss U” dance challenge with the hosts, Chan was asked by Vhong Navarro to name a Kapamilya actress he would like to have as a leading lady.
“Kung bibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, gusto ko makatrabaho, siyempre, si Kim Chiu (If I would be given a chance, I would like to work with, of course, Kim Chiu),” revealed Chan. Afterwards, the “Pinoy Big Brother” winner shook his hands, as if to introduce herself formally to the Kapuso actor.
Chan would point out their Chinese descent, which prompted Vice Ganda to suggest that the two could star in another installment of the film series “Mano Po.” Chan, along with Bianca Umali and Kelvin Miranda, topbilled the 2022 series “Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss,” the second drama under the “Mano Po Legacy” franchise derived from the film series.
The Kapuso actor, who received praises from the hosts for his acting prowess and kindness, stuck around for the variety show’s “Rampanalo” segment.
Strict judge
Meanwhile, San Jose made a comeback on “It’s Showtime,” less than two weeks after her first experience on the noontime show as guest judge for the singing competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”
The “All-Out Sundays” regular shared that she was very happy and excited about her return to the show, and revealed that it isn’t technically her first stint as a judge, as she has started filming for the upcoming Kapuso reality singing contest “The Voice Generations,” wherein she will serve as a coach.
Asked whether she is strict when it comes to evaluating contestants, San Jose claimed that she’s just strict enough. The singer-actress also shared that she’s looking for versatile aspirants given that singers are made to perform songs of varying genres.
Furthermore, “The Clash” host also said she is looking into how well the contestants have studied their piece. San Jose joined head judge Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal, Kean Cipriano, and Marco Sison for the episode’s judging panel.
During her judging stint, the “Popstar Kids” alum had a major throwback moment, when contestant and eventual new defending champion Julie Ann Robediso shared that she and San Jose once competed in the same televised singing contest when they were kids.
Prior to San Jose’s turn in the judge’s seat, Kapuso singers Christian Bautista and Mark Bautista were also tapped as judges for the grand finals of the segment’s duets edition, which concluded on “It’s Showtime’s” pilot episode on GTV.
The growing list of GMA artists that have made an appearance on the variety show since it’s debut on GTV includes Pokwang, Barbie Forteza, brothers Rodjun and Rayver Cruz, and “Unbreak My Heart” cast members Richard Yap and Gabbi Garcia. EDV
