Showbiz Roundup: ‘It’s Showtime’ on GMA, Shaira Moro vs Lenka, and more

(From left) “It’s Showtime” cast, Shaira Moro, and Lenka. Image: FILE PHOTOS

ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime” is taking over GMA’s noontime slot starting April 6, another clear sign that the so-called “network war” has become a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, Shaira Moro’s “Selos” is facing copyright issues after Australian singer-composer Lenka accused her of using the melodies of her 2008 song “Trouble is a Friend.”

All these and more as the historic week in Philippine showbiz unfolded from March 15 to 21.

‘It’s Showtime’ on GMA

“It’s Showtime” will start airing on GMA’s noontime slot on April 6. Image: GMA Corporate Communications

ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime” is taking over GMA’s noontime slot beginning April 6, and will air from Monday to Saturday.

The announcement came after the noontime show’s hosts and the executives of the Kapamilya and Kapuso networks formally sealed the deal in a historic contract signing ceremony at the GMA Network Center on March 20.

Among the executives from both ABS-CBn and GMA. Also part of the event were “It’s Showtime” hosts Vice Ganda, Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, Karylle, Amy Perez, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta, Darren Espanto, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga, MC, Lassy, and Cianne Dominguez.

This move shows GMA and ABS-CBN’s “commitment to deliver top-notch entertainment and serve the Filipino people,” per a joint statement.

During the contract signing, the GMA chairman said viewers can “expect more collaborations” between the Kapuso and Kapamilya networks while underscoring that the “network wars” are truly over.

“It’s Showtime” takes over the noontime slot of TAPE Inc.-helmed “Tahanang Pinakamasaya,” after airing under GMA’s subsidiary network GTV.

Shaira vs Lenka

(From left) Lenka and Shaira Moro. Image: Instagram/@lenkamusic, Facebook/Shairaa Moro Music

The agency of Mindanao-based singer Shaira Alimudin, best known by her stage name Shaira Moro, announced it would be securing a cover license for her viral hit “Selos,” after Lenka said her team took action against Moro for using the melody of her song “Trouble Is a Friend.”

Lenka confirmed this in response to one @france.onz who called her attention regarding Shaira allegedly “claiming [her] song and earning from it,” as seen in the comments section of her Instagram post on March 8.

“We have taken legal action thanks,” she said.

The Mindanao-based singer’s “Selos” was then removed from streaming platforms on March 19, hours after Lenka’s statement, which led netizens to speculate that it had something to do with the accusations.

Shaira’s agency AHS Productions then confirmed in an official statement that taking down “Selos” was a “voluntary act” due to a “pending agreement” with Lenka’s team to secure a “cover license” for the song.

“On behalf of our artist, Shaira, AHS would like to convey our heartfelt apologies to all those who have enjoyed listening to the ‘Selos’ as it is now unavailable [on] all online streaming platforms,” the agency said.

“This is a voluntary act on our end as we are still making arrangements [concerning] the legality of the publication of the song. We have chosen to take it down from all platforms pending our agreement with the original artist’s management on securing a cover license for ‘Selos,’ AHS added.

Moro’s agency also confirmed in its statement that the melody of “Selos” indeed came from Lenka’s “Trouble Is a Friend.”

“As most of you may know, the melody that we have used is originally from a song entitled ‘Trouble is a Friend’ by Lenka and as of the moment, we are already in contact with her team for us to make “Selos” an official cover,” it said.

Despite this, AHS thanked Shaira’s fans for “opening [their] hearts” to her viral hit since it was intended to be “made public” for entertainment.

AHS also said in the comments section that Moro will be releasing “original music” soon.

Joanne Thornley withdraws from MUPh 2024

Joanne Thornley withdrew from the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant. Image: Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines – Angeles City

Another Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) 2024 delegate bowed out of the race early in the competition, Joanne Thornley who was appointed as Angeles City’s representative in the fifth edition of the annual national pageant.

Gerry Diaz, head of the Aces and Queens pageant camp that trained the Kapampangan lass, shared on social media the statement announcing Thornley’s official withdrawal from the 2024 pageant.

“With a heavy heart, The Miss Universe Philippines Angeles City announces the decision of Joanne Thornley to withdraw from the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. Joanne has faced health challenges which prevented her from attending several activities,” the organizer said in a statement.

Although the city organizer declined to disclose the specific medical condition that Thornley is experiencing, it said, “her health concerns required her to prioritize her well-being above all else.”

Thornley is the second delegate of the 2024 MUPh pageant to withdraw from the competition.

Kananga’s Natasha Jung announced her withdrawal from the contest after the presentation of the delegates last month. The provincial organizer had since replaced her with Phoebe Arrianna Torita, who was already included in the photo and video releases made by the national organization.

The Miss Universe Philippines Angeles City organization, meanwhile, did not say if another representative will take over from Thornley.

Catriona Gray calls for ‘accountability’

(From left) Catriona Gray and Anne Jakrajutatip. Image: Instagram/@catriona_gray, Instagram/@annejkn.official

Catriona Gray took a stronger stance after she called for the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) to take “accountability” for its owner Anne Jakrajutatip‘s leaked video and prove that its effort to push for inclusivity is not a “mere token” for candidates to feel included.

In an interview with entertainment journalist MJ Marfori via Tiktok last March 14, the 2018 Miss Universe titleholder hoped the MUO would prove to the pageant community that inclusivity shouldn’t be seen as a “token thing,” and set a tone for other “pageant systems.”

“I just hope that the brand would really take accountability and show that it is not just a token for the pageant community to feel included just for the sake of it,” Gray said. “I hope they would embrace them and [set the tone] for other pageant systems that inclusivity is not a token thing.”

The beauty queen pointed out that inclusivity “needs to be praised,” although she admitted that she’s aware that not all her fellow titleholders would “agree” with her opinion.

“It’s something that needs to be praised. Not all pageant titleholders agree, but I love the topic of inclusivity. I always believe in the platform of pageantry, and why we should have these platforms so women would not just fit in a certain shape, perception, or beauty which is ever-changing in our society,” she said.

Gray, however, clarified that she “doesn’t know” what actions were taken since the leaked video. Despite this, she remained firm in her hope for the MUO to take responsibility.

“I don’t know what actions were taken since that video was taken. [I hope] accountability was taken and hopefully, in the ongoing competitions, it won’t just follow this inclusive token. [I hope] we see the authenticity and what inclusivity means to the brand,” she said.

Kris Aquino postpones hospital confinement

Kris Aquino during a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview. Images: Screengrab from GMA Network

Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste gave an update on Kris Aquino and her health, saying she postponed her scheduled hospital confinement in Los Angeles due to COVID-19 alerts in the medical facilities.

“She’s still coping with the treatments. She postponed her confinement at UCLA hospital,” the politician said of Aquino during the opening event of Barako Fest 2024 on March 14.

“While I was still there, nagkaroon ng COVID alert sa mga medical facilities that’s why I decided to go home first… But anytime that she needs me to be in Los Angeles, of course, I’ll give it my utmost priority,” he assured.

Leviste underscored that while attending to his responsibilities as a public servant is also his priority, he won’t hesitate to immediately fly to Los Angeles should Aquino need him. He added that he is planning to return to the US after the Holy Week.

“Nagsasalitan din kami ng mga sisters niya, ng ibang kaibigan, para hindi sabay-sabay rin [sa pagbisita]. That way, we are assured that madam is in good company other than the company of Bimb,” Leviste continued, referring to Aquino’s youngest son whom he commended for being “very responsible for his age” and for “[taking] good care of his mom like no other.”

“Of course her condition is critical pero sa awa ng Diyos, nairaraos. Malaking bagay ‘yung mga panalangin na ipinapaabot natin sa kanya,” he added. “Your prayers go a very very long way.”

When asked for his message to Aquino, Leviste declared: “I miss you and I always pray for you, and I love you. Alam mo ‘yan.”

During Aquino’s February interview with Boy Abunda, she disclosed that the next six months would be very crucial for her as she would take a new drug that would weaken her immune system.

Bimby chooses mom Kris over PH career

Kris Aquino and her youngest son Bimby. Image: Instagram/@krisaquino

Kris Aquino’s younger son, Bimby, has decided to stay abroad to continue attending to his sick mom, setting aside plans to continue his entertainment career in the Philippines.

Speaking to the press during the opening event of Barako Fest 2024, Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste shared that Bimby decided to stay in Los Angeles for now to continue taking care of Aquino.

“Alam mo si Bimb talagang hahanga ka sa bata. He’s way ahead of his time. Even if he’s only barely 17 [years old],” he said.

Leviste expressed his admiration for Bimby’s dedication to looking after the former “Kris TV” host, who continues to battle her multiple autoimmune diseases.

“He thinks, he acts, he cares, and loves his mom like an adult. Well, he is a young adult, he’s mature, very responsible for his age and he takes good care of his mom like no other,” he remarked.

As reported by Bandera, Aquino’s handler, Tin Calawod of Cornerstone Entertainment, confirmed that Bimby has chosen to stay abroad in the meantime.

“Hi Ate Tin, I wanna stay muna with mama.” reads the text that Calawod shared with the press on Tuesday, March 19.

Despite the postponement, Calawod said that they are excited about the projects that Bimby will take on once he decides to finally go back to showbiz.