Vhong Navarro explains absence from GMA Gala 2025

Vhong Navarro said he was not able to be with his fellow “It’s Showtime” hosts at the recent GMA Gala 2025 because the event coincided with a scheduled side hustle.

Navarro explained his absence during a playful banter with his co-hosts Vice Ganda and Jhong Hilario on the noontime show’s Aug. 4 episode.

The hosts were talking about Navarro’s ensemble when Vice Ganda recalled the gala, which was held on Aug. 2.

“Ang yabang-yabang nito sa chat group. Buti daw may raket sila ni Ion kaya di na siya gumastos, kumita pa,” the comedian said, referring to Navarro who was laughing.

(He was boasting in the group chat that it was a good thing he and Ion had a side hustle [during the GMA Gala]. He said he was able to earn instead of spending for the event.)

“Ma’am Annette oh!” Vice Ganda added, jokingly addressing GMA Network executive Annette Gozon-Valdes.

Navarro then explained himself, “Ma’am Annette, hindi po. Nataon lang po, pasensya na. Babawi po ako next year.” (That’s not true, Ma’am Annette. It was just a coincidence. I’m sorry. I will attend the GMA Gala next year.)

While Navarro did not expound on his whereabouts last Aug. 2, he and his fellow “Showtime” hosts Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga and actress Bela Padilla recently attended an event in Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, as seen on Navarro’s Facebook page.

Aside from Vice Ganda and Hilario, also present at the GMA Gala 2025 were Anne Curtis, Ogie Alcasid, Ryan Bang, Darren Espanto and Cianne Dominguez. /ra