MANILA, Philippines — “May pasabog kami sa Friday at Saturday for the grand finals!” the hosts of noontime program “It’s Showtime!” declared in a press conference this week in preparation for the much-awaited conclusion of the hit singing contest, “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” which turned former winners Nora Aunor and Edgar Mortiz into superstars.
Although some of the hosts’ bets were not included in the Top 10, they gratefully celebrated the contest’s first anniversary last January.
Vice Ganda
When asked what does he think of the contest’s finalists, the comedian declared: “I really don’t care about them! Charot!”
“Merong may sisikat ng bongga d’yan. Not necessarily ‘yung champion, kahit ‘yung finalists,” he assured. “Lahat sila magkaka-puwesto. Maghihintay na lang sila.”
All finalists already have a two-year management contract from ABS-CBN.
“Malaking blessing sa ‘Showtime’ ang ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ and we’re just very thankful.”
He admitted that sometimes, the judges’ chosen winners were not his type.
“We really do not really agree with the judges. But we don’t have to agree everyday. We just have to respect everyday.”
Anne Curtis
Vice Ganda’s co-host, Anne, said “Tawag” complemented the show.
“All Resbakers are now more known than other singers, and with all the exposure they have now, they all have careers after,” she ensured, pointing out that some finalists now have gigs and offers.
Amy Perez-Castillo
Perez, who also just celebrated her first anniversary with “Showtime,” said of her co-hosts: “Ginawa nilang sobrang dali ang pagpasok ko sa programa. Para ko na silang mga anak.”
She is thankful to Anne for teaching her how to dance while on harness. “Feeling young ako everyday ‘pag kasama ko sila!”
When asked of the vocal quality of the finalists, she quipped: “‘Di naman po ako singer. Dati lang akong na-link sa singer, pero wala akong karapatan (na manghusga)!”
Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon
According to Karylle, who sits on the judges’ panel, their choice of winners depends on the day and the judges’ tastes. She confided that she always disagree with other judges, which is why she is thankful that the contest gives second to third chances.
“Sometimes you wish you can make both contestants win,” she said.
She said that when it comes to being good, all finalists are in equal footing. “I’m really looking for that great singer that can change your life and you’ll really follow his or her career and new songs, because I really love the experience of being a music fan.”
She thinks the show clicks because it speaks to many Filipinos’ aspirations.
“I don’t want to think about numbers, but a lot tell me it’s a part of their day. Dream ng maraming Pilipino ang maging singer kasi mahilig tayo mag-videoke.”
Jugs Jugueta
As frontman of pop rock band, Itchyworms, Jugs thinks all 10 finalists are great singers.
“After the daily contest, we interview the contestants and know their stories. Mahirap maging emotional, so we give them pointers.”
He likes being a reliever for the segment because “Araw-araw, para ka lang may concert.”
For him, so far, “It has been a good year and a good run!”