Unkabogable star Vice Ganda revealed that he once doubted the long-term success of the now-iconic noontime show ‘It’s Showtime.’
Celebrating the show’s 15th anniversary, Vice recounted a surprising prediction he had made years ago, which he shared during an interview with former manager Ogie Diaz on ‘Showbiz Update.’
Vice recalled the early days of It’s Showtime, admitting, “’Di ba nga nagsisimula pa lang ‘yan ano bang sabi ko sa ‘yo (kay Ogie), ‘di naman magtatagal ‘yan parang perya! Di ba sabi ko sa’yo?, ‘Mamang parang hindi naman magtatagal parang perya’.”
His early doubts, however, were completely dispelled as the show has since thrived, cementing itself as a major staple of Philippine television for over a decade.
Vice also shared a touching moment from the recent anniversary, recounting words of encouragement from ABS-CBN’s Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes. “This is gonna be forever hangga’t may lakas ka, hangga’t gusto mo pa dire-diretso ito, walang hintuan!” he shared, adding that Vidanes encouraged him not to give up, expressing her hope that he would stay with the show for many more years to come.
“Nagpunta siya sa dressing room at ang wish ko sana hindi ka magkakasakit, hindi ka magsasawa, hindi ka susuko kasi hangga’t hindi ka sumusuko dire-diretso ‘to kaya matagal pa po tayong magsasama, pagtitiisan n’yo pa po ako. Ha-hahahaha!”
Ogie Diaz, who managed Vice from 2006 to 2011, reminisced about advising Vice to take advantage of ‘It’s Showtime’ for the exposure, even if it lasted just a season. “Raketin mo na, sayang ang exposure!” Diaz had joked back then. The host-comedian reflected on how neither of them imagined the show would continue for 15 years, attracting a devoted fan base along the way.
Vice’s early involvement and creative input on ‘It’s Showtime’ have often been topics of conversation, with some questioning his role in shaping the show. Yet, his charisma and unwavering presence are widely credited with helping make the program a household name.
As ‘It’s Showtime’ continues its journey, Vice Ganda’s story of humble beginnings and hard-earned success serves as a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding world of entertainment.
