For the first time in over a decade, there will be no ‘Magpasikat’ segment for ‘It’s Showtime’s’ 16th anniversary.
The announcement came straight from Vice Ganda during Friday’s (October 24) episode of the noontime show, where the Unkabogable Star explained that the team decided to skip the annual competition due to the high production costs it entails.
“Every year, per day, per production number, minimum of ₱6 million — minsan umaabot ng ₱10 million. So, kung susumahin mo sa isang linggo, para sa isang linggo lang na celebration, magkano ang ginagastos namin? Dati ang saya kasi afford namin. Right now, unfortunately and realistically, we can’t afford that anymore. I’m sure you understand,” Vice candidly shared.
‘Magpasikat,’ a long-standing tradition where the hosts form teams and perform grand, creative numbers to showcase talent and camaraderie, has been the highlight of ‘It’s Showtime’s’ anniversary week since 2010. Each year, it serves as both a competition and a celebration of the show’s enduring bond with its viewers.
This year, however, Vice revealed that the team opted to redirect their efforts and resources toward a more meaningful celebration scheduled for December, not October — the show’s official anniversary month.
“We want to make it extra, because Showtime is extra,” Vice said. “We’re just moving the celebration a bit later para makapag-ipon kami. But it’s going to be very memorable. Hindi kami papayag na walang magaganap.”
Instead of ‘Magpasikat’, the show will mount an expanded ‘Laro Laro Pick’ segment during its anniversary week — a fun, interactive game where contestants can win huge prizes. Vice said this shift aims to make the celebration more heartfelt and impactful, especially for viewers who are struggling in today’s economic climate.
“Sa panahon pong ito, hindi lang basta entertainment ang ibinibigay ng Showtime. We are trying to educate people, to be the voice of the people,” Vice emphasized. “Marami at mas malaki ang matutulungan nating lahat sa pamamagitan ng engrandeng ‘Laro-Laro Pick.’ Hindi lang tayo magpapatawa, we will help our madlang people rebuild their lives.”
Fans expressed mixed emotions — sadness over the temporary halt of ‘Magpasikat’, but admiration for the show’s transparency and compassion. Many applauded the hosts’ decision to prioritize helping others over putting on an expensive spectacle.
As ‘It’s Showtime’ enters its 16th year, Vice and the rest of the hosts — Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, Jhong Hilario, Karylle, Ryan Bang, Amy Perez, and Ogie Alcasid — continue to remind the madlang people that true celebration goes beyond glitz and glamour.
“Nag-entertain ka na, nakatulong ka pa,” co-host Vhong Navarro said — perfectly capturing the spirit of It’s Showtime’s 16th anniversary.
