The program celebrated the milestone on Friday.
Amid queries from their loyal viewers, the Madlang People, main host Vice Ganda made a statement during the live episode of ‘It’s Showtime’ regarding the annual ‘Magpasikat’ segment on Friday, October 24—which is also the very day that the variety show is marking its 16th anniversary on the air.
The Unkabogable Superstar disclosed that the longest-running noontime program of ABS-CBN is skipping the tradition for the first time since its launch.
“This year, we decided to make the anniversary celebration different,” Vice noted.
She then explained the logistics behind the showcase of each team, which usually comprises of hosts and numerous guest artists.
“Every year po kasi kapag nagpapa-sikat kami we spend like a minimum of ₱6 million per production number. ‘Yun po ang katotohanan dun dahil hindi naman tinitipid ‘yung mga gusto naming production number na gusto naming ikaaliw ninyo, na kakapupulutan ninyo ng magandang inspirasyon. ‘Yun talagang mawiwindang kayo, ‘yung mga first time on Philippine television,” said the TV host-comedian.
She continued, “Kasi ang taas na ng standard na nagawa ng Showtime eh, ng lahat, ng staff, ng prod, ng mga hosts. Ang taas-taas na rin ng standard ninyo madlang people so as much as possible kahit na hirap na hirap na po kami, hindi sa sinusumbat namin, real talk lang tayo.”
As she continued, Vice reiterated the financial challenges that the show is facing in the years after ABS-CBN was forced to end its terrestrial broadcast after its Congressional franchise was not granted in 2020.
“I’m sure alam niyo naman ‘yun kung gaano naging kahirap sa ating lahat na itaguyod itong programa ‘to sa mga nakalipas na taon. We have been trying our very best pero naisip namin every year, per day, per prod, minimum of ₱6 million. Minsan umaabot ng ₱10 million, so kung susumahin mo ‘yan sa isang linggo, para sa isang linggo lang na selebrayon, magkano ‘yung ginagastos namin,” the Kapamilya personality furthered.
However, despite the difficult decision to not do the ‘Magpasikat’ showcase this year, Vice assured that ‘It’s Showtime’ will still have a special and meaningful celebration of its 16th year this December.
“But still we want to make it extra because Showtime is extra. Hindi lalampas ang taon na ito na wala tayong ipagdiriwang. Pagdating po ng Disyembre, meron po kaming inalaan na isang malaking pagdiriwang na hindi lang ito kakaaliwan, na hindi lang for entertainment,” she proclaimed.
Given the current sociopolitical climate, the queer icon said that they have already been planning to do a week-long entertainment and public service special dedicated to the Madlang People.
“Sa panahon na ito, hindi lang basta entertainment ang ibinibigay ng Showtime kung napapansin ninyo. We are trying to educate people.“
Vice then invited their loyal viewers to join them in the special, which will include the bigger ‘Laro-Laro Pick’ game segment, which promises to help more contestants and families in need.
“One week, malalang ‘Laro Laro Pick’ for one week so entertaining and maraming buhay ang mababago ng ating Kapamilya at Kapusong Pilipino… We will try to help our madlang peole build and rebuild their lives,” the comedian revealed.