Vice Ganda explains why there's no 'Magpasikat' this year

Every October for the “It’s Showtime” anniversary, Madlang People look forward to the hosts' grand “Magpasikat” performances.

However, this year, the noontime show skipped the iconic competition for its 16th anniversary.

Vice Ganda on Friday’s episode explained why they made this decision.

“Every year kasi ‘pag nagpapasikat kami, we spend like minimum of six million per production number,” Vice revealed.

She said that “Magpasikat” has set the standard high for giving production numbers that are inspiring, entertaining, and were seen for the first time on Philippine television.

“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," she said.

Vice added that everyone knows how difficult it was to uphold the show in recent years.

“We have been trying our very best pero naisip namin every year, per day, per prod, minimum of six million. Minsan umaabot ng sampung milyon, so kung susumahin mo 'yan sa isang linggo, para sa isang linggo lang na selebrayon, magkano 'yung ginagastos namin," Vice said.

"Eh dati, ang saya kasi afford namin. Right now, unfortunately and realistically, we can't afford that anymore. I'm sure you understand and you know why,” she added.

Regardless, Vice Ganda said they would want to have an “extra” and “memorable” celebration “because ‘Showtime’ is extra.”

Vice promised that they will be having a grand celebration in December that is not just for entertainment, but will also be meaningful and focus on giving back.

“We are trying to educate people. We are trying to be the voice of the people,” she said. “Sinusubukan namin maging boses ng mga masa, sinusubukan namin maipakita ang katotohanan ng buhay sa Pilipinas. At ang realidad sa Pilipinas, ang dami nating kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong.”

Vice teased a grand, week-long version of the segment Laro Laro Pick.

“One week, malalang Laro Laro Pick so entertaining at mas maraming buhay ang mababago natin ng ating mga Kapamilyang, Kapusong mga Pilipino,” Vice said.

“Sa pag-ce-celebrate natin niyan, hindi lang tayo magpapatawa, magsasayaw, magbibitin, gagastos ng pera. We will try to help our Madlang People build and rebuild their lives,” she added.

“It’s Showtime” made a splashy debut when GMA's GTV first aired the show in July 2023.

In April 2024, "It's Showtime" started airing on both GTV and the GMA main channel. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News