What began as a search for the country’s most entertaining acts two years ago turned out
to be a hit variety program that launched a thousand
trends for Filipinos here and abroad.
The
show has, in its own way, established itself as its own brand of
entertainment thriving on spontaneity and animated conversations. It is
more fun in “
Showtime” as it
keeps churning out popular catchphrases and gimmicks, draws people and
barangays together to showcase their talents, and finds thrill and joy
in the most mundane situations.
Since it went on air in October 2009, it became a source of the
phrases
‘may nagtext,’ ‘party-party,’ ‘Baliwag University,’ and even propelled
terms like ‘havey’ and ‘waley’ from obscurity into mainstream use.
‘Madlang
people’ and ‘unkabogable,’ probably the past year’s biggest and most
enduring words, are now infused into Filipinos’ everyday discussions
and get-togethers.
Its immensely well-known ‘sample’ segment also
drives celebrities like its hosts
Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Vice Ganda, ‘Kuya’ Kim Atienza, Billy Crawford, Karylle, Jugs Jugueta, and
Teddy Corpuz
and the numerous actors, entrepreneurs, models, and athletes who served
as judges in the show and the ‘madlang people’ out of their comfort
zones.
When the crowd starts yelling, “Sample! Sample! Sample!”
they should pull out all the stops for a talent exhibition that should
be as compelling as possible.
A prominent trendsetter, the
program also promoted gimmicks such as the ‘face dance,’
‘nose-to-nose,’ and the ‘take your shirt off’ portion that became
instant hits and endeared by audiences.
The much-anticipated
‘word of the day’ segment also challenges not only the hosts and judges
but the ‘madlang people’ to formulate puns of strange-sounding English
words.
Amidst its successful run, the show’s hosts remain its
true assets. There is never a dull moment what with Vice’s offhand
observational humor, Vhong and Billy’s refreshing wit, Anne and
Karylle’s undeniable charm, Kuya Kim’s characteristic cleverness, and
Jugs and Teddy’s comic quips that all make up for the show’s remarkable
appeal. Moreover, it was also in the talent-variety show where the
public watched the unfolding of Anne’s wacky side through her often
amusing opening chant.
True to the slogan ‘magpasikat,’
“Showtime” has become the public arena in which gifted Filipinos
showcase their wide-ranging talents and fulfill their simple wish to be
seen on television.
Bringing only the best of Filipino talents, the hit show was the launching pad for dance groups XB Gensan, its Season 1
champion, Laoag
Gymnastics Group of
Season 2, True Colors of Season 3, and Astig Pinoy of Season 4 that brought collective triumph to the barangays they represent.
Through
the show’s ‘barangayan’ aspect, the contestants’ struggles and victory
become a shared effort that binds their local communities. As long as
the “Showtime” stage is set and ready, there is proof that success is
always within reach to those who
work hard enough to make their dreams come true.
But
through it all, like what they always say "Some good things never last"
and so with "Showtime". Just this morning, January 28, the "Showtime"
family
- from host, dancers, past and present hurados, staff and crew and all
the guests that made the show number 1 for the past two years bid
madlang people a teary yet wacky goodbye. Because it’s your show and
your time, it's “Showtime”.
