Where all the fun and trends begin

MANILA, Philippines - 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 nag-text,” “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 well-known “sample” segment also drives celebrities out of their comfort zones like 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.”

Amidst its successful run, the show’s hosts remain its true assets. There is never a dull moment in Vice’s off-hand 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.

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.