MANILA, Philippines — Vilma Santos is aware of speculations about a possible extension for her son Luis Manzano’s noontime variety show, It’s Your Lucky Day.
The buzz going around is that the show is getting extended but moved to a different timeslot.
“Kung magkaroon ng extension? Thank God (if that happens). I’m praying for it because my son is enjoying it. Ge-guest nalang ako ulit sa kanila, yung show,” she said on the sidelines of the grand presscon for her comeback film and Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 entry When I Met You in Tokyo on Thursday.
The industry’s “Star for all Seasons” appeared as one of the star judges in the singing contest segment obviously inspired by her, Stars of All Seasons.
Pressed about the talks of a potential extension, she remarked that while rumors are circulating, she’s unsure if they’re just speculation or genuine plans. But she remains hopeful. “Daw, pinag-uusapan lang nila pero hindi ko alam kung biro or totoo. But let’s hope,” Vilma said.
Nevertheless, the proud mom commends her son for embracing the hosting responsibilities on It’s Your Lucky Day. The show stepped in as temporary replacement for It’s Showtime, which had been under a 12-day suspension order from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) due to complaints related to a segment involving co-hosts and real-life couple Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.
Expressing her pride, Vilma said, “Na-touch ako kasi nung nag-guest ako sa kanila, hindi ako naawa eh, I’m proud of my son. I mean sa tinagal tagal na niya as a host and then alam natin yung kaganapan sa It’s Showtime and for a 12-day show, inoffer sa kanya, ikaw muna, magsama ka ng sino gusto mo, punuan niyo lang yung 12 days and tinanggap yun ng anak ko and for that I’m proud of him.”
(I was deeply moved because when I guested on their show, I didn’t feel sorry for them; I’m proud of my son. Considering his long experience as a host and the circumstances surrounding It’s Showtime, being offered a 12-day show where you can choose your co-hosts and you just have to fill those 12 days, he accepted it. For that, I’m proud of him.”
“Pwede mo naman tanggihan eh, dyusko ano ba naman yung 12 days ‘di ba? But no. Gusto niya ituloy. Sige ituloy nalang natin ang entertainment and what else we can give to the public. And for that hanga ako sa anak ko kasi pwede mong tanggihan yun. I mean o-offeran ka ng 12 days, pantakip lang and he’s enjoying it, he’s giving his all, in fairness. And for that, I’m proud of my son and the team,” she added.
(He could have declined, but he didn’t. It’s just 12 days, right? But no, he wanted to continue. Let’s keep the entertainment going and what we can give to the public. I admire my son for not turning down the opportunity. I mean, you get offered 12 days, just to fill in, and he’s enjoying it, giving his all. In all fairness, I’m proud of my son and the entire team.)
Meanwhile, talent manager Carlo Orosa, who was present on the final taping day of It’s Your Lucky Day, described the conclusion of ABS-CBN’s “shortest” noontime variety and game show as “bittersweet.” Carlo is the manager of Christian, who served as a star judge in the show’s singing competition.
Describing the atmosphere on set, he shared with The STAR, “The atmosphere remained vibrant and fun, with the cast and crew, including Luis Manzano, Melai Cantiveros, Robi Domingo, Jennica Garcia, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Kyle Echarri, Andrea Brillantes, Negi, Petite, Divine Tetay, and Star Judges Christian Bautista, Kuh Ledesma, Sheryn Regis, and Jamie Rivera.”
In the final episode, Carlo also mentioned that Jessy Mendiola showed up to support her husband Luis.
He also revealed that the main host turned emotional while thanking the production team behind It’s Your Lucky Day. “Mahal ko kayo... alam nyo yan. Thank you very much sa sipag na binigay ninyo. Direk Jon, lahat ng mga editors na hindi nakikita mga cameramen... lahat... art department. We appreciate you and we are thankful to each and every one of you!”
Carlo also shared his conversation with Luis about his feelings regarding the show’s finale episode.
He quoted him as saying: “Bittersweet, of course. This has been a dream of mine. Sweet in the sense that we are happy with what we accomplished in 12 days. I guess we’re all praying, hopefully, you are praying, too, that it continues,” with a crossed fingers gesture.
The show concluded yesterday with the grand finals of the singing contest Stars Of All Seasons, where Day 5 winner Allan Urbiztondo’s performance of a medley of Purple Rain earned him a cash prize of P50,000.