Who had the best Magpasikat 2024 performance?

CEBU, Philippines —  Team Ogie, Kim, MC, and Lassy emerged as winners of Magpasikat 2024 for their theme of resilience, combined with high-energy stunts

Sentimentality on a grand scale is something “It’s Showtime” hosts pull off so well – a reason for viewers to keep tuning in each year to witness how their Magpasikat performances evolve from fun skits to epic production numbers.

For a noontime show to last 15 years on the air – weathering challenges like the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s free TV franchise and network shifts from TV5 to GMA – it’s no surprise that the hosts always factor in sentimentality in their performances. It’s a reminder that, while “It’s Showtime” consistently makes its Madlang People laugh, they also invite audiences to share in their vulnerabilities.

For its quindecennial anniversary, the hosts went all-in with their Magpasikat performances shown from October 21 to 25. This year is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time Magpasikat aired on the Kapuso network.

Magpasikat 2024 judges included film director Rory Quintos, Kapamilya heartthrob Donny Pangilinan, Kapuso actress Gabbi Garcia, veteran actress Alice Dixson, and former ABS-CBN president Freddie M. Garcia.

Utilizing ABS-CBN’s larger studio, the show’s mainstays didn’t waste a single corner in executing their grand visions. But which of the five teams best executed their concept on stage?

Performance recap

Opening Magpasikat 2024 was Team Vice, Karylle, and Ryan who delivered a hopeful message about brighter days ahead.

Karylle performed a heartfelt tribute to her late father, with dancers forming as her angelic wings. Ryan Bang returned to his Korean roots to reflect on family struggles when his parents would constantly fight, while Vice Ganda faced the criticism the show’s hosts endured in a metaphorical piece.

The team’s message came to life with SB19, Carlos Yulo, and Awra Briguela, along with a couple eagerly awaiting their first child and an OFW mother finally reuniting with her family after six years. Their presentation set an emotional tone for the week’s performances, tying directly to the show’s longevity and resilience.

On October 22, Team Ogie, Kim, MC, and Lassy told a story of resilience amid personal struggles as public figures. Their routine featured daring stunts, with Ogie Alcasid playing the piano on a rotating wheel, Lassy and MC suspended mid-air, and Kim Chiu delivering a trapeze act that stunned audiences both in-studio and at home.

They closed their act by thanking the production crew, underscoring the vital role of teamwork, and delivering an uplifting message that no matter what challenges arise, everything will be okay.

The next day, Team Vhong, Ion, Darren, and Amy gave a powerful family-themed performance that stood out for its clear narrative and emotional impact. Vhong Navarro played a Grim Reaper figure as they depicted a mother’s journey of raising two children to adulthood, followed by a tragedy that left viewers emotional. Their straightforward storytelling offered a relatable experience for families watching.

Taking a lighter approach, Team Anne, Jugs, and Teddy’s October 24 turn paid tribute to “It’s Showtime’s” core memories and legacy as it aired on the day of the show’s pilot episode 15 years ago.

Their concept drew inspiration from “Inside Out” to highlight the show’s highs and lows through “core memories.” They included nods to the show’s low points, such as the ABS-CBN franchise controversy and issues with MTRCB wherein they were suspended twice, before shifting to the show’s hopeful future, symbolized by BINI’s performance of “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.” Overall, this performance was wholesome with some room for reflection reminiscent of Magpasikat’s earlier days, delivering a memorable tribute to the show’s journey.

The final performance on October 25 came from Team Jhong, Jackie, and Cianne, focusing on mental health. Through expressive dance and a pendulum swing segment, they emphasized the importance of reaching out for help when things get too overwhelming.

Guests included Kylie Verzosa and Michelle Dee who placed green scarves on their necks in a symbolic gesture that included the hosts joining in. Their message of prioritizing mental health is timely and resonant, making them ideal closing acts.

Who deserved to win?

While each team delivered excellently, some conveyed their messages more effectively than others, with factors to consider such as stunts, storyline, and tone.

Team Anne, Jugs, and Teddy’s performance should have won for its perfectly timed tribute to It’s Showtime’s 15th anniversary by combining nostalgia and a vibrant energy that celebrated the show’s milestones and resilience. This balance of fun and drama not only paid homage to the show’s legacy but also highlighted why “It’s Showtime” remains beloved.

On the other hand, Team Vhong, Ion, Darren, and Amy delivered a performance with a cohesive story, addressing experiences familiar to many Filipino families that make them another worthy winner.

That being said, it’s understandable why Team Ogie, Kim, MC, and Lassy emerged as the winners. Their theme of resilience, combined with high-energy stunts, provided an uplifting spectacle that underscored their message of perseverance.

Team Jhong, Jackie, and Cianne followed in second place, with a poignant call for mental health awareness complemented by their chemistry and energy.

Despite some harsh feedback from judges, Team Anne, Jugs, and Teddy’s core memory concept still earned them a third-place finish, reminding viewers of the program’s charm and the early Magpasikat days that emphasized wholesome stunts.

In the coming years, the “It’s Showtime” hosts could benefit from noting what made each performance resonate, balancing sentimentality with fun, with the performance of Team Anne, Jugs, and Teddy as a blueprint. This approach could appeal to viewers who miss the lighter, more playful side of Magpasikat.

Nonetheless, this Magpasikat 2024 showcase the noontime show’s enduring legacy, with each host pouring their heart into their act. It’s a testament to why “It’s Showtime” continues as the second-longest-running noontime show still on air, and why it’s likely to keep going strong.