WATCH: How Jhong Hilario pulled off surprise ‘Showtime’ comeback | ABS-CBN

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WATCH: How Jhong Hilario pulled off surprise ‘Showtime’ comeback

WATCH: How Jhong Hilario pulled off surprise ‘Showtime’ comeback

Miguel Dumaual,

ABS-CBN News

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Showtime ABS-CBN
Jhong Hilario’s co-hosts react to his surprise return to ‘It’s Showtime’ on June 4. ABS-CBN

MANILA — It took an entire day of planning, plus several accomplices including his “competitors” in Tawag ng Tanghalan, to pull off Jhong Hilario’s trending surprise comeback on “It’s Showtime” over the weekend.

Hilario had been on hiatus from showbiz due to several factors, including welcoming his newborn Sari during the coronavirus pandemic, and the recently concluded election season, where he won a third term as councilor in Makati City.

With COVID-19 cases slowing and restrictions easing — and having taken oath as an elected official — Hilario could finally return to the ABS-CBN program, via a top-secret “mission” which he chronicled through his vlog released June 7.

Hilario arrived on the morning of June 4 at the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City, cautious to interact only with his “accomplices” and avoiding those inside the building who are not aware of his return to “It’s Showtime.”

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Security guards who did a visual check upon his entry became his unwitting “kasabwat” (accomplices), too, as Hilario requested them to not tell anyone else about his arrival.

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The medical officer in charge of administering Hilario’s swab test was told the same, this time by a producer of “It’s Showtime.” When the nurse asked for a photo with Hilario, she was reminded to only post it online, if she plans to, once the noontime program’s episode ends.

“Naka-record ka, ate! ‘Pag nabuking kami, ikaw ang ha-hunt-ingin ko!” Hilario joked.

Hilario also shared glimpses of his transformation as Friedrich Palacol, his disguise as a Tawag ng Tanghalan contestant, as well as his rehearsals with Kyle Pasajol and Alyssa del Sol — singers who were tapped to help him accomplish his mission.

Watching the live episode of “It’s Showtime” from his holding area, Hilario said, referring to his co-hosts, “Wala silang kaalam-alam!”

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He then had a final briefing with “It’s Showtime” producers as well as director Jon Moll, shortly before making his way to the studio he had last set foot on in 2020.

As Hilario recorded his entire day, his partner Maia also captured their 1-year-old daughter Sari’s reaction to his appearance on TV. To Maia’s amusement, Sari appeared clueless — and even fell asleep just after Hilario revealed himself.

The revelation — which draw audible shrieks in the studio, and moved his co-hosts to tears — has since become a viral moment that will be remembered as pivotal in the history of “It’s Showtime.”

“Mga, ka-tumbling, tapos na! Success!” Hilario declared at the end of his vlog. “Na-miss ko ‘tong dressing room na ‘to. I missed ABS-CBN!”

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KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza shares highlights of recent Manila trip

KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza shares highlights of recent Manila trip

Toff C.,

Push Team

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KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza recently returned home to Manila and shared glimpses of her trip on social media.

"A minute in Manila ☀️ would do anything to relive this ❤️‍🩹," she posted on her Instagram page.

During her latest Manila visit, Sophia had a belated birthday celebration with her family and friends. 

In one of the clips, Sophia and her loved ones can be seen having a karaoke session, with her mother Carla Guevara Laforteza, belting out "Defying Gravity."

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Sophia turned 22 years old back in December 2024.

It was in September 2023 when the Filipino singer became one of the finalists of the reality talent show The Debut: Dream Academy.

"Para sa pangarap 🫶🏼 A dream that you wish will truly come true. I am beyond grateful for all the love, support, experiences, and opportunities I am receiving. I can’t wait to go on this journey with you all ✨ Maraming salamat po," she posted on her Instagram page in September 2023.

By November 2023, Sophia secured her spot as one of the final six members of global girl group KATSEYE, marking the beginning of a promising music career.

Sophia made her debut in June 2024 as a member of KATSEYE with the release of their first single "Debut." The group quickly gained traction, followed with their breakout hit "Touch" in July 2024.

The group reached another milestone in August 2024 with the release of their first extended play (EP), SIS (Soft Is Strong). To promote the EP, KATSEYE embarked on an Asia tour in September 2024, performing in South Korea, the Philippines, and Japan.

During a media interview in the Philippines, Sophia expressed her gratitude for the massive support that their Filipino fans have shown, especially for their hit song "Touch," which made its way onto the Billboard Philippines Hot 100.

"I feel like 'Touch' resonates with people. A lot of it comes from its sound and the choreography, and I feel like just how much we put into it and the intention. We’re so, so grateful," she said on the success of the track in the country.

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