Inspired by the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival entry headlined by none other than Unkabogable Host Vice Ganda, “And The Breadwinner Is” went on to become one of the most well-loved segments of “It’s Showtime.” 

Launched in late November, the segment immediately earned positive feedback from the madlang people for showcasing the inspiring and relatable stories of Filipino breadwinners, casting light on their struggles and sacrifices, and providing a glimmer of hope for determined and industrious people like them. 

In this game, the player should be able to guess who among the three “breadwinnables” completely fits the description of the contestant being searched for. And in this episode of Showtime Toplist, let’s look back on some of the celebrities who played in the “And The Breadwinner Is”.

BINI Aiah and BINI Jhoanna

BINI fans, a.k.a. “Blooms” were undoubtedly delighted when Aiah Arceta and Jhoanna Robles—two members of the “nation’s girl group” appeared on the December 14 segment. Despite careful scrutiny of their physical features, how they carry out their job, and how they respond to questions, Jhoanna and Aiah still failed to guess who the “breadwinner kasambahay” was. 

Eugene Domingo

A week prior the premiere of their movie, “And The Breadwinner Is…” Vice’s co-stars Eugene Domingo, Gladys Reyes, Via Antonio, and Kokoy de Santos graced the segment not just to promote, but to also put their guessing skills and teamwork tested.

And in the “Kilos” portion of the game, wherein the “breadwinnables” had to demonstrate how they do their duties at work, the Unkabogable Star picked Eugene to join their other castmates and It’s Showtime hosts MC Muah and Lassy in a spontaneous skit. Eugene indeed amused everyone with her wit and humor as she played the dual role of the daughter and househelper of a rich couple who had to hide her parents from a loan collection agent. 

Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano

Before their romantic-comedy digital series “How To Spot A Red Flag” began in an online streaming platform in November, Donny and Belle appeared in the November 25 episode to determine who among the three “breadwinnables” worked as the call center agent. 

However, before they could even ask the any question to the contestants, it was DonBelle who was put in the hotseat first as Vice teasingly asked Donny how he was able to figure out that it was Belle he would want to fall in love with. Being inherently witty that he is, Donny replied it’s because she doesn’t have any red flag, much to the kilig of everyone, including the hosts.

Aside from love and laughter, the popular loveteam also made “breadwinner” Anna extra happy by pledging additional P50,000 for her upon hearing the challenges and setbacks that she went through for the sake of supporting her beloved family.

Chelsea Manalo

A few weeks after her remarkable stint in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, in which she was a finalist and was hailed as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia, Chelsea Manalo swung by “It’s Showtime” and played for the “And The Breadwinner Is.” Even though she didn’t get enough sleep yet, she conveyed how excited and glad she was to be on the noontime program. 

“It feels such an honor and so much pride to represent our country in the Miss Universe stage. Nakakatuwa kasi I had to show our culture, what we are proud of,” she said when asked how did it feel to be part of the prestigious beauty contest. She added that even other contenders even wanted to come with her to the Philippines, so she’s thankful to be able to somehow promote our country through Miss Universe.

Julia Montes 

On the very day of their premiere on Prime Video on November 28, “Saving Grace” lead star Julia Montes appeared on the segment to be its player. Being a breadwinner herself since she was only five years old, she expressed her appreciation to the segment as she was certain that many Filipinos could relate to the stories of the breadwinners it featured in every episode. 

When asked by Vice for her message to all breadwinners like her, Julia stated, “Kapit lang. Time will come na maa-appreciate din kayo. Darating din ang pagkakataon na sasabihin mong, ‘buti hindi ako bumitaw para sa kanila.’”

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

Coming from a simple family and being the eldest among her siblings, Regine decided to utilize her beautiful voice for her to be able to help her family in their finances and become the breadwinner. With how hardworking and busy she’d been, the Asia’s Songbird didn’t realize that many years had already passed and that her siblings had already grown up.

But now that she’s already married and has a family of her own, not to mention that all her siblings have lives of their own now, she declared that she’s already done with the responsibility of supporting them. Thus, she reminded other breadwinners, “Gusto kong sabihin sa inyo na natatapos dapat ‘yon. Hindi ‘yon forever. Kapag nakatulong na kayo, tapos na. Ang iisipin n’yo ang sarili n’yo na.”

She added, “Natatapos siya, hindi pwedeng hindi. You have to give yourself time to also grow as a normal human being. Hindi pwedeng ikaw lahat ang may responsibility. Kaya tayo tumutulong because we are given special abilities. All of us naman are given special abilities, mayroon lang mas higit nang kaunti o alam na kung ano ang gagawin. Pero, hindi responsibilidad ng anak na maging breadwinner. Kumbaga, kung may maitutulong ka lang sa family n’yo.”

Cassy Legaspi

Ardent shippers of Darren Espanto and Cassy Legaspi were indeed filled with kilig as the latter guested on the segment on December 6. The young actress-host wasn’t able to help herself from getting emotional as she related her mom’s, Carmina Villarroel, own experience as a breadwinner. 

According to Cassy, “Gano’n naman po ang breadwinners. They don’t put themselves first at palagi ‘yong family, other people. They always put themselves last. When they put themselves last, hindi lang po ‘yong needs nila pero pati na rin ‘yong emotional state nila. So, it’s very hard to choose because “breadwinners” come in different forms, so hindi lahat emotionally open.”

Were you able to catch these celebrities’ appearances on “And The Breadwinner Is”, madlang people?