'It's Showtime' host turns emotional at Big Dome show
MANILA -- Coco Martin and Vice Ganda were not in good terms prior to the actor's surprise appearance at the comedian's sold-out concert on Friday night.
But in the latter part of "I-Vice Ganda Mo' Ko sa Araneta," the "Juan dela Cruz" star surprised his long-time friend by emerging from back-stage to shrieks from the 12,000-strong audience at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Vice Ganda was initially at a loss for words when Martin appeared. The 31-year-old actor then proceeded to sing "Pusong Bato," one of the tracks featured in his ongoing prime time series.
Shortly after the concert, Vice Ganda, whose real name is Jose Marie Viceral, told reporters that it had been a long time since he last saw Martin, whom he considers a brother.
"Nagkatampuhan lang kami, pero angsayasaya ko na nakita ko siya ulit. Si Coco 'yung kaibigan ko na miss na miss ko talaga," he said.
The "It's Showtime" host also related the actor's disapproval of his relationships out of concern.
"Ayaw niya ng may boyfriend ako. Feeling niya lahat na lalaki lolokohin ako. Alam niya lahat, tapos pag may nalaman siya tatawagan niya ako na imbyerna siya, inaaway niya ako, 'Ano, dati-rati motor lang binibigay mo, ngayon...' Para kaming magkapatid talaga kasi ni Coco," the comedian said.
Record-breaking
Aside from Martin, Vice Ganda was also joined on stage on Friday by several other guest stars, including actor Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil, Paulo Avelino, actress Dawn Zulueta, singer Regine Velasquez and comedienne-actress Ai Ai delas Alas.
Taking cue from recent national issues and events, as well as pop culture trends, "I-Vice Ganda Mo 'Ko" saw the comedian-host in themed performances based on the mid-term elections, the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, and the Psy hit "Gentleman," among others.
According to ticket distributor Ticketnet, the show now holds the record of being the highest earning concert staged by a local artist.
In the closing parts of the show, Vice Ganda turned emotional as he mentioned his personal struggles.
"Ako lang naman ang nakakakilala sa sarili ko. No one knows me better than I do. Kung nakikita niyo tumatatawa ako, matapang ako, mekanismo ko lang 'yon, e, kasi kailangan ko maging masaya para maging masaya kayo," he said.
After the concert, Vice Ganda nonetheless expressed joy of over the massive success of his third major solo concert since rising to fame in 2009 as a "hurado" on "It's Showtime."
"Maraming salamat kasi, hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, pero sobrang proud ako kasi record-breaking itong concert na 'to. 'Yung dating record na-break, ngayon na-break ko ulit.
"Masaya, sobrang saya, nakak-proud, at lahat 'yan nangyari dahil mahal na mahal niyo ako at sinusuportaha niyo ako palagi. Promise ho, gagaling ko po lalo, patatawanin ko pa po kaya araw-araw," he said.
