Vice Ganda, Alden Richards look back on ‘It’s Showtime’-AlDub rivalry

MANILA, Philippines — Vice Ganda and Alden Richards looked back on the intense television rivalry between “It’s Showtime” and the noontime show that featured Alden and Maine Mendoza, popularly known as AlDub, during the pilot episode of the returning “Gandang Gabi Vice” on Sunday night. 

They even recreated some of AlDub’s iconic split-screen kilig moments, giving viewers a nostalgic look at one of the biggest phenomena in Philippine television.

While Alden recalled the AlDub era fondly, Vice joked that she would rather erase that period from her memory.

Vice remembered how AlDub dominated the ratings at the time, to the point that she had already prepared herself for the possibility of “It’s Showtime” being canceled.

Alden then asked Vice about reports that “It’s Showtime” staff members were supposedly prohibited from watching the AlDub segment.

Vice clarified, jokingly, that there was no formal memo banning them from watching.

“There wasn’t exactly a memo, pero may email,” she quipped.

The AlDub pairing was a staple of skit of "Eat Bulaga," back when it was airing on GMA-7. Its massive appeal reached its peak in 2015, and it even led to a show at the largest indoor arena at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. 

Beyond the jokes, however, Vice acknowledged the impact of the AlDub phenomenon and how the intense competition pushed “It’s Showtime” to become stronger.

She described that period as “isa sa pinakamadidilim na stages ng ‘Showtime’ at ako bilang entertainer.”

Vice also made it clear that there was never any personal conflict between her and Alden despite their respective shows being direct competitors.

She recalled that Alden had always been warm and kind whenever they crossed paths at events, even at the height of the rivalry.

“During those times, we were okay. Magkatapat lang talaga ’yung mga programa namin,” Vice explained.

Alden is the very first guest of the returning late night show hosted by Vice, which was previously only shown on ABS-CBN platforms. It is now airing on the late night Sunday block of erstwhile rival, GMA-7. 

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