Vhong Navarro has been making the Madlang People laugh for 16 years, and in all those years on It’s Showtime, he discovered something far more valuable than recognition and applause. For him, the best thing he learned is how friendship can turn into family — a rare bond built not from force, but from shared days of joy, struggles, and millions of smiling viewers.
“Kasi dito sa It’s Showtime, family [kami] e,” Vhong said, proudly acknowledging the deep connection he found within the noontime show.
He explained that sometimes, some shows try to look close onscreen, but their bond on It’s Showtime was different as it grew naturally, and has never left them.
READ: 'It's Showtime' marks 16th anniversary with first-ever 'It’s Showtime AWAAARD'
“Maraming shows na ‘yung pagiging close nila ay pinilit maging close. [Pero] kami, parang naging authentic yung pagiging close namin. Kahit hindi kami magkakasama, [for example] isang beses nagbakasyon o nagpahinga, mamimiss mo e. Magte-text ka,” he said, describing how the warmth remains even off cam.
“Hindi mo kailangang pwersahin na ‘uy magkita-kita kayo’ or ‘obligado kayong magkita-kita kasi kailangan niyo ng bonding’ kami, hindi e. Kami na ‘yung kusa na parang ‘uy kita tayo namimiss kita’,” he shared.
Vhong has been with It’s Showtime since its very first day in 2009, when the noontime show premiered with original hosts Anne Curtis, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, and former host Kim Atienza. Vice Ganda, originally a resident hurado, later became a mainstay host, while Jhong Hilario, Karylle, and former host Billy Crawford joined later on.
As the show grew bigger, so did its family. Amy Perez, Kim Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, and Ryan Bang all took hosting roles over the years. Other familiar faces like Jackie Gonzaga and Ion Perez rose from supporting roles to regular mainstays. By late 2022, MC and Lassy, along with Showtime Sexy Babe alum Cianne de Guzman, officially became part of the family. On 2024, Darren Espanto was hard-launched as the show’s bunso and newest mainstay.
Throughout the years, Vhong lived through the highs and lows of his personal life while sharing the stage with his fellow hosts six days a week. The show became a home where he could laugh loudest and find comfort when life grew heavy, with friendships that never had to pretend.
As the program celebrates 16 strong years, Vhong also received a handful of golden plaques at the first-ever It’s Showtime AWAAARD, a playful tribute to the hosts’ funniest and most unforgettable moments.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, he shared his reaction to the titles he received. “Hindi ko alam kung magiging masaya ako o malulungkot ako o mao-offend ako dun sa mga awards na kalokohan,” he said with a laugh.
For him, what truly mattered was seeing fans enjoy the memories brought back to life. “Sobrang saya kasi ang importante rito hindi naman na ‘yung ‘awards na nakuha namin, pero ‘yung kahit papaano ay napasaya namin yung mga tao. Pinalabas ulit ‘yung mga kalokohan, inipon ng staff.”
Vhong took home three recognitions: the Sablay Supremacy Award for his adorable on-air slips, the Physical Hosting Award which he shared with Vice Ganda and Jhong Hilario for their wild antics, and the Words of Wisdom Award for his iconic “Crush is paghanga” line.