In a country where just getting through the day has become a struggle for many, it’s hard not to feel heavy with everything happening around us. But sometimes, amid all the noise and uncertainty, we’re reminded that we still have each other, that 'malasakit sa kapwa' still exists.
That’s why watching the “It’s Showtime” segment “Laro Laro Pick” lately has hit so differently. It has become a platform where real lives are being changed. We’ve seen people who break down in tears after clutching the jackpot prize that could cover tuition, hospital bills, or debt.
And we all have probably cried with them. Because when one of us wins—especially those who’ve been through so much—it’s like we all win a little, too. Soak in the spirit of giving and hope this season as we look back on these tearjerker “Laro Laro Pick” winning moments on "It's Showtime."
It was during the height of public outrage over corruption when we got to know Khen, a factory worker drowning in debt, separated from his family due to financial problems, and barely surviving on a ₱20,000 salary that could never stretch far enough. Hopelessness was written all over his face. But Khen somewhat became a symbol of the everyday Filipino’s fight for survival when he decided to risk it all and go for the ₱650,000 jackpot question about the popular full name of the Philippine Senate President Pro Tempore, which he answered correctly with the help of obvious hints from Vice Ganda. He burst into tears after winning, Vice Ganda said, “Masayang masaya kami na sa puntong 'to, isa man lang sa mga kababayan natin na hirap na hirap na ang natulungan natin. Kahit paisa-isa lang,” as everyone soaked in the emotional moment.
Bonjing, a longtime 'magkakariton' selling fruits and vegetables, brought home ₱150,000 after correctly answering the jackpot question about the poisoned fruit in "Snow White." Interestingly, Bonjing wasn’t even part of the original group of players. Just before the show began, the staff had to look for more contestants to complete the lineup and found him on the street. But fate clearly had plans. A proud father supporting two college kids through his daily rounds, Bonjing moved everyone with his dedication and simple dream of buying a small piece of land for his family.
Gerry, a hardworking farmer who almost didn’t make it to the taping because of the long commute, ended up winning ₱200,000 after answering the jackpot question about the last vegetable mentioned in Bahay Kubo, thanks to a helpful clue from Vice Ganda. His story moved everyone to tears, especially as he shared how typhoons ruined his harvest and forced one of his children to stop school. The old man's determination reminded us of the strength of Filipino farmers, one of the most hardworking yet often neglected sectors in the country.
Lola Shirley amused the madlang people with her sense of humor while sharing her life story as a store helper who has taken on different jobs over the years just to get by. What made her win truly heartwarming, though, was learning that despite having no relatives left, she chose to raise and support an adopted child, whom she's been sending to school from elementary to college. Given the rare chance to take both the Li-POT and the POT (in case she didn’t get the ₱150,000 question right, Vice Ganda would still give her the ₱50,000 Li-POT offer), Lola Shirley answered correctly that question about the late Asia’ Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales. She broke down in tears knowing the prize would go straight to her child’s tuition. On top of that, Vice Ganda added another P50,000 to her prize.
Fathers are the pillars of strength, and Joseph was exactly that—a dad who kept going even when life hit the hardest. He lost his job during the pandemic and, even more painful, lost one of his children to kidney failure. To support his family, he took on any work he could find, from construction to loan collecting, far from the career he once dreamed of as a Biology major.
During the jackpot round, he followed the voices of his cheering kids and went for the ₱250,000 POT question about the old Filipino form of writing, which he answered correctly with a clue from Vice Ganda. The winning moment turned emotional as his children proudly hugged him, with his youngest calling him the smartest person he knows. With this win, Joseph can finally begin building the house he’s always dreamed of for his family.
We often hear stories of parents sacrificing everything for their children, but Marj’s story touched hearts in a different way, as this time, it was a daughter fighting for her single mom. A student-leader and Accountancy major, Marj took home ₱500,000. The timing couldn’t have been more special, as it was her mom’s birthday. Marj tearfully shared her admiration for her mother, who never hesitated to ask for help when needed. With the half a million prize, she said they no longer have to borrow money and finally, life can start to change for the better.
By now, we already know how close senior citizens are to Vice Ganda’s heart, which is why whenever a lolo or lola reaches the jackpot round, Vice always makes sure they don’t go home empty-handed. Lola Guy, 70, brought smiles to the studio with her positivity and independent mindset; though her children help her financially, she still chooses to earn a living by selling bread. During the round, she wished for nothing more than rice for Christmas, so Vice promised her five sacks. Lola Guy also went home ₱100,000 richer. Her reaction was too cute as she literally jumped for joy, if Christmas came early. And it truly did, with Meme Vice giving ₱5,000 each to the other senior players.
Tears and blessings poured on Day 4 of MagPASKOsikat as calamity victims from Cebu and Negros Occidental took the spotlight in the “Laro Laro Pick” game arena just this December. Disyang, who advanced to the jackpot round, was encouraged by Vice Ganda to go for the POT question, assuring her it would be easy. True enough, she asked her the simplest question possible—“One plus one?”—which Disyang answered correctly, winning the ₱1 million jackPOT. And in a bigger display of generosity, the hosts pooled together another ₱1 million, which was then distributed among the remaining players.
More than just the jackpot prize, these wins are shared moments that remind us we’re not alone. When someone hits the jackpot on "Laro Laro Pick," it feels like hope gets passed around, even just for a while.
Feel the good vibes and spirit of hope in "It's Showtime," Mondays to Saturdays, 12 NN on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, GMA 7, and iWant.