As host Luis Manzano celebrated his birthday weekend, another special person in his life joined him on the second day of the April 26 episode of “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal”—his longtime close friend, Jodi Sta. Maria, as the celebrity player.
But prior to welcoming her, the gregarious host asked some of the “Lucky Stars” for their birthday wishes for him. He began with “The Aguinaldos,” comprised of the mother-and-son tandem of Mommy Ganda and Lester, who wanted him to become more handsome and macho, as well as to always be healthy along with his family. Just like his mom, “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos, Mommy Ganda also wished for him and Jessy Mendiola to have a second child.
Inah Evans, on the other hand, quipped that Luis may reach the age of 100 for him to be able to claim the P100,000 centenarian incentive from the government. Long Mejia, meanwhile, joked that since Luis seems to be already tired of being booked and busy, he suggested they switch roles.
Before the game officially started, Luis took the opportunity to ask Jodi for her wish for him, to which she initially responded, “Ano bang gusto mo?” prompting a playful reply from Luis: “Kung gano’n lang, pera-pera na lang.”
WATCH: Jodi, may espesyal na mensahe sa birthday ni Luis | Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal
Switching to a more heartfelt tone, the Kapamilya actress said, “Seriously, kung ano man ‘yong mga ninanais ng puso mo, sana magkaroon ng katuparan sa buhay ninyo. So, ‘yong desires ng heart mo, sana mangyari.”
When asked what she would do with the P1 million jackpot prize in case she wins, the award-winning actress said that she would donate it to one of the non-government organizations close to her heart—Kythe Foundation, which supports chronically ill children and their families. Among the 20 briefcases, she chose number 19, which has been assigned to SexBomb member and actress Jopay Paguia-Zamora. Just in the first round of opening briefcases, Jodi already felt relieved after being able to open the briefcase that contained one peso. With how promising that round was, Banker offered to buy her briefcase for P77,700, which she rejected.
As she presumed she would simply play in the episode, the “Silent Superstar” did not expect to become the subject of Luis’ playful teasing after he jokingly claimed that she had requested an impromptu dance showdown with SexBomb Jopay in exchange for her guesting on the show. While she denied the claim, Jodi still gamely went along with the faceoff, as she and Jopay showed off their moves to “Ikembot Mo” by the Showtime Baby Dolls.
WATCH: KEMBOT MO! Jodi, naka-showdown si Sexbomb Jopay | Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal
Her streak of opening low amounts just kept going in the second round, which prompted Banker to offer her P96,000. Jodi once again turned it down and went to drop her pleasant surprise for Luis—a montage of birthday wishes from his “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” co-hosts Melai Cantiveros, Bianca Gonzalez, and Robi Domingo, as well as from his fellow MYX VJ Chino Lui Pio.
WATCH: Luis, nagulat sa birthday message ni Melai sa kanya | Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal
In the third round, they sought the help of “Midnight Girls” director Irene Villamor in choosing which briefcase to open next. Jodi followed her suggestion and eliminated P125,000 from the board, followed by P500,000 in the next round. She regained her momentum in the succeeding rounds and remained hopeful of winning the jackpot prize—until she unfortunately opened the P1 million case.
This delighted the Banker, who then offered her P22,000. She responded with a firm “NO DEAL,” choosing to hold on to her briefcase until the end. In the end, she still won against the Banker, as it was revealed that her briefcase contained P500.
The episode didn’t end without the two reminiscing about their hosting stint in the 2004 ABS-CBN reality talent search “Star Circle Quest,” where their now two-decade friendship began, as they delivered the closing spiel together.
Luis wrapped up the episode by asking Jodi about her experience and thanking her for being part of his special birthday celebration. He also received another cake and blew out his birthday candle.
Catch more fun and exciting moments on “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal,” airing Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 PM on ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and iWant.