Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, and Ion Perez’s powerful act that fuses parkour and contemporary dance built around the theme of mobile technology and social media abuse won the title of Magpasikat 2023 Grand Champion for It’s Showtime’s 14th anniversary. The awarding happened on Saturday, November 11, during the live episode.

Team JKI’s 17-minute production highlighted the evolution of communication channels – from when people were just playing with tin can telephones until the existence of rotary dial telephones, phone booths, cordless telephones, and the recent version which is the cell phone.

The trio was able to showcase their solo dance exhibitions where they illustrated how the flaws and threats of mobile technology can beleaguer its users. Jhong portrayed a husband yearning for real human connections, Kim was an influencer faking her 'rich girl' lifestyle, while Ion was a lowly restaurant server victimized by social media’s cancel culture.

From passionate contemporary dance solos, they elevated the thrill by taking their group parkour routine to a makeshift giant pegboard where they’re seen climbing, swinging, and dancing without harnesses. At the end of their presentation, Team JKI posed a valuable question that prompted us to reassess our reality: “Gaano ka karesponsable sa paggamit ng cell phone?”

The bold and relevant presentation ranked highest with 9.6 points from the combined scores of hurados Olivia Lamasan, Jett Pangan, Apl.de.ap, Barbie Forteza, and Tirso Cruz III.

To recall, the judges noted that Team JKI’s message about the ‘dark side’ of mobile technology was clearly delivered in a compelling and jaw-dropping performance that melded elements of dance, drama, and ‘buwis-buhay’ stunts. Direk Olive, or Inang as she’s fondly called, described the spectacle as “outstanding”. Jett called it the true definition of “action speaks louder than words,” meaning the performance itself was enough to convey the team’s subject. Barbie, Apl, and Tirso were likewise astonished with how a small thing like the cell phone was used to deliver a thought-provoking performance.

Team JKI won Php300,000 for their chosen charity. This marks a back-to-back Magpasikat championship for Jhong, and first championship for Ion.

Meanwhile, Anne Curtis, Ryan Bang, and Ogie Alcasid’s electrifying and heartwarming routine that celebrates healing). was hailed 1st Placer, with a total score of 8.6. They received Php200,000 for their chosen charity.

The 2nd Place belongs to Jugs Jugueta, Vhong Navarro and Teddy Corpuz a.k.a. Team JTV, who touched the hearts of madlang people by bringing to life legendary Pinoy comedians via AI (Artificial Intelligence). They garnered a score of 8.2 and won Php100,000 for their chosen charity.

Team KALM of Karylle, Amy Perez, Lassy, and MC that reminded viewers to treasure family time; and Team VJC of Vice Ganda, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez). that inspired us to honor our dreams, each received a consolation prize of Php50,000.

One Love! One Heart! 1-4 Ever!

It’s Showtime’s 14-year journey is serendipity and magic at its finest. In the Magpasikat 2023 grand finale episode, the hosts, staff, and madlang people celebrated their rollercoaster of a journey, with emphasis on the past year’s ups and downs and plot twists.

An audio-visual presentation highlights the program’s 14th-year milestones. New segments like “Isip Bata” were born, paving the way for us to meet the adorable “Batang Cute-Po” kids Argus, Kulot, Jaze, Lucas, and Imogen. The girl group “Baby Dolls” comprised of former Showtime Sexy Babe contestants was also launched.

We’ve met new champions, namely, Lyka Estrella of Tawag ng Tanghalan; and Mary Delle Cascabel of “Girl on Fire,” which was a new segment as well. Cute little girls won our hearts in “Mini Miss U” where 4-year-old Arianah Kelsey was crowned as Grand Winner.

The show also welcomed new family members including TNT hurados Jona, Darren Espanto, Kean Cipriano, Nonoy Zuniga, Dingdong Avanzado, Bituin Escalante, Marco Sison, and Kapuso singers Mark Bautista and Julie Anne San Jose.

And the biggest plot twist that surprised and restored our faith in the recent past was It’s Showtime finding its new home in GMA Network’s GTV Channel.

“Ever since naman, Showtime has always been colorful, ‘di ba? Pero this year talaga, it has been extra colorful. Grabe ‘yung pagpapalit ng kulay. Grabe ‘yung pagpapalit ng emosyon. Grabe ‘yung pagpapalit ng oras. Grabe ‘yung bilis ng panahon. Grabe ‘yung pagdating ng mga pangyayari,” said Vice Ganda, as she stood on stage along with her co-hosts. “And we’re still here. Look at us, we’re still here – celebrating and winning.”

“Dine-depict talaga natin ‘yung pangkaraniwang pamilyang Pilipino na taon-taon hinahataw ng napakaraming bagyo na hindi mo alam kung kailan darating. Minsan handa ka, minsan hindi ka handa, minsan may dumarating na saklolo, minsan kayo-kayo lang. Pero gumigising pa rin kinabukasan at buhay na buhay pa rin kinabukasan. Nananatili pa rin.”

The rest of the It’s Showtime group said their piece, thanking each other and their beloved madlang people, and of course, the Lord. This family has been through the brightest and the darkest of days, but could never be dismantled, because the core reason they push through the roughest times is the love they carry for each other and their audience.

Anne sums up her emotions with a sincere promise for her co-stars: “I just want to say to my Showtime family, no matter where I go, no matter each and everyone of you will go, how many years pass, It’s Showtime will forever be my always. I’ll always be there for you, guys, no matter what.”

The heartwarming exchange was then followed by songs of joy and celebration. They thanked the Man Above through a joyful worship piece, then diverged into groups to serenade madlang people with songs that reveal the tune of their hearts.

In the episode, Judge Apl.de.ap also energized the madlang people with a concert-like performance of his six-time Grammy Awardee group Black Eyed Peas’ single “Filipina Queen.”