It was last Saturday, January 18, when Christine "Genie-Nga" Samson's ‘stepsister,’ Genie-Pon, appeared and brought joy to the madlang people on It's Showtime. Just by being present, he already won the hearts of everyone through his wit and vibe.
On normal days and events, Genie-Pon is known as Neri Neritzkova. He has been a part of the noontime show's family even before the segment "Piling Lucky" started.
As a member of the wardrobe team, he is one of the people who makes sure that everyone's outfits are ready and on fleek for the performances and segments.
In his official Instagram account, @genieponeritzkova, the madlang people can view some of the artists he styled including Tawag ng Tanghalan's Season 3 Grand Champion Elaine Duran and the Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda.
In his first appearance, he said that he has a "mas mabangong hininga" than his ‘stepsister.’ On that day, Vhong Navarro was going to perform and shared that he got worried about his clothes.
"Nung Sabado, ‘di ba may prod ako, akala ko 'di aabot ‘yung costume ko kasi hinahanap ko siya (Neri) eh kasi siya ‘yung gumawa ng damit ko," he said.
"'Yun pala 'di na raw pwede lumabas kasi nasa banga na raw," Vhong shared.
Vice explained that Genie-Nga was absent that day so they had to find someone to replace her and chose Neri.
When he comes out of the jar, it has been a joke between him and the hosts that the audience says "yuck" upon seeing him, but Vice makes sure to assure him that he is beautiful and full of luck.
He also showed that he can banter not just with the hosts, but also with the audience, when he interacted with Gian from Project 4. According to him, he can be his "hari." He added that his former king has forgotten him already.
In one episode of the noontime show, he gave Vhong and Jhong Hilario a kiss on their cheeks. A day after, he said that he was shocked by what happened.
"As a young girl, nabigla po ako kahapon sa first on-screen kiss [ko] kaya ngayon, pa-sweet na muna ako," he stated.
Vhong then said that he and his wife, Tanya Bautista, fought about it.
"Nagselos, eh. Sa lahat, kay Anne Curtis, 'di siya nagselos. Dito lang kay Genie-Pon nagselos. Dito kasi iba raw," he said.
Because of this, Neri talked to Tanya through the television screen and asked her to "relax." He added that what they did was just for work.
Last on the list is the genie's new reddish-violet curly hairstyle. According to Vice Ganda, he looked like him in his movie "Beauty And The Bestie."
Neri shared that he changed his look because he has to look "fierce." He added that he was able to do so because of the opportunity given to him.
"Kasi sa araw-araw ba naman ng labas ko sa banga, nakaluwag-luwag, nag-ipon, nagpa-salon," Genie-Pon said.
Vice then commented that he looked like he came from "floor wax" and is like a villain from Darna movie.