We were once again taken back to the future. But this time, a relatively farther journey as the team of Vhong Navarro, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, and the Hashtags took us in an out-of-this world adventure 30 years from now with their visually stunning yet heart-fluttering Magpasikat 2019 production number on It’s Showtime on Friday, October 25, at the Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.
IN PHOTOS: See Team Vhong-Mariel’s inspiring out of this world number on Magpasikat 2019
The futuristic exhibition commenced by flashing a notice on the screen, saying that as technology got completely advanced 30 years from now, they were able to find a post-modern way to provide happiness to the madlang people through “mandroids”, or humanoid robots which sole mission is to kiss away our boredom at a very affordable price.
She might not be physically present during their performance, but Mariel was still able to do her part as the leader of the “mandroids” who introduced Mandroid VN-01, the character played by their group leader Vhong. The spectators were welcomed to the grand spectacle by a throng of dancers in silver body suits who immediately astonished us with how they played with our eyes via the lights that reflected their sleek attires, as well as their synchronized movements.
It was succeeded by a peculiar shadow play courtesy of Vhong, who “transformed” into human form as he tried to entertain his It’s Showtime family, who were in their senior years by that time, to no avail.
That’s when the Hashtag members made an entrance and impressed us with their dancing prowess while cladded in bizarre costumes that resembled various creatures.
The cheers went tumultuous inside the theater as Zeus Collins and Dawn Chang conquered the stage to perform a thrilling and intimate dance number under a makeshift waterfall. Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 champion Power Duo came after and roused us with an electrifying ballroom-inspired act.
Mandroid VN-01 once again emerged on-stage and danced alone on the elevated platform where the makeshift waterfall was situated. Then a pre-recorded video of an elderly Vhong was flashed on the screen, delivering a poignant message intended to his It’s Showtime family about the amazing journey they had and how thankful he was for them.
Right after that, the lights went off and the life-size images of each cast member of the program appeared and quickly disappeared right before our eyes. Their older counterparts and the other members of the ensemble enclosed Vhong in a huge group hug that formed a heart.
The showcase ended with Vhong slowly walking out from the humungous embrace, stepping onto an elevated platform, and facing everyone while brandishing a heart out of his two hands.
Team Vhong-Mariel’s performance received a standing ovation from the judges and the madlang people alike, who were astounded by their production number that wasn’t only thought-provoking, but heartwarming as well. It’s a great reminder that at any point in time in the future, It’s Showtime’s legacy will forever be etched in the madlang people’s hearts and minds.