When opportunity knocks, you better give it your all—it might just change your life forever. That’s the story of Vice Ganda, the Filipino icon who turned a guest spot into a game-changing career.

It’s Showtime Executive Producer Trina Genova-Bitara revealed in a 2025 podcast that comedian Long Mejia was their first pick to be the show’s main host.

But when Vice Ganda stepped in as a guest judge, his wit, humor, and unstoppable energy stole the show—and the role. How did a comedy bar star become the heart of Philippine noontime TV?

Born Jose Marie Borja Viceral in Tondo, Manila, on March 31, 1976, Vice Ganda grew up in a working-class family, facing tragedy when his father, a barangay captain, was murdered.

Raised by his mother, a caregiver who worked abroad, Vice battled bullying as a closeted gay youth, finding solace in comedy.

In the late 1990s, he cut his teeth in Manila’s Punchline and The Library comedy bars, delivering sharp, sarcastic humor about Filipino culture and sexuality.

Spotted by talent scout Ogie Diaz, Vice landed minor roles in shows like Dyosa (2008) before his big break in 2009. Showtime, ABS-CBN’s new talent search program, premiered on October 24, 2009, with Vice as a guest judge.

Originally, Long Mejia was slated as the “unevictable” judge, immune to weekly public votes to eliminate judges.

But, as Trina Genova-Bitara shared, ABS-CBN management watched Vice’s guest stint and said, “He’s the one!” His fearless commentary and connection with the “madlang people” made him a mainstay by 2010, transforming Showtime into It’s Showtime, a cultural juggernaut.

Watch the story here!