Since its inception in 2010, “Magpasikat,” the annual talent showdown among the “It’s Showtime” hosts, held during their anniversary celebration, has only become increasingly grander each year. The competition has become a much-anticipated event for the ‘Showtime’ family, with each team pouring their sweat, blood, and tears into their performances, from carefully crafting the visuals to weaving in a powerful message.

Every year, viewers, hosts, and guests eagerly await to see who will be declared champion because, for the ‘Showtime’ family, winning is a big deal. More than just a title, it fuels a healthy competition among them.

But what does it really take to win in “Magpasikat“? “Dapat kaibiganin mo ‘yung mga hurado,” jested the show’s so-called ‘Sample King,’ Jhong Hilario, referring to the surprise panel of judges invited to evaluate the performances each year.

On a serious note, Vice Ganda, who smiled at Jhong’s quip, shared that they’ve mastered the art of “Magpasikat” over the years, and it’s credited not only to skill and effort, but he admits that a stroke of luck plays a part as well.

“‘Pag minalas ka, minalas ka,” he said, specifically referring to his production with Jackie Gonzaga and Cianne Dominguez last year, where their team’s electronic props malfunctioned during the live performance. “Wala kaming ibang magawa kundi tanggapin, ‘Ah, minalas kami.’ Ginawa na namin ‘yung makakaya namin, pero, ‘Ano’ng nangyari? Sinong nagtanggal ng saksakan?’ mga ganu’n. ‘Pag minalas ka, minalas ka.”

Year after year, the hosts continue to push creative boundaries, always striving to deliver something fresh and extraordinary for their beloved madlang people. But at the end of the day, it all starts with a simple goal—to make the madlang people happy.

As thrilling as it is to wear the crown of a champion, they ultimately find themselves giving their all for the love of their audience. “‘Yung pinaghirapan n’yo, binigay n’yo lahat ng effort n’yo para makapagpalabas ng isang Magpasikat worth the time ng madlang people,” this, according to Ogie Alcasid, is the true measure of whether you’ve delivered something great.

A fusion of entertainment and purpose, “Magpasikat” is known for its power to change perspectives and inspire spectators. Even the hosts themselves learn from their healthy competition. Among the key lessons “Magpasikat” has taught them, Vice shares, are humility and sportsmanship.

Sometimes, losing is not an easy pill to swallow, especially for highly competitive people and teams that have squeezed every drop of creative juice into their production. But at the end of the day, they’re all happy, win or lose, as they always hold onto their core value—to bring joy to the audience.

Jhong, who has quite a few “Magpasikat” championships under his belt, shared that the formula for success comes from the heart. If your heart is in the right place for why you’re in “Magpasikat,” then you’ll be happy “kahit hindi ka manalo.”

Vice reacted, “Ayan, ah! Sinabi mo ‘kahit hindi manalo.'” And the room erupted in laughter.

Well, they may be laughing it off now, but as we all know, the previous “Magpasikat” performances were nothing short of spectacular and remarkable. And we’re sure this year will be no different. If anything, expect the entries to be even grander, more impactful, and more explosive to mark the program’s “Kinseyyy” anniversary!

Catch the “It’s Showtime” week-long “Magpasikat 2024” anniversary battle from October 21 to October 26!

The ‘Monday’ team is comprised of Vice, Karylle, and Ryan Bang; followed by the Tuesday group of Ogie Alcasid, Kim Chiu, MC, and Lassy. On Wednesday, watch Vhong Navarro, Amy Perez, Darren Espanto, and Ion Perez. The Thursday slot belongs to Anne Curtis, Jugs Jugueta, and Teddy Corpuz. And for the last day, Friday, Jhong Hilario, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez will perform.

The winning teams will be announced on Saturday, October 26.