It's Showtime hosts grace GMA Gala for the second time

What a difference a year makes.

Exactly one year ago, on July 20, 2023, ABS-CBN and GMA Network inked a deal that paved the way for the Kapamilya noontime show It's Showtime to air on GTV, GMA-7's subsidiary network.

Given the years-long rivalry between ABS-CBN and GMA Network, the agreement was groundbreaking in more ways than one.

Read: ABS-CBN went off the air 7:52 tonight, May 5, 2020

The alliance between It's Showtime and GMA Network was made possible after the transfer of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and the other mainstays of Eat Bulaga! — the country's longest-running noontime show aired on GMA-7 — to TV5.

Read: TVJ officially transfers to TV5 after 'Eat Bulaga!' exit

Before the move, It's Showtime occupies the noontime slot on TV5.

But with the entry of the former Eat Bulaga! team, TV5 offered to move It's Showtime to 4:30 P.M., a suggestion that was declined by ABS-CBN management.

Read: Tito Sotto on the day TVJ left TAPE: "Parang sila ang may-ari sa amin. Nakakapikon na."

As a result, ABS-CBN sought a new network to partner with, and GMA Network offered the noontime slot of GTV to accommodate It's Showtime.

Read: President Rodrigo Duterte admits using "presidential powers" against ABS-CBN

The rest, as they say, is history.

It's Showtime debuted on GTV on July 1, 2023.

Then on April 6, 2024, It's Showtime was also taken in by GMA-7, the flagship channel of GMA Network, while retaining its simulcast on GTV, as well.

Read: It's Showtime, kumpirmadong papalit sa timeslot ng Tahanang Pinakamasaya sa GMA-7

IT'S SHOWTIME BRINGS STAR POWER TO GMA GALA 2024

On Saturday, July 20, 2024 — exactly a year after striking the partnership — the Kapuso network held this year's edition of the GMA Gala, bringing network executives, talents, celebrities, and influential personalities from diverse fields under one roof.

Lending their presence to the event were It's Showtime mainstays (from left to right) Darren Espanto, Cianne Dominguez, Ryan Bang, Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro, Ogie Alcasid, and Jhong Hilario.

The It's Showtime gang commanded the red carpet in style, exuding style in their fabulous black and white outfits that perfectly complemented the evening's theme.

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FEELING RIGHT AT HOME

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The It's Showtime mainstays mingled with the Kapuso stars, many of which are their friends off the camera.

Vice, who was donning a Valdrin Sahiti creation, was in her element, mixing it up with guests and GMA Network executives.

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HANGING OUT WITH MICHELLE DEE

The It's Showtime hosts were also spotted sharing light moments with Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.

It was a reunion of sorts for both parties. It can be recalled that Michelle guested in the show in April as a searcher for its segment "EXpecially For You."

Read: Michelle Dee answers "secret" when asked about date with Oliver Moeller

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Michelle's guesting garnered many views, prompting the show to invite the actress-beauty queen back as a guest co-host the same month.

Meanwhile, in an interview for GMA News Online, Vice thanked GMA Network for welcoming It's Showtime to the family.

"We thank God and we thank everyone na tinutulungan kami and inaalalayan kami sa muling pagbangon naming kaya maraming maraming maraming salamat Malaking bagay na pinatuloy kami ng GMA," said Vice.