When you hear of Abs-Cbn especially if you're miles away from Manila, you imagine a grand place full of celebrities. You see yourself walking on a red carpet through a long, narrow and white hallway, with dressing rooms, and celebrity portraits hanged at either side. Then you'll get inside one of the place's big studios that can accommodate thousands of audience and you will most likely get to see the people working off cam. That's not my case though, because even before my soul wandered off at Abs-Cbn all I had in mind was Anne Curtis.

During the tour I spotted Anne Curtis' Dressing Room!

But as we toured the compound, I was surprised when it unfolded a simple job-centered environment.

When you're there, you will see it more as a workplace than those flashy images you feed your imagination with. The interiors are simple but still with a good share of grandeur since it's my first time to visit the place. What makes it complicated is how you think about the turnarounds of the place, the busy people and some kick-ass alienating machines. It's like a labyrinth that belongs to another world. Certainly, not the world that I was used to but a world where I would love to work.

Have you ever been to a hallway that seemed like a warehouse of machines, camera cranes, dollies, props and some electrical thingamajig caged on the side? That doesn't sound like an ideal place to live or to even pass by, but for an aspiring filmmaker - that hallway is but a warehouse of his most beloved tools. How much more a studio that's got chroma screens and a ceiling that is full of cables and lights?


After the morning tour we readied ourselves for Abs-Cbn's Live Noontime show "It's Showtime". The tour was fun but I don't know if the world hates me because during our tour, we hardly ever bumped into a celebrity.

We went to a cafeteria, perhaps nestled in the heart of the main building fronting the Dolphy Theater to have snacks in preparation for a 3 hours TV show guesting. Yeah, guesting, because we're special like that. As the we near the Showtime Studio, my heart was racing like hell because I might finally get the chance to see Anne Curtis.

It's Showtime!!

 The instant I got inside the Showtime Studio my head went spinning around like a possessed child looking for Anne. Where is Anne Curtis? Where is Anne Curtis? (Heart beats fast) Ohh...Anne Curtis, where are you? (Sees Vice Ganda, Heart gallops!) Hey, not you. Hahaha

Jesse: Where's Anne?
Me: I don't know. She might be late again, she's kind of always late at Showtime. Let's just wait.
Jesse: Okay.

While waiting for Anne to show up and for the program to start we were briefed by the floor directors about the responsibilities of a Madlang people. Yes! As Madlang people or as a live show audience in general you're not just gonna sit back, relax and enjoy as though you're watching a television. You, a lucky sonofabitch who got the rare chance of getting into an invite-only or reservation-required LIVE national TV Show should participate well in dancing, singing or even just by putting your hands together to clap.

You will kind of feel tired halfway though because you're gonna have to clap in every gap of the show but it's all part of the experience. Remember that this is not a movie where you get the chance of watching it the second time around, unless of course, you have contacts who can get you there everyday. Being an audience is tantamount to being a film extra, you're one of the most important factors of the show because you're the one or part of a group that builds up an essential element called atmosphere. And a variety show without a lively atmosphere is a flop! So with a gush of enthusiasm I gave 100% of my energy when they taught us the choreo of the show's opening.

Then the program started. The hosts came out. We all sang and danced beating out the music of "It's Showtime." God, it was tiring! Then came later when I realized Anne's not going to show up anymore. Anne, when late, usually arrives after the first (two) gap(s) and appears for her utterly absurd yet very entertaining "Madlang People Chant".

  But it was already time for the segment Sine Moto! It broke my heart into pieces. I was devastated. I wanted to go around to find her.

I tried to catch up with the show and absorb everyone's happy aura and it temporarily sufficed. There came gaps where I prayed for Anne to arrive even though she's already 1 and a half hour late. But my prayers that time prompted me with "Message Sending Failed".

I wasn't really sad though, just, a bit disappointed. I enjoyed Sine Moto as usual and raising the score cards and watching families perform together are the funnest for me. And oh, I remember that The X-Factor Philippines finalists were there too! It's been awhile since I last saw Kz Tandingan. We're schoolmates and good friends too! SO proud of her. :-)




But like most shows, Showtime consumed itself like a dying stick of cigarette. It just happened so fast! Maybe because I managed to recover from my sudden heartache.

The experience was fun but it could have been personally awesome if Anne Curtis was there. For a Showtime fan, Showtime with a cast member missing, especially someone that is as lovable as Anne or as witty as Vice, Showtime isn't Showtime. Don't get me wrong though because I really enjoyed the show. I'm really happy and thankful for the great experience but I definitely could have had one of the best days of my life if Anne Curtis was there.

On the brighter side, at least, I would be looking forward to another Abs-Cbn Tour or event where I'll finally get the chance to meet Anne Curtis up close and personal. I left the Abs-Cbn compound that day with a glimmer of hope and was reminded that the fanboy's search for his celebrity crush continues.

To cap this off, I'm giving Showtime!

Minus Anne!

I receive a lot of emails asking if Showtime is free. And yes, it is free to the public. Only those who have booked to the Abs-Cbn Studio Tours have paid for the tour which includes Showtime as part of their itinerary. :-)