Uge, Edu team up for game show comeback

Miss Eugene Domingo was surprised that GMA Network revived the award-winning game show “Celebrity Bluff” which she is hosting.

“Not everyone gets that chance to get a show back on air, but due to insistent public demand, we all believe that an-all original Pinoy game show like ‘Celebrity Bluff’ that the viewers loved so much for the last three years deserves to be back. When netizens heard that the show is coming back, they were all excited,” the TV host told Star Circuit when we dropped by the show’s taping last week.

Miss Uge, as she is fondly called, said she is very happy that loyal viewers of “Celebrity Bluff” are still there.

“When we taped for our first episode, it felt as if we didn’t stop taping. I still know how to do it. So I am really happy, excited and thankful,” said the award-winning actress-turned game show host.

Even if GMA Network decided to cancel “Celebrity Bluff” from its Saturday time slot, Uge says that she and the production team have this feeling that the show will make a comeback.

“We felt it has a good concept and we seldom have an original game show. That’s why I would also like to congratulate our creative team and GMA for trusting me to be a host of ‘Celebrity Bluff’ anew.”

We had the chance to watch during the taping and we noticed that the show is more fast-paced compared before. Rico Gutierrez took over the late director Uro dela Cruz (who passed away last year) and he injected new ideas to make the show even more interesting. It is more modern yet it retains the quality that “Celebrity Bluff” is known for.

“All the things that I’ve learned from Direk Uro dela Cruz, nagagamit ko pa rin ngayon sa hosting so it’s a combination of old and new. The show is more fun and exciting, especially the jackpot round. I’ve always thought na hindi lang dapat nakakatawa. This is a game show kaya dapat exciting. Dapat ma-sustain ang excitement,” said Ms. Uge.

What makes the show different now is that Edu Manzano is now part of “Celebrity Bluff” as the Master Bluffer.

“I have so much respect for Edu. Sometimes I still get starstruck because it seems so hard to believe that Edu, who is a seasoned host, is one of our Master Bluffers. It is really such an honor to have him on the show. I feel so humbled with the respect that he gives to his fellow artists,” added Ms. Uge.

We also asked Ms. Uge about “Dear Uge,” her other show that airs every Sunday after “Sunday Pinasaya.” She said there is no truth to the rumor that the show will be axed. In fact, they just renewed for their third season.

“I am thankful that the audience liked the entertainment given by ‘Dear Uge.’ It is a light drama and it is a welcome change to see their favorite drama actors doing comedy for a change. The show is very relaxing,” she added.

***

After the resounding success of “The Big Big Show” last December 3 at The Theater at Solaire, there has been a clamor to stage a repeat.

Reviews for the show were glowing. Music aficionados and concert-goers were in unison that “The Big Big Show” did not only celebrate women of all shapes and sizes, it also served as a showcase for the musical gifts and versatility of its three headliners: Frenchie Dy, Radha and Bituin Escalante.

“The Big Big Show” marked the first time that the three talented singers shared one stage together and boy, what wonders and magic they made, easily slipping from one musical genre to another with flair and gusto.

Rendered with big band flourish courtesy of musical director Mel Villena and his AMP Band, the formidable diva trio of Frenchie, Radha and Bituin were in great form from the get-go. It mattered little if they were doing solo spots or a medley of kundimans. Frenchie, Radha and Bituin were just gung-ho and ready to sing their hearts out.

It will be a treat for those who missed it and a nostalgic trip to revisit for those who enjoyed the first staging. Like its lovely and hugely-talented headliners, “The Big Big Show: Again” without a doubt is bigger, braver, bolder and better with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

Mark your calendars on July 14 as HM Entertainment brings back Frenchie Dy, Radha and Bituin Escalante as they recreate the magic with “The Big Big Show, Again” still at The Theater at Solaire, home of world class Filipino concerts and performances.

Tickets to “The Big Big Show: Again” are now available via Ticketworld. Call 8919999.