Guess who’s the latest person to leave the iconic Bahay ni Kuya? This time, it’s not one of the housemates but a host.
ABS-CBN broke the news, stating that Toni Gonzaga will not be returning as a host and has chosen to “voluntarily endorse the main hosting job to Bianca Gonzalez.” However, she reportedly did not tender a formal resignation.
Gonzaga has been a main host since the show premiered in 2005, appearing in 14 seasons. “Pinoy Big Brother” has said they “respect” her stepping down from her role in the show.
Aside from her stint at PBB, Toni Gonzaga is a regular host, from doing her talk show vlog to covering events. Last night, as campaign season kicked off, she hosted the Marcos-Duterte proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. “Bagong Lipunan,” the anthem commissioned after former dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, played during the event. During Martial Law, schoolchildren were taught and forced to sing it, as Jessica Soho and Noel Cabangon once shared to Inquirer. After the song played, Gonzaga declared, “Tapos na, may nanalo na, tapos ang laban. Buhay na buhay ang pagmamahal kay Apo Lakay Ferdinand Marcos.”
In case you didn’t know, “apo lakay” means “respected elder” in Ilocano. It’s not entirely surprising that she would use that honorific for the dictator; his son and presidentiable Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was ninong at her wedding to director Paul Soriano. Soriano himself directed the Marcos-Duterte unity video.
At the rally, she also introduced Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who is running for the senate. “May laban tayo sa kanya,” she said. Marcoleta had pushed for the closure and nonrenewal of the franchise of entertainment giant ABS-CBN, the network that makes PBB and which Gonzaga is under. He came under fire in November last year after airing political ads on the channel, which many found hypocritical considering his stance.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, has been vocal about setting the facts straight on Martial Law atrocities.
All in all, we’re very excited to see Gonzalez as the main host of the show.
Photo screengrabbed from an official“Four Sisters and A Wedding” clip
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