Dannyka Manangan

EXCLUSIVE: Robi Domingo opens up about the pressure of hosting PGT 7: ‘Ang hirap punan nung sapatos nila’

Article (news)

Jemuel Tandoc

Push Team

<p>Robi Domingo brought fun and energy as the newest host of the recently concluded seventh season of <em>Pilipinas Got Talent</em>, alongside his co-host Melai Cantiveros.</p><p>In an exclusive interview with <strong>PUSH ABS-CBN</strong><em><strong></strong></em>, Robi admitted that hosting the iconic reality talent show came with its own share of pressures and challenges.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175090427847342416290-8ee6-4a81-98b7-17d9823619ef.jpg" style="width:400px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>“Sobra akong na-pressure. Kasi, siyempre, growing up, we&#x27;ve all watched <em>Pilipinas Got Talent</em>, especially the first seasons. Iniisip ko lang yung mga judges nung time na yun, Ms. Kris Aquino, Ms. Ai-Ai (Delas Alas), Boss FMG (Freddie M. Garcia), and then, you got the power tandem, you know, the OGs, Billy (Crawford and) Luis (Manzano). Ang hirap punan nung sapatos nila. And when that opportunity came, when they called me up, sabi ko, ‘Wow, sobrang, hindi ko alam kung anong masasabi ko.’ But then again, they briefed us with the addition of Melai too. It&#x27;s a different flavor. And yeah, I hope we have a new season soon,” he recalled.</p><p>The Kapamilya premier host even revealed that he asked one of the original hosts, Luis Manzano, for advice before hosting PGT.</p><p>“Actually before, I was asking for some tips coming from Kuya Luis. Sabi lang niya, just enjoy the show and that&#x27;s what I did. And now I know why people love this show so much,” Robi shared.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17509043127731f5a51f7-baba-448b-aa71-57c2f2ae7a60.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Robi also described the overall experience as bittersweet, considering the show his home.</p><p>“For me, it has been bittersweet, especially the past two days. The grand finale, the final showdown. Kasi I was telling the people here, especially production, sabi ko, ‘This is not just a program for me, this is my home. I am so in love with the show. Not just because of the acts, but because of the people, the judges, si Melai, yung staff, yung crew, lahat.  Isang masayang experience to work here in a Pilipinas Got Talent,” he expressed.</p><p>He also expressed how proud he is of all eight grand finalists, emphasizing that each one is equally deserving of the title.</p><p>“Gusto ko lang sabihin sa lahat ng finalists natin ngayon dito., they are all deserving of the title, Lahat (sila). Kahit sino man sa ating eight grand finalists. Kaya nga sila napadala dito sa pinakadulo ng kompetisyon eh,” he said.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17509043431920d05e94f-fa38-48e1-8aad-e06e74989dbb.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>But Robi also shared how 55-year-old grand champion Cardong Trumpo stood out with his unique Filipino talent.</p><p>“Tatay Cardo is different. I mean, ang tagal na naghahanap ng unique Filipino talent, and now, we got our very own Filipino grand winner, (rooted in) our culture at handa nang umikot yung mundo natin dahil kay Tatay Cardo,” he expressed.</p><p>Robi also admitted why he couldn’t help but become emotional during the show.</p><p>“I have been so emotional just because ayoko siyang matapos. I told you that I feel at home, especially every single week, magkakasama kami dito, ‘di ba? For the past five weeks. And parang nase-sepanx lang ako,” he shared.</p><p>In the meantime, Robi’s supporters won’t have to miss him, as he returns as an <em>Idol Philippines </em>host—this time for its first-ever kids edition, <em>Idol Kids Philippines</em>. It’s set to air this coming weekend.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KQS9qk88M7s" title="Idol Kids Philippines: The Search Begins! | With Robi Domingo &amp; Jolina Magdangal as Hosts" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“It&#x27;s a breath of fresh air. Ang dami nating natutunan at makukuha sa mga makukulit na mga kiddie hopefuls natin. At yung aura lang nila, yung presence nila, yung charm nila, I&#x27;m sure magta-translate across the screen. Kasi mararamdaman niyo yung heartwarming stories, and also the excellence is always there,” Robi teased.</p>

<p>Robi Domingo opens up about the pressure of hosting <i>Pilipinas Got Talent</i> Season 7, stepping into the shoes of its original hosts, Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford. The Kapamilya host also shares why he became emotional during the final showdown.</p>

Robi Domingo opens up about the pressure of hosting Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7, stepping into the shoes of its original hosts, Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford. The Kapamilya host also shares why he became emotional during the final showdown.