Arzen Rose Dulzura

Throwback to Jessica Sanchez’s “TWBA” tell-all, hilarious ‘kuwentuhan’ with Vice Ganda on “GGV”

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1752977318223Thumb (4).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>After her Golden Buzzer-worthy “<em>America’s Got Talent</em>” comeback sent the crowd (and the internet) into a standing ovation frenzy, Pinoys couldn’t help but go full throwback mode and dig up Jessica Sanchez&#x27;s old performances in the Philippines. </p><p>We have previously compiled the Filipino-Mexican&#x27;s <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/7/16/jessica-sanchez-s-agt-golden-buzzer-moment-is-taking-pinoys-back-to-her-asap-performances-1656"><strong><u>&quot;ASAP&quot; production numbers</u></strong></a>. But let’s take a quick break from the vocal slayage and power notes for a second. Because while Jessica’s voice can move mountains, there’s also a fun, &#x27;kalog,&#x27; and candid side of her that deserves a spotlight too. </p><p>We’re talking about her guest appearances on “<em>Gandang Gabi Vice</em>” and “<em>Tonight with Boy Abunda</em>,” where she revealed more of her bubbly charm and showed us that behind the diva vocals is a chill girl you’d totally want to hang out with.  </p><p>It was a true Proud Pinoy moment when Jessica, in an impromptu flex of her power vocals, serenaded Vice Ganda and the “<em>GGV</em>” viewers with Martin Nievera’s “<em>Ikaw</em>&quot; way back in November 2019. </p><div><iframe width="1280" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WTc8s6neZfg" title="Jessica Sanchez performs &#x27;Ikaw&#x27; | GGV" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>In the same episode, she shared her excitement about spending more time in the country that year. She was set to have her very first Christmas in the Philippines and wanted to make the most of her &#x27;Paskong Pinoy&#x27; experience since her Filipino grandparents couldn&#x27;t visit her in the U.S. “I love buying gifts. I love wrapping up presents,” she gushed, like a certified holiday girlie. </p><p>Of course, the convo was packed wit non-stop hilarity, especially when Vice Ganda started telling her about the &#x27;realities&#x27; of Christmas in Filipino households, like the whole family basically starving from the afternoon until midnight when Noche Buena is served “So when 12 midnight comes, everyone is in the hospital due to ulcer,” Vice quipped, leaving Jessica giggling and a little shookt. </p><p>Vice was then trying to explain the concept of Secret Santa, aka the &#x27;Monito Monita&#x27; tradition, when she suddenly blanked out on the English translation. “Just ask your relatives because it is their responsibility to explain it to you,&quot; she told Jessica, while the latter was absolutely vibing with the Filipino humor. </p><div><iframe width="1280" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pua1elQ-VQw" title="Jessica Sanchez is excited for her first Christmas in the Philippines | GGV" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Meanwhile, in her “<em>Tonight With Boy Abunda</em>” interview in 2018, Jessica shared that she had a quiet childhood, not because she was bullied for her skin color, as some might assume, but she was simply shy growing up. Besides, she was raised in a Filipino-heavy community in San Diego where she felt surrounded by familiarity. </p><p>She also spoke proudly about her mixed heritage, being Filipino and Mexican-American, and said that she embraces all parts of her cultural background. </p><p>Jessica recalled her visit to her relatives in Bataan, her grandfather’s hometown, a trip that was carefully planned by her grandmother, whom she appreciated for making it special. She joined the flag ceremony at the Bataan People’s Center and shared her desire to return and spend more time in there.  </p><p>She also talked about Martin Nievera, whom she had a concert with that year, saying that the &quot;<a href="http://asap.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>ASAP</u></strong></a>&quot; icon was very supportive and expressed how much he genuinely wanted to contribute to her growth as a singer. Martin became a fan since her &quot;<em>American Idol</em>&quot; Season 11 journey in 2012, where she competed at just 16 years old and ultimately finished as runner-up. </p><p>As another nod to her Pinoy side, she revealed that she admires Regine Velasquez and that it was Regine’s version of “<em>Ikaw</em>”—originally recorded by Martin—that became the very first Tagalog song she learned growing up. During her stay in the Philippines, she also formed a friendship with &quot;<em>Pinoy Big Brother</em>&quot; alumna Ylona Garcia, with whom she got to collaborate. </p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xgmyMdkD-NU" title="TWBA Uncut Interview: Jessica Sanchez" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Jessica also opened up about what happened after her &quot;<em>American Idol</em>&quot; stint, sharing that she needed to take a step back to get to know herself and her music better, and to grow, since she was so young when she joined the competition and immediately got caught up in the whirlwind of concerts, interviews, songwriting, and even acting, having landed a guest role in the American musical series &quot;<em>Glee</em>&quot; in 2013. </p><p>After some time spent immersing herself in the kind of music she truly wanted to pursue and working closely with mentors in the industry, Jessica finally found her rhythm, and eventually, found love too. During the interview, she was accompanied in the studio by her then-boyfriend Rickie Gallardo, whom she married in 2021 and with whom she is now expecting her first child, as revealed during her recent &quot;<em>AGT</em>&quot; audition. Jessica shared that she met Rickie at their local church.  </p><p>And of course, she didn’t escape the Fast Talk segment, where she revealed more fun facts about herself while gamely answering some of Boy &quot;Tito Boy&quot; Abunda&#x27;s signature racy questions.</p>