How Showtime Online U has been keeping audiences entertained for 10 years now

A decade after Showtime Online U (SOU) first went online, the SOU squad believes that staying connected with its audience while keeping the fun, camaraderie, and sense of family has helped the program reach its 10th year.

During SOU’s 10th anniversary celebration last August 20, pioneer member Marielle Montellano credited the people behind the online show and the trust given to them by the Showtime family, Madlang People, and Madlang Onliners. 

“After 10 long years,what makes SOU different from other online shows is marami kami and masaya kami and we worked so hard for everything na na-accomplish namin, individually and as a group. We are grateful sa tiwala na binigay sa amin ng Showtime family, ng madlang people and Madlang Onliners,” she said.

Marielle noted that coming from different walks of life has allowed the hosts to bring their own experiences and personalities to the program while remaining united by the same goal.

“That’s a beautiful thing na we are from different walks of life so naapply namin yung experience namin sa work namin and namamanage din namin siya dahil nagkakaisa kami sa goal namin to bring happiness sa madlang people,” she added.

For AC Soriano, SOU’s 10-year run would not have been possible without the people who pushed for an online companion to It’s Showtime in the first place.

“I believe na hindi po tatagal yung SOU ng 10 years kung hindi dahil sa mga nagsimula at talagang pinush na magkaroon ng online gap show yung Showtime,” he said.

AC also believes that the bond they have built over the years could carry SOU into the future.

“I think ang makakapagsurvive din talaga nito na more than 10 years, 10, 15, 20 years is I guess the family and the love that radiates within. Hindi lang sa studio namin but tumatagos din siya sa camera at kung sinong nakahawak sa mga cellphone, laptops, iPads nila,” he expressed. 

As SOU grew alongside the digital landscape, Wize Estabillo recalled how quickly the way audiences consume entertainment changed during the show’s 10-year run.

“Nagsimula kasi ang SOU 10 years ago and who would have thought an magiging mabilis yung growth ng digital world,” he said. 

Wize added that the growth of digital viewing allowed audiences who may not be able to watch It’s Showtime on television to stay connected through their devices, anytime and anywhere.

“Ayon yung way namin para magkaroon ng connection with our audience which is very thankful kami kasi because of that nagkakaroon ng connection yung gap between our online viewers and kaming nasa studio,” Wize said.

But adapting to a digital audience also means staying updated with what viewers are watching and talking about.

Lorraine Galvez said the hosts have to keep up with current trends while also being familiar with older films, series, and personalities they encounter through their interviews.

“Kailangan lagi kaming updated at alam ano na ba yung mga ganap. Responsibility namin maging updated para makaconnect sa new generation of viewers and of course maging maalam din sa mga past movies, seryes dati kasi nabibigyan kami ng opportunities na makilala, mainterview yung mga big (and seasoned) stars,” she said.

The hosts’ different personalities also help them connect with different kinds of viewers. Zea Pala said each member of the SOU squad can appeal to audiences through their unique personalities.

“Since we have different personalities, we are relatable to other people lalo na sa ating Madlang Onliners. For different persona, point of views and different ideas, lahat ng tao nakakarelate,” she said. “Sobrang ganda rin na kapag nakakpaginterview tayo, nailalabas din natin yung persona at nagiging relatable din talaga kasi from different perspective yung pagtatanong natin.”

Eris Aragoza similarly noted that the hosts have their own “branding” that viewers can relate to, adding: “Siguro may iba iaba kaming branding, characters na minsan yung madlang onliners naiisip na sila yun, na parang pumapasok (na rin) sila sa Showtime (habang nanonood).”

While SOU is known for its fun and playful exchanges, the hosts also recognize the responsibility that comes with having an online audience.

“Makikita niyo online parang naglolokohan lang pero behind the camera we are responsible hosts kasi nag-e-exercise tayo, mayroon (kaming) mga research and everything, so sana magpatuloy iyon,” Anthony Castillo stated.

As SOU enters another chapter, Anthony hopes the squad will continue to strengthen its bond while earning the support of its Madlang Onliners.

“Ang birthday wish for SOU is sana magpatuloy yung samahan and magpatuloy ang pagiging responsable,” he expressed. “Sana patuloy rin suportahan ng mga tao, Madlang Onliners, yung SOU the same way na inaalagan namin yung show kasi parang papalayo na tayo ng papalayo (papunta sa) digital generation or era.”

“Hindi natin alam what’s in store for us in the future. Sana magpatuloy ang pasgsuporta ng mga tao and makakaasa kayo na ito ay aming itataguyod sa aming makakaya,” he continued.