INTRODUCTION: WORDS THAT ARE UNINTENDED BUT HAVE CONTENT

In the colorful world of noontime shows, the biggest news often doesn’t come in a press release or official statement . More often than not, it comes out in unexpected moments—in the middle of a laugh, in a simple game, or in a “hirit” from the host that you thought was just a joke but was actually true.

This is exactly what happened this January 19 on the program It’s Showtime .

What everyone thought was a simple segment of “Laro-Laro Pick” became the spark of a heated conversation that has now shaken the entire KimPau Nation (as fans of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino are called). In an instant, “Chinita Princess” Kim Chiu was exposed by her “Meme” Vice Ganda .

The issue? Kim’s alleged sadness on Saturday. The reason? Her absence from the Sinulog Festival . The deeper reason? Her absence from meeting the man who was in Cebu at the time— Paulo Avelino .

In this special report, we will break down every second of the incident. Why did the conversation about “Sabado” become so emotional? What is Paulo doing in Cebu? And why does Vice Ganda seem to be a big fan of this duo?

CHAPTER 1: THE “Laro-Laro Pick” INCIDENT

It’s Monday, January 19. The vibes in the studio are happy. The hosts and contestants are playing games in the segment “Laro-Laro Pick.” Kim Chiu, as one of the main hosts, is messing around with a contestant.

It all started with a compliment . The contestant told Kim: “Kim, you are so beautiful.”

In a normal situation, an artist would simply reply with “Thank you” or “You too.” But Kim Chiu’s response was different. It seemed like she was trying to pull something out. It seemed like she wanted to say something that wasn’t direct. Kim’s response: “You’re prettier… because you were happier on Saturday.”

Why “Sabado”? Why “masaya”? This is where Vice Ganda comes in. Vice is known for his keen sense of smell. He knows the pulse of his “children.” He knows when Kim is joking and when she is saying something meaningful.

Vice didn’t miss the opportunity. In front of national television , he revealed the true state of Kim’s heart. Vice said to the contestant (referring to Kim): “You were jealous of my child… He wasn’t happy last Saturday. Seriously.”

The shock on Kim’s face was obvious. She just laughed, seemingly caught off guard. “Did you hear that?” she asked Vice, further confirming the audience’s suspicion that what the Unkabogable Star said was true.

CHAPTER 2: THE CONNECTION TO THE SINULOG FESTIVAL

To understand Kim’s “sadness,” we need to look at the context of the date. The “Saturday” referred to is January 17 , the weekend highlight of the Sinulog Festival 2026 in Cebu City.

Kim Chiu is a proud Cebuana . This is where she grew up. This is where she started. Sinulog is in her blood. Every year, if lucky, Cebuano celebrities come home to offer offerings to Santo Niño and join in the parade.

But this year, Kim is NOT in Cebu. She is in Manila for work. But someone important to her is there.

Paulo Avelino . Her leading man . Her rumored special someone . Paulo was invited as a guest at the Cebu festivities. Thousands of fans saw him waving on floats , performing at mall shows, and mingling with Kim’s countrymen.

The Marites ‘ analysis : The reason Kim was sad on Saturday was because of what’s called FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) — not just about the festival, but about the opportunity to be with Paulo in his hometown.

Imagine the scenario: The man who makes your heart beat faster is in your hometown , enjoying himself with your countrymen, but you are far away. Who wouldn’t regret it?

CHAPTER 3: THE KIMPAU PHENOMENON (Why Are They the Ones to Watch?)

Why is there so much interest in Kim and Paulo?

Kim came from a long relationship with Xian Lim (KimXi). When they broke up, many worried about Kim. The public saw how hurt she was. But when the series “Linlang” came along , people saw a different kind of chemistry between her and Paulo Avelino.

• Kim: Noisy, bubbly, cheerful.

• Paulo: Quiet, mysterious, introverted .

They are the definition of “Opposites Attract.” From their serious acting in Linlang , they brought the thrill to the Philippine adaptation of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.” Here, it was even more apparent that they were comfortable with each other.

The behind-the-scenes banter, the stares, and Paulo’s protectiveness of Kim gave fans new hope. They want Kim to be happy, and they see that happiness when she’s with Paulo.

CHAPTER 4: VICE GANDA AS THE “CAPTAIN” OF THE SHIP

This story wouldn’t be complete without Vice Ganda. In It’s Showtime , Vice acts as Kim’s “mother.” It’s noticeable that when Vice doesn’t vote for the man, he either stays quiet or issues a warning. But with Paulo Avelino? Meme is all-out support .

He has teased Kim about Paulo several times.

• Paulo’s name is mentioned on the air.

• Kim is asked why it’s blooming.

• And now, Kim has revealed that she feels sad when they are not together.

What Vice did in “Laro-Laro Pick” wasn’t just a simple joke. It was validation . It was confirmation that Kim’s feelings were real and that her relationship with Paulo was real. If it wasn’t true, Vice wouldn’t have said it in front of millions of viewers because he knew Kim would get bashed. His opening up was a sign that Kim and Paulo’s relationship was secure enough to be made into a public joke.

CHAPTER 5: FANS’ REACTION (The People’s Wish)

After the episode, KimPau immediately trended. Comments on social media were a mix of excitement and regret.

“What a pity! Imagine if Kim and Pau were on the Sinulog float. Cebu is already gone!” said one fan. “I feel Kimmy’s sadness. You wish she would have to tour your place but you have work,” another one said.

The fans’ wish: Hopefully, in the next regional event or mall show , the two of them will be together. They want to see “KimPau” outside of the scripted teleserye. They want to see real life interaction .

CONCLUSION: LOVE AT WORK

Vice Ganda’s revelation proved one thing: Kim Chiu is only human. Despite his fame, wealth, and success, he still seeks simple happiness—being with the person he cares about.

The “sadness on Saturday” was only temporary. Given the current trajectory of their careers, there are sure to be many more opportunities for her and Paulo to be together. And with every smile Kim shows on Showtime , the audience already knows who the reason is.

As the song says, “Joy belongs to you, happiness belongs to you.” And it seems that for Kim Chiu, happiness lies in the company of a mysterious actor named Paulo.