The latest episode of Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime aired March 15, delivered a mix of music, laughter, and an unexpected twist when TV host and theater actress Karylle inadvertently sparked confusion with OPM icon and judge Nonoy Zuñiga during a lighthearted segment.
The fun began when Vice Ganda kicked off a playful conversation about different branches of science, challenging the hosts to tie a scientific field to a joke. After Vice teased Karylle for seemingly having no contribution, the singer-actress quickly fired back with confidence. “Hindi, meron ako. Konektado sa maghuhurado sa’yo…” she declared, addressing contestant Mary Khem Cabagte and her fellow hosts. She continued, “Isa siyang DDS, Doctor Nonoy Zuñiga!”
Karylle’s punchline hinged on a clever play on words—labeling Zuñiga a “DDS,” which she intended to mean Doctor of Dental Science. The quip drew chuckles from the audience, as “DDS” is more commonly recognized in the Philippines as an acronym for “Duterte Diehard Supporters,” referring to avid followers of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
However, the joke took an unexpected turn when Zuñiga himself chimed in to set the record straight. With a smile, the OPM legend corrected Karylle, saying, “Baka may nabasa kang mali, M.D. ako!” Zuñiga clarified that he is, in fact, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), not a dentist as Karylle’s jest implied. His good-natured correction left the hosts and audience in stitches, turning the moment into one of the episode’s highlights.
Karylle: isa syang DDS…..
HAHAHAHAHAHA SHUTACCA KARYLLE! Mali pa!!!! pic.twitter.com/FCRl42qESF
— Anima Cristi Fhermin (@thequeenanima) March 15, 2025
Zuñiga, a celebrated figure in Original Pilipino Music (OPM), is currently serving as a judge on this special edition of Tawag ng Tanghalan, alongside other iconic names in the industry. His presence on the panel has added a layer of prestige to the competition, which continues to showcase the country’s brightest vocal talents.
The mix-up didn’t overshadow the episode’s main event, as contestant Mary Khem Cabagte delivered a standout performance, earning praise from the judges.
Still, it was Karylle’s unintentional comedic detour that had everyone talking, proving once again why It’s Showtime remains a beloved staple of Filipino entertainment.
