It’s Showtime host Jhong Hilario denied rumors that he will be leaving ABS-CBN because he received an offer from another network.
Hilario’s partner Maia Azores recently gave birth to their first daughter. Due to this development, he is compelled to leave his two Kapamilya shows.
The Sample King is one of the regular hosts of the noontime show It’s Showtime.
He was also part of the singing and impersonation competition Your Face Sounds Familiar (YFSF), in which Hilario gave impressive performances.
In a video call with YFSF host Luis Manzano, on April 17, he confirmed that he will be leaving the show for the sake of his daughter.
Despite this clarification, there were rumors that he will be leaving ABS-CBN because he received a tempting offer from another network.
So, in a zoom interview with CinemaNews At Home edition on April 23, Hilario denied the rumored network shift.
“Unang-una wala akong offer, walang lipat na mangyayari”
He reiterated that his decision of leaving his shows is because of his daughter.
Due to the worsening situation in the Philippines brought about by the pandemic, he chose to value the health and safety of his daughter over anything else.
“Ako kung sa kakayanin ko, kakayanin ko. Kahit nag-pandemic, nag-Showtime ako, nag-YFSF. Kung ako, okay lang.
“Pero paano pag ang anak ko, wala siyang kalaban-laban, matatamaan at maaapektuhan?
“Di ko iri-risk ang buhay ng anak ko dahil lang sa trabaho.”
Despite his shocking decision, the ABS-CBN management and his co-workers understood it. Hilario is very thankful for such.
Jhong’s wife gave birth to their daughter Sarina Oceania on March 27 this year.