In a competition that proved true beauty and appeal go far beyond conventional standards, "It’s Showtime's" first-ever “Escort Mo Show Mo” and “Breaking Muse” winners, Daniel Butas of Brgy. Pasong Kawayan, General Trias, Cavite and Verna Tuliao of Brgy. BF International-CAA, Las Piñas City showed that what truly captures people is heart and the courage to inspire others.
With their exceptional talents, ability to spread good vibes, and stories rooted in faith, both champions reminded everyone that dreams are worth fighting for despite the voices that once tried to hold them back.
Fresh from their victory in the “The Fiestacular Finals” during the August 16 episode of “It’s Showtime,” ABS-CBN Studios caught up with Daniel and Verna to talk about their preparations for the finals and their new goals moving forward.
Daniel shared that he could hardly believe it when he was declared the first-ever “Escort Mo Show Mo” grand winner. He stressed that all glory belongs to the Lord who placed him on that stage and gave him this opportunity. Daniel seemingly never tires of saying that it was God who gave him the strength to push through, with his wife and loved ones adding to his motivation.
The exhausting preparations for the week-long finals could have easily worn him down but he said it was God who gave him the power to endure almost two weeks of sleepless nights and to deliver the dance routines that earned the judges' praise.
When asked about his dream project if ever he enters showbiz, he mentioned he'd like to collaborate with his fellow dancers, "It's Showtime" hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario. The ultimate escort burst into laughter and jestingly sought permission from his wife before answering when asked who he would choose as his dream love team partner. If it were up to him, he would choose his wife, whom he proudly introduced to the Madlang People during the daily rounds, as his on-screen partner. But if that's not possible, then Ivana Alawi would be his choice.
As for his prize money worth ₱200, 000, he plans use it to help build a house for his family, as they're his inspiration, after all, for joining the competition. His barangay also received ₱50, 000.
Meanwhile, Verna uttered a prayer of gratitude after being declared as the first-ever “Breaking Muse” grand winner, sharing that she had simply entrusted that moment to the Lord. Before stepping into the finals, she even posted a note on her social media page about surrendering everything to God’s will, especially since she wasn’t feeling well during the finals but chose to fight through because this had always been her dream.
She also looked back on the many times she tried her luck on "It’s Showtime," from “Tawag ng Tanghalan” to several other segments where she wasn’t able to make it through. That’s why finally winning this contest and being the first-ever titleholder means so much to her, and affirms her belief that dreams are granted in God’s perfect time.
Vera shared that her biggest inspirations in joining are her husband, her child, and "lahat ng naniniwala na maganda ako." She dedicates her win to those who believe that she deserves it.
Verna stunned everyone with her death-defying performance of “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” Sas she belted out the song while seated on the edge of the ABS-CBN building rooftop during the talent round. "Napaka-swerte ko kasi isa ako sa binigyan ng chance na makakanta doon sa logo ng ABS-CBN na pangarap ko simula noong bata pa ako," she said. It was her first time singing with such a daring 'paandar' yet she felt no fear. After all, she had already swung like a chandelier during the weekly finals and even spun on a ‘roleta’ in her earlier performance, so simply wanted to give it her all for the grand finale.
If given the chance to enter showbiz, she said she would love to work with her favorite artist Vice Ganda in any project. When asked who she would choose as a loveteam partner, she quipped, “Wala kasing nakakapasa, eh,” before divulging that she found hurado Will Ashley cute. "Sabi sa TikTok hawig ko daw si Bianca De Vera. Ayaw ko nga tanggapin," joked Verna. "Pwede kahit sino naman basta 'yung matitiis ang hininga ko."
Verna plans to use her ₱200,000 prize money for her baby’s upcoming first birthday and baptism this month. Her barangay also received a well-deserved ₱50,000 cash assistance.
Witness more fun and surprises on “It’s Showtime,” airing Mondays to Saturdays, 12nn on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, GMA 7, and iWant.