Vice Ganda References Deniece Cornejo While Vhong Navarro is Present
VICE GANDA – The Unkabogable Star mistakenly referred to a “Kalokalike” contestant impersonating actress Denise Laurel as “Deniece Cornejo,” confusing the name of the actress with that of a controversial personality.
The incident occurred during the October 11, 2024, episode of It’s Showtime while Vice was talking to both Denise and the impersonator. The mistake was especially awkward since Vhong Navarro, Vice’s co-host and a central figure in a legal battle involving Cornejo, was present on stage.
Vice’s slip-up prompted audible reactions from the audience and co-hosts. The contestant, Kyla Rose Mazaredo, humorously corrected Vice, saying, “Iba ‘yun, Meme!” To lighten the situation, Denise Laurel, who was also one of the judges for the day, approached Vhong and hugged him.
Vice Ganda acknowledged his error, quickly hugging Denise Laurel to smooth over the situation. The exchange elicited both laughter and awkwardness in the studio, but Vice continued with his hosting duties, making light of the moment by jokingly remarking, “Naglamigan!”
The moment became even more significant due to Vhong Navarro’s history with Deniece Cornejo. In 2014, Cornejo and her associates were accused of detaining Vhong following a highly publicized altercation. The Taguig court recently found Cornejo and her co-defendants guilty of serious illegal detention in May 2024. Vhong, however, was acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2023 of the r*pe and acts of lasciviousness charges filed against him by Cornejo.
Meanwhile, Kalokalike is a segment on the noontime show It’s Showtime that showcases contestants impersonating both local and international celebrities. Participants not only dress like these celebrities but also copy their mannerisms, voices, and performances, resulting in an entertaining competition.
The segment attracted considerable attention for its remarkable impersonations, particularly when contestants closely resembled well-known personalities. Some participants gained viral fame, and winners were chosen based on their likeness, performance quality, and ability to engage the audience.