Is Mentioning 'Incognito' Banned on It's Showtime?

Why Maris Racal Couldn’t Mention ‘Incognito’ on It’s Showtime

MARIS RACAL – The actress was asked not to mention “Incognito” on It’s Showtime, raising questions about the supposed end of the ABS-CBN and GMA network war.

“Incognito,” the popular action series starring Richard Gutierrez, Ian Veneracion, Baron Geisler, and Maris Racal, has been making waves on Netflix and in TV ratings. However, it recently became a topic of discussion after a photo surfaced on social media showing a staff reminder during Kapamilya actress Maris Racal’s guest appearance on It’s Showtime. The note instructed: “Reminder: NO MENTION OF INCOGNITO. Thank you.”

This raised questions from netizens, especially since It’s Showtime, which airs on GMA Network due to a blocktime agreement, is now under scrutiny for restricting the promotion of Kapamilya shows. The reminder was posted because Kapamilya stars, such as Maris, are typically asked not to promote ABS-CBN programs during their It’s Showtime appearances, as it could conflict with the Kapuso shows scheduled at the same time. However, Kapuso stars are allowed to promote their GMA projects when they guest on the show.

The situation led some netizens to question whether the supposed “network war” between ABS-CBN and GMA is truly over. GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe Gozon had previously declared that the TV war had ended when the blocktime agreement was made. However, the ongoing restrictions made some wonder if there is still underlying tension between the two networks.

While many users took a balanced approach, acknowledging that the restriction could be part of the agreement between the networks, others expressed frustration at the fact that Maris was unable to promote her own show. Some netizens jokingly commented on the absurdity of not being able to promote one’s own program, while others suggested respecting the agreement for the benefit of both networks.