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January 17, 2026 | 10:51am
Kim Chiu and fellow "It's Showtime" co-hosts
It's Showtime via Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Actress-host Kim Chiu had a little fun after being called a "lakambini" by a fellow "It's Showtime" host, which is coincidentally the name of her embattled older sister.
The January 14 episode of "It's Showtime" opened with hosts talking about Kim's casual yellow Filipiniana dress after she mentioned fixing their brandings for the new year.
Singer-host Darren Espanto jokingly asked if Kim was going for a pineapple-like branding, and Kim quipped back she was pretending to be a guest at the State of the Nation Address.
"Kagalang-galang!" Darren said, followed by co-host Jackie Gonzaga describing Kim as a lakambini — the Filipino word for muse or noblewoman.
"Aw thank you... parang mali 'yon," Kim replied to which her co-hosts responded in smiles, especially Darren who was visibly trying to hold back laughter.
Kim listed down some brandings people might be looking to manifest this year prompting Jackie to compliment instead the flowers on Kim's dress.
"Huwag ka na lang magsalita!" Kim jokingly told Jackie, prompting more laughter from their co-hosts and the studio audience.
Lakambini. The banter on the show harkens back to Kim filing a complaint against Lakambini, Lakam for short, for qualified theft last month.
Kim sued Lakam citing "serious financial discrepancies discovered" in their business operations.
Legal representatives for the host-actress said the complaint covered the recently-concluded fiscal year, adding that Lakam was part of the management of the business.'
At the time, Kim admitted in a statement that the decision to sue Lakam was a difficult one and "one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in her life."
"As many know, I built my business ventures — with hard work, passion, and trust in the people I love. Unfortunately, substantial amounts connected to my business assets were found missing," Kim said then.
"These discoveries forced me to take formal action to protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me and the integrity of everything I have built." — Video from GMA Network's YouTube channel
