For viewers who missed the week’s juiciest stories, Ashley Rivera, DJ Jhai Ho and Baus Rufo are ready to catch them up. The unlikely trio joins forces for “Kalurks!” GTV’s new Sunday-night talk show premiering Sept. 13.
The three hosts serve as the show’s “Kalurker Trio” — each bringing a different perspective to the conversations that dominate online and offline discussions.
The title itself combines the Filipino expression “kaloka” with “lurkers,” referring to people who observe online conversations without necessarily participating in them.
The hosts said viewers can expect a weekly roundup of trending stories, viral social media content, showbiz issues, politics and other topics that have captured public attention.
“Every Sunday, there will also be a weekly recap of what happened. So we will be among the first to deliver the news — what happened on social media, in politics, on the streets, everywhere,” Rivera said.
The show is designed to capitalize on the trio’s contrasting backgrounds.
Jhai Ho, a veteran showbiz-oriented radio and television host, takes on the role of the “Showbiz Kalurker,” while Baus serves as the “SocMed Kalurker,” keeping track of viral content and online trends. Rivera, meanwhile, is the “No Filter Kalurker,” offering her candid views from the perspective of an actress, comedian and social media personality.
For Rivera, her experience straddling showbiz and the creator economy gives her a unique position in the group.
“I think I’m fortunate because I get to see the world of showbiz and social media. As a content creator, I know what to do in that world. Then, with acting, being an artist, taping and doing guest appearances, that is a different world,” Rivera shared.
Baus, meanwhile, said his background in comedy will help balance the heavier subjects that may come up on the program.
“My background really is comedy. Since we’ll be covering showbiz weekly, as well as news and maybe things related to politics, I think my role here is really to provide levity and lightness,” he said.
The challenge will also be to make sure that humor does not come at the expense of accuracy or sensitivity, particularly when dealing with real people and their stories. Unlike his podcast work, where Baus and his co-hosts primarily react to references, “Kalurks!” will require him to engage with news and issues in a live television setting.
“Definitely, we’re live. So that is something where I have to be very mindful,” he said.
One of the things Jhai Ho is most excited about is the chance to conduct one-on-one interviews with Kapuso artists and other personalities for the program.
“I’m really excited because I have the freedom to do one-on-one interviews. I’ve interviewed many of my friends who are Kapuso artists in the past, but this time, I have been given the opportunity to do that for ‘Kalurks!’” he said.
The show, however, will not be limited to Kapuso personalities. The program plans to feature celebrity guests and viral personalities who can provide firsthand accounts and insights into the stories being discussed.
The first episode is set to feature comedy concert queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, with the hosts teasing that the episode will tackle the much-discussed topic of artificial intelligence.
“Kalurks!” airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m. on GTV and is also available to global Filipino viewers through GMA Life TV.