San Rio remembers 'Showtime' journey with gratitude

Former It’s Showtime mainstay Issa Meaker, remembered by fans as “San Rio," recently stirred emotions online after posting a video reflecting on her past with the popular noontime variety show.

Titled “POV: I used to work in Showtime before pandemic,” the video carried a simple caption: “Good old days.”

In the comments, San Rio opened up for the first time about her quiet departure from the show and the reality that she never got the chance to return after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production.

“Pandemic happened kaya po nawala ako sa Showtime, and hindi ko din po choice na hindi na bumalik,” she wrote. “I was waiting for them to call me or message me kung kailan po ako pwede pumasok ulit. Unfortunately, nobody called me or messaged me.”

San Rio shared how much the show meant to her, recalling her early years dancing and growing up in the limelight. Like many others, she expected to resume work when conditions improved, but things changed. Showtime’s post-pandemic format brought in a wave of new faces and transitions, including a change in director and the quiet departure of many original performers such as the Hashtags, Girltrends, XB Gensan, and fellow dancers.

“It was heartbreaking for me when I started to realize na hindi na ako makakabalik ng It’s Showtime,” she admitted. “Na hindi na babalik sa dati ang lahat.”

Still, there was no bitterness in her tone.

“But yeah, it is what it is. Maybe hanggang dun na lang talaga yung role ko as ‘Sanrio’ or as a ‘Showtime Dancer.’ Pero sobrang happy at thankful ako dahil na-experience ko lahat ng ‘yon sa murang edad,” she said, acknowledging the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shaped her youth.

San Rio ended her message with a sincere expression of appreciation, especially for Vice Ganda, whom she affectionately called “Meme.” “Thankful ako lalong-lalo na kay Meme,” she wrote.