The new 'marites' are here: Ashley, Jhai Ho, Baus headline ‘Kalurks!’
'The trio will tackle the stories everyone has been talking about throughout the week, with conversations that can be candid, biting, hilarious or all three.'
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'The trio will tackle the stories everyone has been talking about throughout the week, with conversations that can be candid, biting, hilarious or all three.'
Ashley Rivera, DJ Jhai Ho and Baus Rufo are taking their chismis game to television as the newest talk-show trio of GTV’s upcoming Sunday night program, Kalurks!
Premiering on 13 September, Kalurks! promises to be a one-stop source for everything trending, from the week’s biggest showbiz issues and hottest conversations to the most viral moments taking over social media.
The show’s title combines the Pinoy slang “kaloka” and “lurker,” referring to today’s chronically online marites who may not always comment, react or share — but are always watching from the sidelines.
These viewers are the “kalurkers,” and the new talk show is designed to give them a fun, chaotic and unapologetically entertaining space for their weekly dose of chismis.
The three hosts bring different personalities and perspectives to the table.
DJ Jhai Ho takes on the role of the Showbiz Kalurker, bringing his experience as a showbiz-oriented radio and TV host to the latest celebrity happenings. Rufo serves as the SocMed Kalurker, keeping tabs on viral content and the internet’s latest obsessions, while Rivera is the No Filter Kalurker, offering her candid takes on issues spanning showbiz and social media.
For Rufo, Kalurks! comes at a time when his career continues to expand, particularly following the success of his podcasting venture with Macoy Dubs.
Rufo addressed the podcast’s future during the media conference for his upcoming talk show Kalurks!, which he will co-host with DJ Jhai Ho and Ashley Rivera.
“It’s very much intact,” Rufo said when asked about the podcast as he and co-host Macoy Dubs became busy with other commitments on top of Barcoma’s exit.
The comedian and host also credited Dogshow Divas for helping create opportunities for him, Macoy and their guest hosts.
“For me, isa 'yun, if not isa, ‘yun ang pinaka-priority. Kasi doon for me, pinaka nakikita ng tao, ng networks, kung ano ‘yung what I have to offer,” he said.
Meanwhile, the issue of guest appearances also came into the spotlight after Barcoma addressed comments surrounding her participation in podcasts.
In a Facebook post, the Miss Earth Philippines 2025 titleholder said she was aware of comments regarding her guest appearances, although she did not provide further context.
“I’ve always been grateful whenever I’m invited to join podcasts when my schedule allows, but how often I appear isn’t something I personally control,” Barcoma said.
For Rivera, however, stepping into a new television chapter comes amid a deeply personal period in her life.
The Sparkle star opened up about grieving the loss of her mother, whom she described as not only her biggest supporter but also her best friend.
“I’m not okay, to be honest. It’s only been two months,” Ashley said.
Despite the pain, Rivera said she is doing her best to remain positive as she embarks on this new opportunity.
“I’m really trying my best to just stay positive. And I’m really happy because it’s my first time having this kind of show, and it just sucks that I won’t get to share it with my mom because she’s my number one fan,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.
The actress also described the depth of her loss, saying that grieving her mother also meant losing someone who had been her closest companion.
“I always say, I feel like I’m grieving for two people because I didn’t just lose my mom. I also lost my best friend,” she added.
Still, Rivera chooses to see the opportunities coming her way as a source of comfort — and believes her mother continues to guide her.
“Ever since she passed away, blessings have been coming continuously. And I know that she’s really guiding me every single day,” she said.
With its mix of showbiz updates, social media trends, candid commentary, celebrity guests and viral personalities, Kalurks! is set to bring a different flavor to Sunday-night television.
The trio will tackle the stories everyone has been talking about throughout the week, with conversations that can be candid, biting, hilarious or all three.
No proper Sunday-night chismisan would be complete without blind items. Kalurks! will serve up juicy blind items covering showbiz, politics and practically anything under the sun.
