Why Janno Gibbs is the right anchor for VMX's new and boldest gag show

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Even before the rise of VMX (formerly Vivamax), the streaming platform known for its bold and risqué content, singer-comedian Janno Gibbs had long been one of Viva Entertainment's go-to stars for naughty comedies.

What sets the ‘Wow Mani’ host apart in a sea of comedians is his ability to balance humor with decency, especially when needed. INSTAGRAM PHOTOS/JANNOLATEGIBBS

Alongside the likes of rapper Andrew E and comedian Dennis Padilla, he headlined films like "Alabang Girls" in 1992 and "Sanggano, Sanggago't Sanggwapo" in 2019 to name a few.

Janno Gibbs says VMX has given aspiring celebrities, like the girls of ‘Wow Mani,’ opportunities they wouldn’t get in mainstream media.

But when VMX decided to launch its first-ever comedy gag show at the start of the year, it was Janno they entrusted to anchor the program — and they made the perfect choice.

Why so?

Known for hit songs like "Miss" and "Ipagpatawad Mo," Janno has always had more to offer than his smooth, soulful voice.

As the son of the late veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez, Janno is first and foremost pedigreed in Philippine showbiz as proven by his multi-slashie career, which already spans decades.

Also experienced as a TV host since his earliest "That's Entertainment Days," he's been tried and tested in exuding wit and charm.

Indeed, Janno's knack for humor and eloquence has always set him apart, making him the ideal frontman for "Wow Mani," VMX's ongoing 12-episode drop on the platform that's brimming with sexy humor and playful punchlines.

Moreover, in the face of criticisms surrounding VMX's uber-sexy content, Janno has proven himself to be not just a funny man, but a thoughtful spokesperson as well.

During the media conference for "Wow Mani," Janno chose to address actor-senator Jinggoy Estrada's criticism of VMX, which accused the platform of airing pornographic material and exploiting its talents.

Although the moderator had already intervened to block the question, requesting that no political issues be discussed during the Q&A, Janno insisted on sharing his perspective — with poise and diplomacy.

"Senator Jinggoy is just doing his job and he's doing his job well," he began. "And, of course, has all the right to his opinions."

By the same token, Janno to explain his own opinion, emphasizing the private and controlled nature of watching VMX content.

"VMX is not a public viewing venue. It's a private one and a subscriber has to pay to be able to watch it. It also has child-lock features in place," he continued.

Janno further argued that VMX's content is no more provocative than what's available on other mainstream platforms: "There is nothing on VMX that you cannot (similarly) see on Netflix,"

Finally, he highlighted how VMX has been providing opportunities for many artists who need to make a living.

"VMX has given the girls [of 'Wow Mani,' for example] work that they wouldn't get in mainstream. For a lot of them, this is a great stepping stone (in the industry), and more than acting, VMX offers so many jobs."

Admitting there are "good and bad eggs" across VMX's content, he likewise pointed out the involvement of respected writers and directors in the platform's projects and therefore the presence of quality productions all the same.

Clearly, what sets Janno apart in a sea of comedians is his ability to balance humor with decency, especially when needed. He tries his best to do the same in "Wow Mani" — though unapologetically sexy in concept, Janno's delivery of punchlines is naughty but never crass.

And that's why — whether playing the role of the wacky and adventurous explorer Injanno Jones or Janno Depp, the charming quiz master in "Battle of the Braless" — VMX couldn't have picked a better star.