‘Pang-movie material ang linyahan’ 

Baby Dolls’ Johaira draws praise for heartfelt speech during group’s P-pop debut on It’s Showtime.

Filipinos love a stirring speech in teleseryes and movies, and Baby Dolls’ official P-pop debut came with a moment that felt straight out of one.

Originally formed from “Sexy Babe” and “Girl on Fire,” the group transitioned into the now seven-member “Baby Dolls” on May 8. With novelty tracks like “Oooh Lala Baby” and “Ikembot Mo”—borrowed from Vhong Navarro’s 2014 film “Da Possessed”—the group has quickly become one of the year’s most talked-about P-pop girl groups.

Yet what has truly captured the public’s attention is not only their catchy beats but also their authenticity.

On the July 17 episode of It’s Showtime, the Baby Dolls were formally introduced as an official P-pop act—evolving from their background dance crew role on the noontime show.

Asked about their sudden rise, members Arianne and Juby grew teary-eyed as they recounted their journey and disbelief at how far they had come.

But it was Johaira’s words that resonated most with audiences. Fighting back emotion, she said, “Sobrang blessed namin, minahal n’yo kami madlang people at Showtime family. Sobrang laki ng pasasalamat po namin sa inyong lahat, kaya mag-iinuman tayo mamaya.”