Kapuso dancer and host Sugar Mercado started her career in the local entertainment industry when she joined the all-girl dance group Sexbomb Dancers which originated in Eat Bulaga.
After that, she was given a chance to appear in several shows of GMA, with the most recent was the co-host of Willie Revillame in the evening variety show, Wowowin.
But now that Sugar has not been seen in the show for almost three weeks, her absence sparked speculations if she really resigned or was terminated. Furthermore, the Kapuso host was also not seen in the recent Singapore trip of Willie together with the hosts and production staff of Wowowin, for the signing of his new mobile app, “Wil To Play.”
On July 31, the 32-year-old Kapuso dancer and host attended the launch of Ara Mina’s brand new make-up line Ara Colours at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Sugar was there to support the newest venture of the actress-turned-businesswoman, Ara Mina, who happens to be a celebrity friend of her.
In an interview with pikapika.ph, Sugar Mercado said that the real reason why she decided to leave Wowowin is because of her two children.
“Nagpahinga muna ako,” Sugar said. “Kasi, diba three years na ako sa show? Medyo lumaki-laki na rin ’yong mga bata [ko] so nagpaalam muna ako kay Wil na focus muna ako sa kids tapos mag-wo-work pa rin ako.”
Sugar was very thankful to those who really appreciate the efforts she made as a host of the said show, but she then explained that she really needs to focus on a different thing for now.
“Sa haba ng panahon sa Wowowin, nandoon ako, ’yong boses ko. Thankful din ako na na-appreciate ninyo na mahusay akong mag-host. Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. ’Yon nga lang, medyo dumadating ’yong time na pumunta ka sa ibang mundo na iba naman, ganun,” she said.
The mom of two added that she still plans on doing shows on TV in the future, but maybe in a different platform, either in a teleserye or a variety show starring comedians.
She also narrated Willie’s reaction when she asked for permission to leave the show.
“Tinanong niya paano ’yong mga bata,” Mercado recalled. “Sabi ko, may pagkakakitaan naman [kasi] may business akong maliit, may online shop ako ngayon. ’Yong Pepper Closet…”
“Naiitindihan naman niya noong pinaliwanag ko na magpo-focus muna ako sa mga bata tapos mag ta-trabaho nalang ako teleserye,” she added, “Syempre, kailangan ko rin ng trabaho. Syempre kasi nga may dalawa akong anak, hindi naman ako pwede umupo na lang diyan sa tabi, diba?”
She went on and added that she and Willie are in good terms, that’s why, if ever she wants to do a guest appearance on the show, they can still welcome her with open arms.
“Okay na okay naman kami. Si Willie naman hindi naman mahirap kausap. Ang dami niyang natutulungan, hindi lang ako, so sobrang thankful ako sa kanya. Sobra.” Sugar added.
When it comes to the issue involving “Hipon Girl” Herlene Budol as the reason for her disappearance in the show, Sugar clarified that Herlene had nothing to do with her resignation.
“Nag-abot kami. Love ko ’yon. Kailangan ko lang muna talagang mag-pokus muna sa mga bata,” she said.
