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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider GOSSIP GIRL: Eric Nicolas on love, loss, and new beginnings

GOSSIP GIRL: Eric Nicolas on love, loss, and new beginnings

Published Nov 18, 2025 09:11 am
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of hosting an event with my comedian, Eric Nicolas. In between our spiels and comedic ad-libs, he excitedly told me about his newest project with Melai Cantiveros — the fresh, high-energy show "Lucky ng Kita," now streaming live on YouTube via ABS-CBN Entertainment and airing on the Kapamilya Channel from Mondays to Thursdays at the 6 pm slot of the show.
Comedian Eric Nicolas (right) takes a groufie with (from left) 'Lucky ng Kita' host Melai Cativeros with guests Bianca Umali and Robbie Carmona.
Comedian Eric Nicolas (right) takes a groufie with (from left) 'Lucky ng Kita' host Melai Cativeros with guests Bianca Umali and Robbie Carmona.
Knowing both Melai and Eric personally, I immediately felt this show was the perfect platform for two hosts who thrive on spontaneity, authenticity, and unfiltered connection with the audience.
As a performer myself, I understand how crucial chemistry is in a live setup, and Melai and Eric have chemistry in spades. Melai brings her signature charm — the kind that disarms you and makes you feel like you’re chatting with a close friend. Eric, on the other hand, carries a humor sharpened by years of comedy but softened by a genuinely kind heart.
Together, they create a space where viewers feel seen, entertained, and part of the moment. The live nature of the show enhances this, inviting real-time engagement from fans both on television and online.
From left: Author Giselle Sanchez, singer Gigi de Lana, and comedian Eric Nicolas during an event last Sunday.
From left: Author Giselle Sanchez, singer Gigi de Lana, and comedian Eric Nicolas during an event last Sunday.
But beyond the showbiz chatter we exchanged onstage, Eric shared something more personal, something that made me admire him even more. He told me that he and his wife, Ethel, are finally taking a long-overdue couples trip to Niseko, Japan.
With a soft smile, he explained, “Ethel and I haven’t been able to travel together for quite some time because we wanted to dedicate ourselves to caring for our Mommy Lita, Ethel’s mother. We wanted to spend our time with Mommy Lita in her last few years. And it was a wise decision because recently Mommy passed away after battling cancer. We could see in Mommy’s eyes that she was happy that we cared for her up to the last moment when she closed her eyes to rest and be with God. Hearing this reminded me of how love often requires sacrifice, and how caregiving, though rewarding, can be emotionally and physically demanding. Eric spoke about Mommy Lita with deep affection, and now that she is resting in heaven, he and Ethel have promised to refocus their energies on their marriage, on joy, and on rediscovering the world together. I heard from friends that Niseko is beautiful,” Eric told me, eyes lighting up.
Eric and Ethel Nicolas at the iconic floating Torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Japan.
Eric and Ethel Nicolas at the iconic floating Torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Japan.
“Sabi ko kay Ethel, let’s go somewhere we've never been. Somewhere tahimik, malamig, at higit sa lahat may snow para makagawa ako ng snow angel at para batuhin kita ng snowball sa mukha," Eric teases Ethel as she was with us during the show. He described the snowscapes, the crisp air, the onsens — a place where one can breathe, heal, and reconnect. I could feel how much this trip means to them, not as an escape, but as a celebration of life, love, and new beginnings. And just like Eric and Ethel’s journey to Niseko, Eric’s latest show, “Laki ng Kita,” feels like the beginning of something beautiful.
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