On his first day on the GMA 7 morning show “Unang Hirit” last June, Baus Rufo mistakenly called their viewers “Kapamilya” instead of “Kapuso.” Beside him, co-host Joy Barcoma held back her laughter. A week later, during a live street segment, they asked a passerby what she did for a living. When the woman said she was a “packer,” Rufo and Barcoma caught the unintended double entendre, but—amid knowing grins and glances—managed to keep their composure.
“Still surreal to me”
But despite moments that could have very well made their first days their last, Rufo and Barcoma continue to unleash their brand of comedic chaos on air. If anything, the slip-ups and close calls only highlighted the duo’s effortless chemistry, which ultimately became their ticket to mainstream television.
“It’s still surreal for me. I can’t believe I’m here because back in 2021, I tweeted lang na, ‘Someday magiging TV host ako,’” says Barcoma, the beauty queen who won Miss Philippines Earth 2025 and later finished runner-up at Miss Earth 2025. “Hindi madaling makuha ‘yong pangarap mo, but with perseverance, grit, and talent, you can do it.”
“It’s still surreal for me. I can’t believe I’m here because back in 2021, I tweeted lang na, ‘Someday magiging TV host ako,’” says Joy Barcoma
For Rufo, a former corporate worker turned comedian-content creator, breaking into television felt almost like a matter of when, not if. “Parang nire-revisit ko ngayon ‘yong childhood dreams ko. I think I have always wanted to go for it—it just took a backseat for a decade,” he says.
Same wavelength
Rufo is 35; Barcoma, 27. But despite the age gap, the unlikely pairing proved to be on the same wavelength. “Growing up, we were told that you need to start settling parts of your life when you reach your 30s. But as someone older, it’s nice to know that I have yet to meet some of the most exciting collaborators I can have,” Rufo says.
“Hindi namin akalain na ganito kami ka-warm na tinanggap ng mga tao,” adds Barcoma, who “manifested” her friendship with Rufo. “It’s rare to find a friend in the industry that you can really get along with.”
Their rapport was discovered almost by accident when Barcoma guested on Rufo and Macoy Dubs’ comedy podcast “Dogshow Divas.” The self-deprecating Gen Z beauty queen clicked with Rufo’s millennial queer pop culture humor, leading to more hosting stints, especially when Macoy was away.
Matching each other’s spontaneity and wit, Rufo and Barcoma soon had social media laughing at their unserious, always chaotic, and sometimes unhinged banter
Matching each other’s spontaneity and wit, Rufo and Barcoma soon had social media laughing at their unserious, always chaotic, and sometimes unhinged banter. These moments made them meme-worthy—an undeniable ingredient for success and fame in today’s digital space.
Of course, talent will always matter, Barcoma stresses, but “with everything happening in the world right now,” it’s only natural that people gravitate toward personalities who can make them smile.
“People prefer those who can give them a tinge of joy,” she says.
Comedy as a vehicle
But there’s more to their shtick than viral punchlines and bloopers. They both use their platforms—and comedy—as a vehicle to speak on social issues and advocate for their respective causes: Rufo for the LGBTQIA+ community, and Barcoma, who’s also an ally, for mental health, sexual health, and HIV awareness.
And sometimes, they show that in the subtlest of ways. In another street segment, Barcoma interviewed a commuter whom she initially addressed as “Ma’am.” When told, “Lalaki po ako,” Barcoma—without missing a beat or further prodding—corrected herself and called him “Sir.” Netizens applauded the gesture. “Ibinigay niya lang agad,” one wrote.
While small interactions like that on “Unang Hirit” give a glimpse of their advocacy in action, their latest stint as co-hosts on the game-talk show “The People Have Spoken” gives them more airtime to speak openly on television.
The Saturday evening show—which taps into the pulse of ordinary Filipinos on social issues, cultural habits, relationship dilemmas, and more—serves as a playground for Rufo’s and Barcoma’s quick-witted commentary. Designated as the resident “Celebripeeps,” they react to public opinion and offer their perspectives in a lighthearted manner.
“I always try to find the joy or the comedic angle in a particular topic na medyo seryoso,” Baus Rufo says
“I always try to find the joy or the comedic angle in a particular topic na medyo seryoso,” Rufo says. “Nakakatuwa na ‘yon ang role ko, na gagaan ang pakiramdam ng mga tao sa issues o mga tanong na minsan medyo naloloka na tayo sa kakaisip.”
Making mistakes and learning from them
Fondly called “Jusa,” Barcoma admits she’s sometimes surprised that people trust her voice. But what she finds more heartening is seeing how many relate to her experiences, and how she relates to theirs.
But don’t take my word for gospel. “Huwang niyo pong paniwalaan lahat!” she says, laughing. She may be firm about what she stands for, but she’s not here to impose. She’s only human after all—still learning, still open to correcting beliefs that may be wrong.
This is what she hopes people take away from her and her partnership with Rufo—not to become the kind of person whose fear of making mistakes stops them from learning and trying new things. “I think we should be open to making mistakes, owning up to them, and learning from them,” Barcoma says.
“It’s never too late,” Rufo adds. “It’s your God-given right to live a life that you are happy with and proud of. So until you tell yourself that you can no longer go on, you can still keep going.”
