MANILA, Philippines - When Howie Mandel, host of "Deal or No Deal" in the US, co-hosted an episode with Philippine counterpart Kris Aquino, the Canadian-actor comedian was taught to call the show's American contestants "pare."

Mandel was also coached on ordering the briefcase models, locally known as the 26K Girls, to open the cases by saying, "Buksan mo na!"

Mandel's four-day visit to Manila in April was part of the show's three-country tour. His two other stops were Estonia and South Africa. The Philippine episode will be aired in the US May 5 (tomorrow, Manila time), not May 7 as earlier set.

Quiapo side trip

ABS-CBN business unit head Alou Almaden said the network received word on the change of schedule from Endemol, the show's producer, late Friday. "The producers said they loved the episode so much, they decided to air our version ahead of the two," Almaden told Inquirer Entertainment on Saturday.

Part of Mandel's RP tour was a visit to Quiapo, Manila. Accompanied by the 26K Girls, Mandel also drove a pedicab around the ABS-CBN compound. Plus, he tried working as a promo boy for a nearby grocery store.

Mandel was originally scheduled to visit Intramuros, Rizal Park, the Rajah Sulayman Park, Mall of Asia and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. These were called off due to time constraints.

Taping

On April 24, American contestants were made to play the game according to the rules of the Philippine version. Our very own Banker and the 26K Girls were part of the show. The taping began at 4 p.m.

Recalled Almaden, "Towards the end of the taping, Howie thanked the staff and the audience for their energy. He said he was amazed at all the cheering and dancing in the local version."

Almaden said the teaser for the Philippine episode began airing in the US last week. She added that ABS-CBN is working on a deal with Endemol for the episode to be shown here, too.

She also said the third season of "Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal" is still under negotiation. "It's very expensive to buy a US show and air it here," she explained.

The show last aired on Jan. 11 this year, to give way to the second Philippine version of "Wheel of Fortune," which Aquino also hosts.

"Deal or No Deal" debuted in the Netherlands in 2001. It is now seen in more than 50 countries.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph