Beauty queen Joy Barcoma has decided to step down from her role as a guest host of comedy and pop culture podcast “Dogshow Divas.”
The Miss Philippines Earth 2025 titleholder announced her departure in a social media post, explaining that she had decided to part ways with the podcast and its hosts, Baus Rufo and Mark Averilla, also known as Macoy Dubs.
“I’ve decided to step away from Dogshow Divas,” Barcoma wrote.
She also addressed comments she had seen online regarding her recent guest appearances on the podcast.
“Nabasa ko ang comments about my guestings. I’ve always been grateful whenever I’m invited to join podcasts when my schedule allows, but how often I appear isn’t something I personally control,” she explained.
“Grateful ako to everyone who supported us, but for now, I’m choosing to protect my peace. All the best to Dogshow Divas!” she said.
Barcoma’s appearances had drawn mixed reactions from some listeners, with several online commenters comparing the podcast’s recent episodes with those featuring its original hosts.
In a reply to a commenter, Barcoma elaborated on her decision.
“Part of why I decided to step away is because I don’t want to wait until the negativity actually gets to me. Bago pa umabot dun, I decided na to remove myself from a space where I no longer feel welcomed, respected, and protected,” she said.
“I’m also not one to fuel a culture of hate, so I’d rather leave and wish everyone well,” she added.
When a commenter suggested that Barcoma had allowed her bashers to “win” by leaving the podcast, she disagreed.
“I actually let myself win! I don’t want these people to have power over me, so I removed myself from space na they’re in. So now they get to keep the hate to themselves!” Joy responded.
Meanwhile, Rufo responded to Barcoma’s post by resharing it with the caption: “Love you. Will miss your infectious laugh the most! Always rooting for you, JUSA”.
Macoy Dub also commented on her post, writing, “Thank you Joy, for the time and effort sa DSD.”
“Dogshow Divas” also released a statement through its official social media pages expressing support and gratitude for Joy and assuring that they would never “condone or tolerate” hate.
“Maraming salamat, Jusa! Super grateful ang buong Dogshow Divas family for all the time, energy, tawanan, at kalokohan you’ve shared with us!” its statement read.
“We will never condone or tolerate hate in any form. Your peace and well-being should always be protected. Thank you for being such a special part of this beautiful journey. We will always be rooting for you, Jusa!”, it concluded.
Barcoma’s departure comes after recent discussions among listeners about the podcast’s hosting lineup, particularly as Macoy Dubs had been absent from most of the recent episodes in which Barcoma appeared as a guest host.
Some netizens compared the two and even suggested that Barcoma take Macoy’s place as Rufo’s permanent co-host.
Macoy previously addressed such comments after a netizen suggested that he be replaced on the podcast.
“Natatawa kasi ako na ginagawan niyo kami ng issue ng sissy ko, eh parehas kaming busy at inaabot ang mga bituin para sa careers namin,” Macoy said.
He also asked fans not to direct negativity toward the podcast’s guest hosts, “Wag kayo mag ill-will sa guest hosts. Ang akin, kung talagang supporter kayo, mag-wish ng maganda sa lahat. Yun lang naman.”
Barcoma also clarified that she never intended to replace Macoy as one of the podcast’s original hosts.
“I was never meant to replace Mama Macoy. Iisa lang ’yan siya and sila ang OG Dogshow Divas,” she said.
Rufo likewise echoed the sentiment, saying that hate directed at any of the hosts, even when disguised as support for another, is “problematic”.
Barcoma’s departure leaves Rufo and Macoy Dubs as the remaining hosts of “Dogshow Divas.” The trio last appeared together in a February episode, which became Spotify Philippines’ No. 1 most-streamed podcast at the time.
