“It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda (L) takes off her wig in solidarity with April (R), a contestant who struggles with alopecia, during the ‘Expecially for You’ segment of the show aired on July 19, 2024. (Screengrab via GMA Network)

Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda moved “It’s Showtime” viewers to tears on Friday, July 19, when she removed her wig live on air to show support for a contestant on the show’s segment who suffers from alopecia.

April, accompanied by her ex-boyfriend Andrei, appeared on the segment seeking a date. Despite their once-strong relationship, April had distanced herself from Andrei due to personal struggles, including financial burdens as a working student, the loss of her father, and the care of her ailing mother. On top of these challenges, she also battled alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.

“Wala akong hair. Naka-wig lang ako. Nagkakaroon ako ng insecurity. Baka mas deserve niya yung iba,” said April.

During the segment, April admitted that her condition had significantly impacted her self-esteem.

“Sobrang laking impact ng insecurity ng pagkatao ko po. Parang ang baba ko po, ‘yun ‘yung tingin ko sa sarili ko. Mababa po kasi sa sobrang dami kong problem, tapos ganto pa ‘ko. Pero laban lang po,” she continued.

This prompted Vice Ganda to embrace April and share her own experiences with insecurity, particularly when her hairline began receding due to stress.

“Nu’ng nalalagasan na rin ako ng buhok sa stress, sobra ‘yung insecurity ko. Malayo ‘yun sa pinagdaanan niya. Hindi lahat ng nagsusuot ng wig gusto lang umara o lumandi or for aesthetic purposes. This wig gives us power. This gives us strength and hope and energy,” Vice Ganda said.

The “It’s Showtime” host admitted that it took her time to accept and love her hairline, encouraging April to try loving herself more.

Vice then removed her wig, stating that she was doing it to help April regain her confidence.

“Kung makakatulong ‘to para makakuha ng kahit katiting na kumpiyansa si April, why not? Nasa punto na ‘ko nang wala na ‘kong pake. Meron nang taong mahal na mahal ako kahit wala na ‘kong wig,” added Vice.

“Hindi na rin ako affected sa mga pangit na pangit sa ‘kin pag walang wig. May wig o wala, may nagmamahal dito ‘no. May wig o wala, may tumatanggap dito. Bukod kay Ion, mahal ako ng nanay ko, mahal ako ng mga kapatid ko. Mahal ako ni Lord,” Vice explained.

Both in tears, Vice Ganda and April shared another hug.