WATCH: In emotional moment, Vice Ganda reveals Ion Perez once resigned from ‘Showtime’

Real-life couple Ion Perez and Vice Ganda share a tearful moment on ‘It’s Showtime’ on Friday. ABS-CBN

“It’s Showtime” breakout star Ion Perez once resigned from the noontime program, his co-host and real-life partner Vice Ganda said in an emotional moment on Friday.

The revelation came as Perez teared up over being a first-time recipient of an award. He was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year by RAWR Awards of the entertainment website LionHearTV.

Perez credited Vice Ganda, whom he referred to as “my partner,” as his inspiration for doing well in his work.

He also said Vice Ganda, who has been named numerous times as a “Phenomenal Box-Office Star,” has helped him with his advice in navigating the business.

Prior to his “It’s Showtime” debut in September 2018, Perez was a fashion model and a male pageant winner, with the title Mister Universe Tourism.

“Ni sa panaginip, ni sa guni-guni, hindi ko po naisip na mabibigyan ako ng ganito,” Perez said, referring to his trophy. “Kaya, Nay, ‘yung kasama mong nagtitinda ng kakanin may award na.”

At that point, Perez tried but failed to contain his emotions.

Perez’s mother worked for a time as a kakanin vendor, while his late father was a jeepney driver.

The 11th of 15 siblings, Perez also helped his parents sell poultry at the wet market during his younger years in Concepcion, Tarlac.

Vice Ganda was similarly moved to tears at Perez’s statement. The comedian then revealed that Perez nearly left “It’s Showtime,” as he once attempted to resign.

“Si Ion po ay minsan nang nag-resign dito sa ‘Showtime’ dahil sa sobrang bashing na inaabot niya. Hindi niya kaya. Umiiyak siya lagi sa nanay niya. Sabi niya, magtitinda na lang daw siya ulit ng kakanin sa Tarlac, kaya niya naman daw. Magbabantay na lang daw siya sa palengke,” Vice Ganda said.

The director of “It’s Showtime,” Bobet Vidanes, talked Perez out of the decision, Vice Ganda recalled. “Pinagalitan siya ni Direk Bobet para hindi siya huminto sa ginagawa niya,” he said.

Addressing Perez, Vice Ganda added: “Simple lang ‘yung ginagawa mo, Ion, pero ang dami mong napapangiti every day.”

The two went on to exchange “I love you’s — the first time since Vice Ganda finally confirmed early this month that they have been officially a couple for a year.