WATCH: Vice Ganda, Ion Perez suddenly in tears as they exchange ‘I love you’s’

MANILA — Rumored couple Vice Ganda and Ion Perez were suddenly in tears Friday during the live episode of “It’s Showtime,” confusing co-hosts Anne Curtis and Vhong Navarro.

Vice Ganda and Ion Perez suddenly cry on ‘It’s Showtime,’ prompting Anne Curtis to hug her co-host and real-life ‘sister.’ ABS-CBN/It’s Showtime

The emotional moment happened during the Mr. Q&A contest of the noontime program, when Perez joined the hosts on stage as the segment’s regular “Kuya Escort.”

Teased about his tendency to sound angry when he speaks, Perez was challenged by Curtis and Navarro to give an example of how he says “I love you” — with Vice Ganda as the recipient.

What started as playful teasing among the hosts appeared to strike a chord for Perez, who started welling up when Vice Ganda took his turn to say “I love you” back.

Vice Ganda, too, became emotional at the sight of Perez tearing up.

“Bakit kayo nag-iiyakan?” Curtis asked. “Naiiyak na rin ako!”

Curtis and Navarro then pulled the rumored couple together in a group hug.

“Ang saya pag nakikita siyang masaya,” Perez said, when asked by Navarro what caused his tears. “Ang sarap makita na masaya ‘yung taong mahal mo.”

Vice Ganda, whose back was turned to the camera, had to take a moment to compose himself, before prompting his co-hosts, “Hoy, mag-contest na tayo.”

Vice Ganda and Perez’s relationship has been the subject of speculation over the last year.

Although neither has confirmed being officially together, with Perez most recently stressing they are only friends, their affectionate behavior and personal milestones together have only encouraged rumors of a serious relationship.

While Vice Ganda opted not to give a serious answer Friday during his tearful exchange with Perez, the comedian’s tweet after the program appeared to address the TV moment.

“Andami niyong nagmamahal sa akin at masaya para sa kasiyahan ko. Maraming salamat! Mapalad ako,” he said.