Vice Ganda made a contestant’s heart swell with gratitude through this act of generosity.
In the Sept. 9 episode of the noontime program’s “Laro Laro Pick” segment, one of the players was 63-year-old Jovie who works as a balut vendor to provide for his family.
As Tatay Jovie shared his stories and experiences, including fun facts about his livelihood, the exchange with the comedian and co-hosts Anne Curtis and Vhong Navarro took an emotional turn when he was asked what winning the game would mean for him.
For the balut vendor, the show’s half-a-million grand prize represented more than just money as it was also a chance to secure his family’s needs. He went on to reveal that even at his age, he is still renting a house.
“Mahalagang mahalaga po. Kailangan na kailangan po eh. Sa hirap po ng buhay. Hanggang ngayon sa edad ko, nangungupahan pa kami ng bahay,” he said.
He went on to describe the daily struggles of working just to cover rent and utility bills.
Vice Ganda, clearly moved by his story, expressed deep respect and admiration for his perseverance.
On behalf of the It’s Showtime family and the Madlang People, Vice told Tatay Jovie: “Gusto naming kayong saluduhan at bigyan ng pagpupugay. Dahil kayo yung mga Pilipinong ipinagmamalaki namin — hirap pero may dangal sa buhay.”
“Lumalaban nang patas,” added Vhong.
The touching moment comes at a time when public discourse is focused on controversies involving corruption among certain government officials and agencies.
“Lahat kayong mga Pilipino, gusto namin kayong parangalan, mga Pilipinong hirap pero nananatiling may dangal sa buhay,” Vice continued, bringing Tatay Jovie to tears.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, he replied, “Maraming salamat. Hindi mababayaran ng halaga ang saya ko ngayon. Masayang masaya ako.”
But the most emotional moment came when Vice Ganda announced his decision to shoulder Tatay Jovie’s rent for an entire year—amounting to P3,500 a month.
“Hindi natin alam kung gaano nakakabaliw para sa isang tao ang mag-ipon ng P3,500 sa isang buwan. Hindi natin alam kung gaano ‘yun nakakadurog ng puso ng bawat isa, lalo na sa matanda,” said Vice.
“Makabawas man lang sa iniisip mo, I will pay for the entire year, ‘yung buong taon para hindi mo na siya iisipin. Para sa’yo at para sa asawa mo na lagi kaming pinapanood dito sa Showtime. Kayo din naman ang bumubuhay sa amin,” he concluded.
