In a heartwarming episode of “It’s Showtime,” Vice Ganda moved both the audience and fellow hosts to tears by removing her wig on live television. The gesture was a show of solidarity with April, a contestant on the “Expecially for You” segment who battles alopecia, a condition causing hair loss. April, accompanied by her ex-boyfriend Andrei, shared her struggles, including the immense insecurity she felt due to her condition.
Alopecia is a medical condition characterized by hair loss from the scalp or other parts of the body. This can occur in small patches or result in complete baldness, and it affects both men and women. While the exact cause of alopecia is not fully understood, it is often linked to autoimmune responses, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Alopecia can be challenging, as there are treatments but no known cures, often leaving individuals like April to grapple with self-esteem issues.
April spoke candidly about the impact of alopecia on her self-worth, saying, “Sobrang laking impact ng insecurity ng pagkatao ko po,” and describing how it made her feel low, compounded by other life challenges such as supporting her family and grieving her father’s death. Vice, deeply moved, comforted April and shared her own experience with insecurity as her hairline started to recede due to stress. She emphasized that not everyone who wears wigs does so for aesthetics; for many, it’s a source of strength and confidence.
Vice encouraged April to find love and acceptance beyond physical appearance, stating, “Hindi siya tungkol sa buhok eh. Tungkol ‘yan sa uri ng pagmamahal na mabibigay mo sa sarili mo tsaka sa ibang tao. At ‘yung pagmamahal na ‘yun, bumabalik.” She expressed her wish for April to meet someone who would love her regardless of her wig, emphasizing that genuine love transcends appearances.
As Vice removed her wig, she reassured April and viewers that this act was to help those struggling with similar insecurities gain confidence. “Kung makakatulong ‘to kung para makakuha ng kahit katiting na kumpiyansa si April, why not?” she said, highlighting her personal journey to self-acceptance. Vice shared that she is loved and accepted by her partner Ion, her family, and her faith, regardless of her appearance.
The emotional moment culminated in a standing ovation, with the Madlang People and co-hosts visibly moved. Vice’s message was clear: self-love and acceptance are more powerful than any physical attribute. She concluded with a hopeful note, encouraging others to embrace their unique journeys in their own time, without pressure.
Vice Ganda’s actions and words resonated deeply, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and love in overcoming insecurities. Her bravery and compassion provided inspiration not just to April, but to many others facing similar struggles.
