Vice Ganda on Why She Financially Helps Contestants on “It’s Showtime”

Vice Ganda is "unkabogable" for a reason, and it shows in everything she does—including the surprise and spontaneity she brings as a host of numerous variety shows.

It’s Showtime and Everybody, Sing! have had their fair share of viral moments, including times when she provides contestants with financial support that goes beyond what the game rules allow and even encourages her co-hosts to do the same.

As a star who started from the bottom and carved her own path to the top, Vice has a clear understanding of, and firsthand experience with, living with constant fear. “Takot akong maghirap,” she told ABS-CBN. “Lalo na ngayong may crisis, doble tipid talaga. Takot kang mabawasan nang mabawasan ang pera mo.”

This awareness and discipline come from her upbringing, saying that this practical behavior is something she has gotten used to. “Lumaki akong limitado ang resources ko kaya kailangan talagang magtipid. Lumaki kami na kanya-kanya kaming may budget ng pera.”

In both Everybody, Sing! and the Laro, Laro, Pick! segment of It’s Showtime, the groups of contestants are formed based on specific themes or sectors such as street sweepers, fruit vendors, fishermen, and sales assistants, to name a few. She cited an example, saying, “Kunwari, isang daang nasunugan 'yung contestants, tapos mananalo sila ng 10,000 [pesos] or less pa. Hindi naman kaya ng puso ko na parang, ‘Ano 'to? Ginamit ko lang sila for [the] episode tapos wala naman silang makukuhang tulong?'” This sincere thought prompts her to shell out additional help.

She added that it helps her stay genuine and passionate about her work. “Kapag hindi ko ginawa, baka mawala 'yung puso ko sa ginagawa. Nagbibigay din kasi ng kasiyahan at kaligayahan sa akin 'yun, eh. Masaya ako kapag masaya sila."