Tears were shed across the audience of It’s Showtime on July 19, when Vice Ganda, in a rare yet heartfelt moment, removed her wig in support of a contestant with alopecia.
LOOK: Vice Ganda Removes Wig in Support of “It’s Showtime” Contestant with Alopecia
During the variety show’s “Expecially for You” segment, contestant April and her ex-boyfriend Andrei revealed their past struggles as a couple. April confessed that she had to distance herself from Andrei due to her personal problems, such as the death of her father and her responsibilities for her ill-stricken mother.
Apart from that, the contestant disclosed that she was also battling alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that led to hair loss. “Wala akong hair. Naka-wig lang ako. Nagkakaruon ako ng insecurity–baka mas deserve niya 'yung iba,” April said.
The contestant admitted that the condition had affected how she perceived herself. “Parang ang baba ko po, 'yun 'yung tingin ko sa sarili ko. Mababa po kasi sa sobrang dami kong problem, tapos ganto pa ako. Pero laban lang po.”
As Vice comforted April with a hug, the host recalled her own feelings with a receding hairline. “Nung nalalagasan na rin ako ng buhok sa stress, sobra 'yung insecurity ko. Malayo 'yun sa pinagdaanan niya,” she said. “Hindi lahat ng nagsusuot ng wig gusto lang umawra o lumandi or for aesthetic purposes. This wig gives us power. This gives us strength and hope and energy.”
The It’s Showtime comedienne said that learning to embrace her hairline was a long process, but Vice encouraged April that self-love and the love she shared with others was worth more than the hair on her head.
Vice proceeded to remove her wig and dedicated it to April. “Kung makakatulong 'to kung para makakuha ng kahit katiting na kumpiyansa si April, why not?” Vice said. “Nasa punto na 'ko nang wala na 'kong pake. Meron nang taong mahal na mahal ako kahit wala na 'kong wig.”
“Hindi na rin ako affected sa mga pangit na pangit sa akin pag walang wig. May wig o wala, may nagmamahal dito, 'no? May wig o wala, may tumatanggap dito. Bukod kay Ion, mahal ako ng nanay ko, mahal ako ng mga kapatid ko. Mahal ako ni Lord.”
The host was met with a tearful audience in response, while her co-hosts stood up to applaud her actions and words. Vice and April, tear-stricken as well, shared a heartfelt embrace, as the host encouraged her to grow confidence at her own pace.
“In time, matatanggal niyo din 'yan. No pressure. In your time, pag handa na,” Vice said.
What Is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the generic medical term for hair loss. In a definition by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the autoimmune condition is distinguished among different types, but Alopecia areata is one of the most common. While there are instances wherein the hair can grow back, most people can experience relapses of hair loss, which can occur throughout a person’s life.
Alopecia areata currently cannot be cured, according to Yale Medicine. However, treatments have been developed to aid those afflicted, including steroid injections and topical medications.
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