• Ion Perez admits on GGV’s latest episode that Vice Ganda is special to him
• No direct and further confirmation has been divulged about the real score of their relationship
• Before Perez met Vice Ganda, he made a mark in the male pageant scene, being crowned as 2018 Mr. Universe Tourism

Ion Perez, also known as “Kuya Escort” in the noontime variety show “It’s Showtime,” made a surprise guest appearance on Vice Ganda’s “Gandang Gabi Vice” that aired on March 31.

The model admitted then that the comedian-host is “special” to him.

Both Vice Ganda and Ion Perez have been teased repeatedly by their co-hosts in the variety show about their supposed romantic relationship, but no direct confirmation has ever been uttered by the two.

But what was Ion Perez’s life before he met his “special” person Vice Ganda?

View this post on Instagram

Model ng banyo. 😂🍌🍆

A post shared by Ion Perez Official Account (@kuyaescort_official) on Feb 9, 2019 at 7:13am PST

Below are some facts about the heartthrob:

1. Perez was born in Concepcion, Tarlac on November 27, 1990 and is the 11^th among 15 siblings

2. His late father was a jeepney driver while his mother worked for a time as a kakanin vendor

3. He was among the winners of the 2017 Misters of Filipinas pageant

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ion Perez Official Account (@kuyaescort_official) on Dec 7, 2018 at 7:01am PST

4. A year later, he was crowned Mister Universe Tourism where it opened a door for him in the modeling industry

5. He is part of the bachelor list of Cosmopolitan Philippines

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ion Perez Official Account (@kuyaescort_official) on Dec 7, 2018 at 6:26am PST

• Leo Consul is so proud and happy of his achievement with his career, as he remembers all the trials and challenges he has encountered
• At the end of the day, he brought nothing but questions; doubting his capabilities
• There are people who would pull you down and tear down your self-confidence, but the one who survives, are the ones who never stopped

Leo Consul, one of the hosts of the popular TV show “It’s Showtime” Indonesia, is so proud and happy of his achievement, when he remembers all the trials and challenges he has encountered as he shared it on Facebook.

The host had recalled how he started in reaching his dreams, patiently waiting outside ABS-CBN with other participants, who all wanted to audition for Pinoy Big Brother and Pinoy Dream Academy.

“Naalala ko yong pila noon sa labas ng ABS-CBN for Pinoy Big Brother and Pinoy Dream Academy. Gutom, uhaw, kaba, takot at lahat-lahat na ng pwedeng maramdaman ng isang taong may matinding pagnanasang makamit angkanyang mga pangarap na buong tapang kong hinarap para lamang matupad ang higante kong mga pangarap.”

Leo sacrificed waking up early. At dawn, he was already lining up, with other participants, with all his hopes. But at the end of the day, he brought nothing but questions, doubting his capabilities.

View this post on Instagram

Beautiful view of the city from @hoteldesartssaigon’s infinity pool. Loving this hotel’s location as it is situated in the heart of this historical city. Absolutely convenient and accessible. #hochiminhcity #vietnam #hoteldesartssaigon

A post shared by Leo Consul (@consulleo) on Mar 30, 2019 at 2:00am PDT

“Pumila ako ng madaling araw bitbit ang isang libong pag-asa at umuwi ng walang dala maliban sa mabigat na balikat at butas na bulsa. Maraming mga tanong sa isipan ko: Anong kulang? Bakit sila at hindi ako? Hindi ba ako magaling? Kulang ba talento ko? Name it.

And now, he finally found the answer to all his questions and doubts, as he wanted to tell it to all aspiring individuals who are having the same dream. Leo believed that there is always a right time for everything.

“But I tell you what, hindi dahil hindi ka magaling or kulang ka or mas magaling sila kaya hindi ka nagtagumpay. Ang totoo nyan, HINDI PA IYON ANG PANAHON MO. Lahat may tamang oras. Lahat may tamang tiyempo.”

While waiting for the right time of having a big break, a person should persevere and never give up. With his experience, he could say that there were people who would pull you down and tear down your self-confidence but the one who survives are the ones who never stopped.

“Kelangan mo lang magpursige habang mataimtim kang naghihintay sa tamang panahon na nakalaan para sayo. In time, everything will make sense. Huwag kang panghinaan ng loob. May mga taong manghihila sayo pababa at lalamunin lahat ng kumpiyansa mo sa iyong sarili pero tandaan mo, tanging ang mga taong hindi humihinto sa pag-abot ng kanilang mga pangarap ang nakakarating sa dulo ng tagumpay. Tuloy-tuloy ka lang. 🙌🏻”

And Leo leaves a final message:

“And I’ll say it again: Dream Big! The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”

Leo perseverance and hard work paid off, though not in the Philippines but bringing the name as a representative of the Philippines in hosting a franchise local show like Showtime in Indonesia is really a big break for him.

• Vice Ganda and Ion Perez’s confession of ‘status’ in GGV taping has set social media abuzz
• Charo Santos and Bea Alonzo grilled Ion Perez on ‘the real score’ with Vice Ganda
• Showtime hosts Vice and Ion shared an intimate moment that was caught on cam in the past

Kapamilya noontime show mainstays Vice Ganda and “Kuya Escort” Ion Perez have been the subject of “rumored relationship” in past gossip columns, but now the rumor seems to be true after netizens posted stories on social media that the two allegedly admitted to being a couple during a taping session for ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ (GGV).

Photos of them hugging each other circulated online, and netizen JS Espejon Sanchez said that the pictures were taken during the March 12 GGV taping. He then proceeded to explain what happened on the set.

According to the Sanchez, Charo Santos and Bea Alonzo were the guests on GGV to promote their upcoming movie Eerie. The two wanted to do a prank on Vice where Ion and Jacky were dressed as nuns.

https://twitter.com/PBBOTSO8/status/1105686735541813249

After the prank, Bea asked Kuya Escort what the real score is between him and the comedian-host. Charo Santos also had a follow-up question, and that was when Perez finally revealed that heand Vice are already couple.

“Totoo man o hindi ang mga bali-balita, abangan n’yo nalang po para malaman ang katotohanan ♥ ^O^,” cryptically posted Perez recently on his Twitter account.

Totoo man o hindi ang mga bali-balita, Abangan nyo nalang po para malaman ang katotohanan ❤^O^

— ion perez (@iionperez) March 14, 2019

Ion also shared, “Walang mangyayari sa buhay natin kung paiiralin ang hiya at takot sa paggawa ng mga bagay na kaya naman nating gawin.”

Walang mangyayari sa buhay natin kung paiiralin ang hiya at takot sa paggawa ng mga bagay na kaya naman nating gawin.

— ion perez (@iionperez) March 14, 2019

The viral tweet of Vice Ganda saying: “Please allow me to be happy. Siguro deserve ko din naman magmalaki at ipagmalaki ng taong mahal ko at mahal ako. 😍😍😍 I love you daddiii ❤️ #inarelatIONship” is apparently just made by a fan and was not posted to Vice’s Twitter account.

Just love don't hate
Vice Ganda and Ion Perez#GGV #VICEION #Support #LoveStory pic.twitter.com/5rV4iouw8z

— Banatero101 (@JPipoy12) March 13, 2019

In a previous report, the two were spotted together in an event sharing an intimate moment which was caught on cam and Jhong Hilario, their co-host, even showed proof.

The rumor was fueled further when Ion called Vice “Lab” on ‘It’s Showtime’s’ live program last month.

• TNT Boys meet Ariana Grande on ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’
• The TNT Boys guesting in ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’ was aired on Tuesday (February 19) in Los Angeles
• Corden shared an anecdote why he decided to give this treat to his “favorite new boy band on planet Earth”

The singing trio of the TNT Boys continued to make a name in the international stage with another guesting in a famous US talk show.

Keifer Sanchez, Mackie Empuerto, and Francis Concepcion left for Los Angeles on Monday and is set to film their guest appearance on the CBS talk show of English actor and comedian James Corden.

View this post on Instagram

So proud of you @thetntboys LionhearTV’s Royal Cub awardee last year

A post shared by LionhearTV (@lionheartvnet) on Feb 20, 2019 at 4:05am PST

View this post on Instagram

So proud of you @thetntboys LionhearTV’s Royal Cub awardee last year

A post shared by LionhearTV (@lionheartvnet) on Feb 20, 2019 at 4:00am PST

While Kiefer, Mackie and Francis were performing ‘And I Am Telling You,’ from Dreamgirls midway through, Ariana Grande surprised them by walking onstage and finishing the song with them.

Grande also expressed her admiration for the Filipino singers, “I am obsessed with you, guys. You are so incredible. That was so beautiful.”

Other Pinoy talents show envy

https://twitter.com/boyband_russell/status/1098103048721784833

I’m crying!!!! Awwww! So proud of you Mackie, Keifer and Francis @TheTNTBoys ❤️ Keep showing the world what you got!!!! Congratulations!!!! Thank you @latelateshow show and @ArianaGrande ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/UFOIj7jbZ7

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) February 20, 2019

HUH???? Ay hindi. Sasali na din ako sa TNT kung ito ang paraan makasama ka @ArianaGrande https://t.co/iFvC3Uf5bE

— Alex Gonzaga (@Mscathygonzaga) February 20, 2019

Dun ka sa tapatan ni tunying sumali mikrobyo ka https://t.co/zTlGfb7U9Q

— Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano) February 20, 2019

https://twitter.com/MsJ0NA/status/1098151071279509504

Corden is also the host of ‘The World’s Best,’ another CBS program where the TNT Boys is currently competing. On February 3, the young artists were shown in the maiden telecast of the talent competition, which gathered notable talents from around the world.

Last year, the trio staged a sold-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum, and has been continuously guesting on international shows, notably the American, UK, and Australian versions of ‘Little Big Shots.’ The singing trio was also chosen as the Royal Cub awardee of last year’s LionhearTV RAWR Awards.

• “When you were singing, you were in that song, you were like, bam!”
• RuPaul had just one thing to say, “Shante,” which meant you stay
• Pops Fernandez said: “I am so proud now to represent the Philippines. On behalf of the Filipinos, guess what? I know for a fact that you can be the World’s Best.”

The TNT Boys – consisting of Francis Concepcion, Mackie Empuerto, and Kiefer Sanchez – once again, brought pride to the Philippines after singing their own rendition of Beyoncé’s “Listen,” bringing them through to the next round of the new American talent competition “The World’s Best,” that aired its pilot episode right after the Super Bowl on CBS last Sunday.

The American judges were really amazed with the performance of the TNT Boys as they hit all the high notes effortlessly, giving them an average score of 49 while the Wall of the World judges gave them more than enough points to reach a total of 99.

The Judges comments after their amazing ‘goosebumps’ performance were very much applauding. Drew Barrymore said she really has a soft spot for kids, as she added that what the TNT Boys just did “is a whole other thing.”

“You possess a gift. You’re just that good,” she told the TNT Boys. Faith Hill also said, “First of all, you have some serious attitude. You’re so precious and so sweet but when you were singing, you were in that song, and you were like, bam!”

And Rupaul had one just thing to say, “Shante,” which meant “You stay!”

https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldsBestCBS/videos/2197317170528620/

One of the judges making up the ‘Wall of the World’ panel, Pops Fernandez, a Filipino Singer, was asked by James Corden about what she thinks of the boy’s performance.

She said, “I am so proud now to represent the Philippines. On behalf of the Filipinos, guess what? I know for a fact that you can be the World’s Best.”

Corden also asked an award-winning dancer and choreographer who had worked with Beyoncé “Dennis Jauch,” who represented Germany, said, “I actually wouldn’t be surprised if she (Beyoncé) would call you up after this and be like ‘Join me on the next tour!”

Comments also flooded the Twitter account with the different reactions of viewers who watched the performance of the TNT Boys.

https://twitter.com/TNTBoysForever/status/1092823147341139969

I hope that the TNT Boys will drag up on The World’s Best (like they did on face sounds familiar; lady marmalade and bang bang). THAT SHIT WILL POSSIBLY INPRESS RUPAUL ❤️✨

— nard (@ejay______) February 5, 2019

https://twitter.com/hgfabia/status/1092830926562680833

https://twitter.com/TntboysF/status/1092784478018138112

https://twitter.com/lorengnzls/status/1092850240636444674

https://twitter.com/Niceswan17/status/1092853529381728256

• Enchong Dee appeared on GMA network’s noontime show, ‘Eat Bulaga!’ with new leading lady Janine Gutierrez last Saturday
• Both are more comfortable to work with each other while doing the romantic–comedy ‘Elise’
• Not the first time for a Kapamilya actor to appear in GMA Network show, yet it’s  already a “No” for Kapuso Janine to appear in an ABS-CBN show

For the First time, Enchong Dee, a Kapamilya actor was allowed to guest on the top-rating and long-running noontime show of GMA Network, ‘Eat Bulaga,’ to promote his movie with Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez under Regal Entertainment, ‘Elise,’ from the writer and director Joel Ferrer that will hit cinemas nationwide starting February 6, 2019.

Echong was so happy to appear on ‘Eat Bulaga’ and be part of the segment ‘BOOM’ with Janine. He even tweeted on his account to thank the show.

“Maraming salamat sa masayang experience @EatBulaga at salamat sa mga nanuod na dabarkads😊👍🏼👍🏼”

https://twitter.com/enchongdee777/status/1091558967472381952

Despite Enchong Dee being allowed to guest on the GMA network noontime show, it was already a no for Janine Gutierrez to guest in “It’s Showtime” of ABS-CBN to promote their upcoming movie.

https://twitter.com/MarkThirdy03/status/1091572499572154368

Both are more comfortable working with each while doing the romantic–comedy ‘Elise’ as they already have experienced doing an indie film entitled ‘Lila’ that was directed by Gino Santos in 2016.

According to Janine, Enchong Dee is one of her closest friends in showbiz and it happened that he is also a close friend of Rayver Cruz, Janine’s rumored boyfriend, a former Kapamilya actor who is now a Kapuso talent.

Janine was askedt if she would be willing to work again with his ex-boyfriend Elmo Magalona who is now on the Kapamilya network. She answered, “not for now.”

“Huwag na lang muna.  Marami pa namang iba riyan na hindi ko pa nakakatrabaho,” she answered.

She graduated in Ateneo de Manila taking up European Studies in the year 2011 as her parent’s requirement before she embarks on a showbiz career. And by the following year, she decided to be in showbiz and have more focus in that direction.

“Yun talaga ang gusto ng parents ko na tapusin muna ang pag-aaral bago mag-showbiz na sinunod ko naman.”

Janine has an upcoming TV series on the Kapuso network, a fantasy-drama entitle ‘Dragon Lady’ with Tom Rodriguez, Joyce Ching, and Edgar Allan Guzman to be directed by Paul Sta. Ana.

The hosts of It’s Showtime made an agreement that they will go on vacation as a family every year. After nine long years in the noontime show, the hosts have grown closer and now treat each other as family.

This January, they all travelled to Hong Kong. One of the hosts, Jugs Jugueta, shared their experiences and adventures in Hong Kong. He was even interviewed regarding his views and opinion about the goings on in the show.

On Vice Ganda’s Jokes

Jokes have always been a part of the show. It is the joke that the hosts throw that make the show fun and entertaining. And one of the hosts who often throw controversial jokes is Vice Ganda.

Jugs was asked about Vice Ganda’s jokes about Eat Bulaga. He said Vice is just being honest and true. The problem with this though is that their honesty sometimes get them into trouble.

• Vice Ganda wants to watch ‘Eat Bulaga’ live
• Vice Ganda asks “Eat Bulaga” hosts: “Natatawa ba kayo sa akin o nabubwisit ba kayo sa akin?”
• Vice Ganda asks help from rival “Eat Bulaga”

Just like other people, Vice is also a fan, despite being a star. He admitted to being a supporter of the “AlDub” team from their rival network.

Jugs does not see anything wrong with it. There are even times when Vice (and other It’s Showtime hosts) throw jokes at each other about Eat Bulaga and other stars of GMA Network.

As jokes go, they are just meant to be funny. But other people make issues out of those jokes. And as Jugs said, it gets them into trouble.

On Their Relationship As Hosts

The hosts of the show have developed a friendship incomparable with anything else. Their friendship is one with honesty, openness, and love. They respect each other’s opinions and views, making them free to express themselves.

Whatever jokes they throw in on the show are just that – jokes. But there are times when they joke with each other which, according to them, are sometimes true. But, this happens, only when they joke about each other.

The views and opinions of one host may be different from the others, but still they support each other. This is what makes their friendship one of a kind. To them, hosting It’s Showtime is not work, but bonding time for the family.

• Celebrities expressed their disapproval of bill that lowers criminal liability to nine years old.
• This includes reactions from Bianca Gonzales, Anne Curtis, Dingdong Dantes, Jim Paredes, and Bullet Dumas.

The House of Panel has approved the bill that lowers the minimum age of criminal liability from 15 years old to 9 years old. This has sparked outrage not just from netizens, but also from known showbiz personalities.

Celebrities have expressed their opinions on the move by the government which has drawn dismay and disapproval by many.

Television host Bianca Gonzales may not have tweeted anything regarding the topic, but she has retweeted a message by Carlo Pamintuan stating that jailing 9-year-olds “will not do anything” because the children are just forced to commit the crime due to poverty.

Jailing nine-year-olds will not solve anything. We need to address the real issue here. Younger people are forced to commit crime because of poverty. Pupunuin natin ng bata ang mga kulungan for petty theft while those who steal millions roam free.

— Carlo Pamintuan (@carlo_pamintuan) January 21, 2019

It’s Showtime host Anne Curtis has directly expressed her opposition towards the bill saying that the news saddens her as the kids still have a chance to change their ways.

https://twitter.com/annecurtissmith/status/1087665963384791040

Another host from It’s Showtime and musician Teddy Corpuz shared a two-part video of kids who experienced law under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in 2006.

Paano daw yung mga 9years old na mga bata ginagamit nang mga sindikato para gumawa nang krimen?
:
:
:
:
:
Eh Di hulihin nyo yung SINDIKATO!

— teddy corpuz (@teddspotting) January 22, 2019

Part 1 pic.twitter.com/9XCs0I6m3n

— teddy corpuz (@teddspotting) January 22, 2019

Part 2 pic.twitter.com/TXv71Vi0DG

— teddy corpuz (@teddspotting) January 22, 2019

Actor Dingdong Dantes has agreed to the statement of Atty. Chel Diokno. He added that the children are at the age wherein they are strongly influenced by the adults around them.

Agree ako sa iyo, @ChelDiokno! Crucial stage ang childhood and adolescence to one's development. These are periods where psychological, emotional, social and physical aspects are strongly influenced by the surroundings and are formed. https://t.co/SaTLxEdYZC

— Dingdong Dantes (@iamdongdantes) January 20, 2019

He also suggested that the government should focus on creating an environment that will make the youth productive members of the society.

2…. Instead of focusing on criminalizing children, the government should invest more on creating an enabling environment that will allow young people to be productive members of the society. https://t.co/SaTLxEdYZC

— Dingdong Dantes (@iamdongdantes) January 20, 2019

Jim Paredes has described the news as “disgusting”.

This is disgusting. https://t.co/yRnYgM5H2G

— Jim (@Jimparedes) January 21, 2019

He has also questioned the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo who said that the criminals nowadays are the minors that were used by former delinquents because they grew up that way.

Theory is something he thought up. Where are the facts to prove this? Show us numbers. Meanwhile our duwag idiotic congress hardly debated this They just gave the President what he wanted.

— Jim (@Jimparedes) January 21, 2019

OPM arist Bullet Dumas shared a photo by Plcpd Foundation, Inc. stating that “children are not little adults”.

Justice panel chairperson Salvador Leachon justified the bill, clarifying that it is only to protect the children from being used by syndicates.

• Celebrities who will run for government office in the upcoming elections will have to take a break from their respective shows.
• The names included are Edu Manzano, Mark Lapid, Lito Lapid, and Jhong Hilario.

As the election period is nearly there, it was not needed for Commission on Elections to remind the showbiz candidates that they cannot appear on television shows as performers for the time being.

Ang Probinsyano‘s Edu Manzano is one of those who will be affected as he is currently acting as the President in the series. But he is also running for a position as the Representative for the lone district of San Juan.

Mark Lapid and Lito Lapid will also have to take a break from the teleserye as they are running as Mayor of Pampanga and as Senator, respectively.

It’s Showtime‘s Jhong Hilario will also have to take a break from the noontime show because he is set to run for re-election as the City Councilor of Makati.

Aside from television appearances, the COMELEC is also working on rules to limit the expenditures of the candidates on social media.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsUYeiGl7NK/

According to spokesperson James Jimenez, they will monitor each political campaign on social media. This includes advertisements from those who are running for a position.

“We will make sure that whatever draft regulation that we have will respect the individual’s right of expression.

“Ang babantayan natin ay kung paano nagagamit iyong social media sa kontexto ng gastusin. Magkano ang ginagastos ng mga kampanya para dito para hindi siya maging paraan para magtago ng maraming pera na nagiging unfair kasi nga may spending limit tayo.”

• Vice Ganda admitted that he got offers to run for a senatorial slate in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.
• He joked about running for Presidency after two more elections.

Comedian and It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda may have hinted about his interest in running for a political post in the future.

READ: Vice Ganda shares her first ever visit in Regine Velasquez’s home

On Thursday, January 10, the Fantastica star revealed that he was actually offered to run for a senatorial position by one political party.

“Maraming kumukuha nga sa akin, eh. May kumuha sa aking partido [para] sa senador. ‘Sira-ulo ba kayo?’ Sabi, ‘Mananalo ka.’ ‘O, ngayon, ‘pag mananalo, tatakbo?’”

It came as he was having a banter with co-host Jhong Hilario, who happened to be a Makati City councilor.

He said that Jhong has been having difficulties with keeping his image from being a public official, he’s also and actor, dancer, and a noontime show host.

Vice then joked about running for the Presidency in the future.

“Kakandidato talaga akong presidente ng Pilipinas, promise. Dalawang eleksyon pa, kakandidato ako — presidente talaga agad.”

READ: Vice Ganda expresses frustration over getting blocked from Tinder

He faced the camera and said that if he wins, it only means one thing.

“Pag nanalo ako, isa lang ibig sabihin nu’n — sira-ulo talaga kayong lahat! Wala talagang kakwenta-kwenta ang mga bumuboto sa Pilipinas. ‘Pag nanalo pa naman ako talaga…”

The comedian added that he has been running his whole life and he just wants to rest. This is in reference to a popular joke comparing Vice to a horse.