Vice Ganda and a searchee from “EXpecially for You” segment of “It’s Showtime.” Image: screengrab from YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
Vice Ganda offered to pay for the schooling of a searchee from “It’s Showtime” segment “EXpecially for You,” who has not been able to continue her studies due to lack of financial support.
Nami, a 21-year-old promo girl, was among the three searchees who joined the noontime show’s episode on Thursday, Feb. 22. During her conversation with show host Vice Ganda, the comedian asked if she is currently pursuing her studies.
“Nag-stop na po [ako dahil sa] financial problem. Bale ako na lang po kasi nagsu-support sa sarili ko,” Nami responded. “Baka pag nag-enroll po ako sa college, baka hindi ko kayang pagsabayin ‘yung pag-aaral tsaka pagta-trabaho since may monthly rent pa po.”
(I stopped attending school because of financial problems. I have been supporting myself financially. I might not manage to work and study at the same time because I still have the monthly rent to think of.)
Nami added that she decided to be independent and not to rely on her parents because she does not want to be a burden to them. She then broke into tears as she revealed that her father and her sibling are both “disabled.”
“Paano kung pagtatapusin kita ng pag-aaral?” Vice Ganda asked Nami, who was further moved to tears. “Kung ikaw ay magkakaroon ng pribileheyo na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral, kukunin mo ba ang pribileheyo na ito?”
(What if I give you an opportunity to graduate? If you would have the privilege to finish your studies, would you take it?)
“Oo naman po (Of course, I would),” she answered, to which the comedian assured her, “So I will send you to school.”
Vice Ganda shared that one of his scholars is set to graduate in March, so he would be able to support another individual’s schooling financially.
“I admire you being independent. Pero kahit (But even) independent women, they also need help and support. And I would like to send you my support, Nami,” the comedian said before giving an emotional Nami a hug.
Show host Jhong Hilario then commended Vice Ganda for his act of generosity, saying that the latter has been a huge help to a lot of people to achieve their dreams.
“Ginawa din naman kasi sa akin ‘yon; tinulungan lang din naman ako. Kung nasasaan man ako, ‘di naman ito lahat dahil magaling ako,” Vice Ganda underscored. “Nandito ako dahil marami din namang tumulong sa akin and I acknowledge that.”
(I also experienced receiving help from others. Wherever I am now, it is not just because of my abilities. I am here because a lot of people helped me and I acknowledge that.)
“And now that I have the chance, I will be of help and of support also to those who are in need of it,” he added.
