Vice Ganda has finally addressed the real reason behind his weeks-long absence from ‘It’s Showtime’, revealing that a foot injury kept him away from the noontime program for over a month.
The “Unkabogable Star” returned to the show on April 17 after being noticeably absent, sparking concern and curiosity among fans.
Speaking to members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), Vice initially hesitated to share details, admitting he found the situation embarrassing.
“Ka-cheap-an kasi yung nangyari sa akin kaya hindi ko kinukuwento, e. Parang ayoko ng optics,” he said.
He then clarified that the issue stemmed from a foot condition caused by years of wearing high heels.
“Hindi, na-injure yung right foot ko. May tumubong hindi ko alam, dahil sa ilang taon ko nang paghi-heels, may tumubo dito sa buto sa hinlalaki sa ilalim na (foot) corn, parang nagkakalyo siya something.”
Vice shared that the injury worsened after a fall months ago and was not immediately treated.
“Tapos nu’ng nadapa ako, nu’ng ilang buwan na nakakaraan, parang na-bruise siya… sabi nung dinala ko sa hospital, kailangan ipa-therapy kasi may trauma yung part na yun. Hindi ko naman siya napa-therapy.”
As the condition progressed, swelling became severe, affecting his mobility.
“Parang nabugbog siya, nagkasugat na yung paligid nu’ng ano ko, namaga siya nang malala. Tapos nagkulay pula, hindi ako nakakalakad.”
At one point, he thought it might be gout, but the symptoms persisted.
“Tumagal siya ng isang linggo, dalawang linggo, hanggang sa nag-isang buwan na siyang namamaga… Hindi siya masakit, pero hindi ko siya kayang itapak.”
The comedian eventually sought medical attention in Singapore after the swelling did not subside.
“So, nagpunta ako ng Singapore, nagpa-check up ako… Natakot ako, akala ko… ano ba ito? Bakit isang buwan na siya, tapos hindi siya nawawala, as in lumaki yung buong paa ko.”
Despite the seriousness, Vice downplayed the situation, saying he preferred it over more serious health concerns.
“Kaya hindi ko nilalabas kasi ang cheap, ang pangit. Pero at least, ang babaw. Mas maganda na yung ganu’n kesa sa ano…”
Because of his condition, Vice was unable to fully enjoy his recent travels and even his birthday.
“Even my birthday. I wasn’t able to celebrate my birthday the way I wanted to. Dahil hindi nga ako makalakad.”
He also revealed that he had to cancel travel plans, including attending Songkran in Thailand, and was mostly confined indoors.
“Kahit Singapore, hindi ako nakapag-mall. Hindi ako nakapag-shopping. As in hotel lang, tapos diretso hospital.”
For months, he avoided wearing shoes and opted for slippers—even during his return to television.
“Three months akong hindi puwede magsapatos. Kaya, nakatsinelas ako. Kaya sa Showtime, nakamahaba ako, kasi nakatsinelas ako.”
Vice also expressed gratitude to his partner, Ion Perez, who supported him throughout his recovery.
“Sobrang bagot na bagot ako. So, inaaliw lang niya ako.”
Reflecting on the experience, Vice emphasized the importance of following medical advice.
“Makinig sa sinasabi ng espesyalista… akala mo, wala na, pero meron pa. So, kailangan idiretso mo talaga kung anong dapat gawin.”
Despite the health scare, he reassured fans that he remains in good condition overall.
“Wala akong anything, I’m healthy. Yung brain ko lang daw,” he joked.
