Amidst the controversy surrounding Vice Ganda and his real-life partner Ion Perez at the Movie and Television Classification and Review Board (MTRCB), the comedian-host showcased his heartwarming relationship with the kiddie mainstays of “Isip Bata” segment on It’s Showtime.
Fondly known as “Batang Cute-po,” the lively kids Argus, Jaze, and Kulot have become a delightful addition to the Kapamilya noontime show, sharing endearing moments with Vice.
On Saturday, August 5, 2023, Vice shared several video clips from the August 1 episode of It’s Showtime on his Instagram post.
In the “Isip Bata” segment, the three kids expressed their affection for Vice.
Kulot shared, “Hindi ka nakakasawa makita Meme Vice.”
Jaze said, “Kasi love po namin si Meme Vice.”
Argus added, “Pag hindi naka-makeup si Meme sobrang ganda pa rin niya po.”
When Vhong asked if Argus really loves Meme Vice, Vice confidently responded, “Love na love mo talaga si Meme Vice ano?”
“I know… they love me and you cannot question that.” In another clip, Vice humorously stated, “Only the child who has the purest heart can see my beauty.”
Vice also shared a heartwarming conversation with Argus about the boy’s father’s overseas work.
Vice asked Argus, “Anong sabi mo kay Ion?”
Argus replied, “Siya po muna magiging daddy ko habang wala si Daddy.”
Vhong jokingly asked, “Sinong mommy mo?”
Argus answered, “Si Mommy Vice po.”
Vice included a screenshot of a Facebook post by Argus’s father, Aisley Argus, in his IG post. Aisley expressed his gratitude to Vice for taking care of his child.
The videos showed behind-the-scenes moments, including Ion carrying Argus several times on camera, demonstrating their close bond. Argus was often seen hugging Ion affectionately.
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Vice also shared a separate Facebook post from the kid, Jaze, expressing love for the comedian-host.
These videos and posts highlighted Vice and Ion’s warm treatment not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes with the children.
On July 31, the MTRCB chairman, Lala Sotto, summoned the authorized representative of It’s Showtime.
According to the MTRCB’s public statement, they received “numerous complaints” regarding an “indecent act/s” during the “Isip Bata” segment. This incident involved Vice and Ion consuming cake icing in the July 25 episode.
In an interview with radio host and showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin on August 2, Lala explained that they followed due process in handling the violation by It’s Showtime.
Lala stated, “The classification of PG, which is Parental Guidance, was violated, especially since there were young children physically present, aside from those watching from their homes without supervision. That was the problem with It’s Showtime. That is why we issued them a notice to appear based on our monitoring inspection unit and the proliferation of complaints.”
Lala also addressed the accusation of bias, as some claimed that the MTRCB did not take action against the alleged violations of TV5’s noontime show E.A.T. Lala is the daughter of E.A.T. host and former Senator Tito Sotto.
Lala firmly maintained that there was no reason to summon the management of E.A.T. as the complaints about her parents’ kissing scenes on the show were baseless. She emphasized that her parents, Tito and Helen Gamboa, have been married for 45 years.
