“IT’S SHOWTIME” host Vice Ganda has expressed her intention to apologize to “Especially For You” searchee Axel Cruz following a misunderstanding that aired live on the popular noontime show.
On May 31, 2024, Maria Christine appeared on the show with her ex-boyfriend Derick for the “Especially For You” segment, hoping to find a potential new partner.
Among the searchees Christine was choosing from was Axel Cruz.
However, towards the end of the segment, Christine did not select Axel and instead picked a different searchee.
After not being chosen, Axel was given the opportunity to deliver a parting message to Christine.
Before speaking, Axel approached Christine for a high-five and moved his face closer to hers, appearing as if he was about to kiss her.
Vice Ganda, surprised by Axel’s move, intervened, saying, “Oy, hindi pwede ‘yun, that’s bad!
“Don’t do that, you ask for permission. Alam mo bang pwede kang mademanda sa ginagawa mo?
“Don’t do that, hindi ka pwedeng biglang nagnanakaw ng halik.”
After the show aired, this incident sparked discussions online, with many criticizing Axel.
On Saturday, June 1, Axel took to Facebook to clarify his actions, saying that he did not intend to steal a kiss from Christine as many people believed.
Axel uploaded screenshots of the reactions with the caption (published as is): “Hello everyone, Gusto ko lang i-clear at clarify about sa segment ng its showtime ng expecially for you..
“Una sumali ako for fun lang then go with the flow sa mga kulitan at asaran tapos nung time na mag meme-meet na kami nung girl ‘yung mga hindi nya pinili ay papalapit palang ako ay naka handa na umapir ang kamay ng girl sakin…
“Then nag apir kame after ng apir is shake hands ko sya, ang gagawin ko dapat ay yung ginagawa ng karaniwan its a ‘BroCode’ after shake hands dikit balikat eh umiwas si girl…
“after that meme vice call out na bawal daw ang ginawa ko to trying kiss or nakawan sya ng halik, nablanko na ako non di ko na alam gagawin ko.”
After sharing his side of the story, Axel appealed to the public not to bash him or, worse, threaten.
He also apologized to everyone if he did something wrong.
Christine has also taken to TikTok to clarify the situation.
On Saturday, she reposted the controversial scene on TikTok and “stiched” her video saying she did not feel disrespected by Axel.
According to Christine, Axel’s actual intention was to pat her on the arm, not to kiss her.
She said: “To clarify lang po, wala po talagang nangyaring halik. Wala pong nakaw na halik na nangyari.
Following these clarifications, Vice Ganda shared her reaction also on X, indicating her intention to apologize to Axel: “Sorry na mali ang reaction ko. Ang dating kasi sakin at sa ibang andun eh na-off si girl na sinunggaban sya ng halik and i thought na she felt violated. Since hindi naman pala I will apologize to the guy.” (PEP.ph)
