Manila, Philippines — No one saw it coming. What began as an ordinary segment on the hit noontime show It’s Showtime turned into an emotional rollercoaster that left the entire studio in tears—including superstar host Vice Ganda.

Argus, the beloved and ever-cheerful child wonder of the show’s “Isip Bata” segment, unexpectedly broke down during a live episode, leaving millions of viewers stunned and deeply moved. Known for his witty comebacks, infectious smile, and quick-thinking remarks that have consistently gone viral, Argus showed a completely different side of himself—raw, vulnerable, and heartbreakingly real.

“Papa, para sa ’yo ‘to… Mamimiss kita,” Argus said, his voice trembling as he looked up toward the camera, barely holding back tears.

With that one sentence, the mood in the studio changed instantly.

A Goodbye No One Was Prepared For

The emotional moment happened during a segment where the kids were asked to share someone they wanted to dedicate their performance to. When it was Argus’s turn, the usually energetic boy paused. His face suddenly shifted. The audience, hosts, and even his fellow child co-stars fell silent.

“Papa… he’s gone. He’s gone,”  Argus finally revealed, confirming that his father had recently passed away.

A collective gasp echoed through the studio. Vice Ganda, visibly stunned, immediately walked over and knelt beside the boy, embracing him tightly.

“Oh baby, it’s okay. We’re here for you. You’re so brave,” Vice whispered, trying to comfort the sobbing child while wiping his own tears away.

Anne Curtis and Vhong Navarro, sitting nearby, were also seen crying, their faces clearly shaken by the rawness of the moment. Jhong Hilario could barely speak, his voice cracking as he tried to continue the show.

The Internet Reacts: ‘WE CRIED WITH ARGUS’

As expected, clips of the heartbreaking scene immediately flooded social media. The hashtag #WeCryWithArgus shot straight to the top of X (formerly Twitter) trends, with netizens from all walks of life expressing their sympathy and admiration for the young boy’s courage.

“I was just having lunch and suddenly I’m crying like a baby. Argus, you are so strong,” one user posted.

“This is why we love #ItsShowtime. It’s not just entertainment—it’s real, human, and full of heart,” another netizen wrote.

Others posted throwback clips of Argus laughing and playing with his “Showtime family,” highlighting how much joy he has brought to the show—and how heartbreaking it is to see him in pain.

Vice Ganda’s Heartfelt Message

Later that evening, Vice Ganda took to Instagram to share a photo of him hugging Argus on stage with a powerful caption:

“Today, we witnessed a kind of strength only the purest hearts can show. We love you, Argus. Always.”

Vice’s post garnered hundreds of thousands of likes within hours, with fellow celebrities and fans leaving supportive comments for the young boy.

Argus’s Mom Speaks Out

In a brief phone interview with a media outlet, Argus’s mother thanked the It’s Showtime family and the public for their overwhelming love and support.

“We never thought he would speak on live TV. But it’s true, he was very close to his Papa. It’s still very painful for him,”  she said.
“Thank you to everyone who loves my son. He’s fighting back.”

She also shared that despite their grief, they are determined to move forward and continue supporting Argus’s dreams.

What’s Next for Argus?

According to It’s Showtime insiders, Argus will be taking a short break from the show to spend time with his family and heal. But the team has assured fans that they’ll be welcoming him back with open arms whenever he’s ready.

“He’s part of our family. He’s our sunshine. We’ll be here when he’s ready to shine again,” Anne Curtis shared in a backstage interview.

A Moment That United the Nation

In a world filled with fast-paced entertainment and fleeting viral trends, it was a child’s heartbreak that brought the nation to a standstill. For a few minutes, showbiz took a backseat to humanity—and the country cried as one.

Argus’s farewell to his father was more than just a tearjerker. It was a moment of pure truth, one that reminded everyone watching that even in grief, there is strength. And even in pain, a child’s heart can light up the world.