Tears, apologies in revelation-filled 'EXpecial' episode

Tears flowed and apologies were said in a revelation-filled episode of "EXpecially For You" on Thursday (August 8), with host Vice Ganda making a heartfelt statement about discrimination rooted in religion.

Ivan and Novie, the ex-couple featured in the "It's Showtime" dating segment, opened up about the uncertainties during their short-lived relationship — and their belated realization that they were mostly due to the man's gender identity.

"I'm gay," Ivan revealed, saying he had felt pressured to enter a straight relationship due to the religious background of his family, and being once told, as a child, that homosexuals "go straight to hell."

This prompted Vice Ganda to remind viewers that "all religions are coming from love and empathy and compassion and kindness and respect," urging them to re-evaluate their faith if it teaches them to discriminate based on gender.

Vice Ganda also echoed Ivan's apology to Novie for having misled her in the past, saying he too once did the same, to project a "manly" image and for fear of judgment over being gay.