MANILA -- In a hilarious first on “It’s Showtime’s” pageant of wits, an audience member, and not the contestants, won the special prize for the best introduction on Thursday.

During the Miss Q&A segment, Gilbert, who hails from Manila, was picked at random by host Kid Yambao to give a comment on the introductions of the three contestants.

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Gilbert shared his pick and obliged when asked to expound, but appeared distracted by Yambao, whom he admitted was a big crush. Unable to contain his “kilig,” Gilbert was noticeably giddy as they interacted, prompting comedian Vice Ganda to ask the fan to introduce himself formally to Yambao, in the vein of Miss Q&A’s opening portion.

Drawing laughter from the audience, Gilbert’s “pabebe” introduction earned him a kiss on the cheek from Yambao. The moment apparently energized Gilbert, who then took on Vice Ganda’s challenge to give a more spirited introduction.

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With his spontaneous delivery and witty punchline, Gilbert had the audience cheering, and was subsequently called on stage to claim his prize for “Beks in Chukchak” — the special award meant for the contestants.

The unexpected recognition — and cash prize of P5,000 — was a tearful moment for Gilbert, but only briefly. He then snapped back to his flamboyant demeanor, as he sashayed to gloat, in jest, in front of the contestants he upstaged.