Ion Perez Biography: Partner, Age, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Movies, Career, Instagram

Benigno Dungo Perez, professionally known as Ion Perez, is a Filipino actor, model, and television host popularly celebrated as the “Kuya Escort” on ABS‑CBN’s It’s Showtime.

Rising from humble beginnings in Concepcion, Tarlac, he gained national attention after winning the Mister Universe Tourism 2018 pageant and quickly became a mainstay on daytime television.

Perez is also recognized as the long‑term partner of acclaimed comedian and host Vice Ganda.

Profile

• Full Name: Benigno Dungo Perez
• Stage Name: Ion Perez
• Born: November 27, 1990
• Age: 33 years old (2024)
• Birthplace: Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actor, model, television host
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parents: Mr., and Mrs. Perez
• Siblings: 14
• Partner: Vice Ganda
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Benigno Dungo Perez was born on November 27, 1990, in Concepcion, Tarlac, to a hardworking jeepney driver father and a mother who sold kakanin in the local market.

He is the 11th of 15 children. During his youth, he was bullied for his lanky frame and took on responsibilities helping at his parents’ poultry stall.

He briefly attended Tarlac State University but did not complete his degree due to financial constraints. He is of Filipino ethnicity and religion remains publicly unspecified.

Career

Perez began his public career when he was featured as one of Cosmopolitan Philippines’ bachelor models.

Encouraged by his manager, he entered the Misters of Filipinas pageant in 2017, going on to win the title of Mister Universe Tourism 2018—a milestone marking him as the first Filipino winner. This success propelled him into modeling and opened doors in entertainment.

Benigno Dungo Perez transitioned into television when he auditioned as the “Kuya Escort” in the Miss Q & A segment of It’s Showtime in September 2018.

His affable personality and on-screen chemistry with hosts, particularly Vice Ganda, led to his promotion as a regular host. His presence contributed to winning “Magpasikat” 2023 with Team JKI, awarding cash proceeds to charity.

Benigno Dungo Perez continues to expand his brand with travel vlogs and lifestyle videos on YouTube (883K+ subscribers) and a strong social media presence (1.3M Instagram, 2.5M TikTok followers).

In October 2024, he filed for a seat as councilor of Concepcion, Tarlac under NPC but withdrew in November to focus on personal and professional priorities.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @pereziion27
• Facebook Handle: Ion Perez
• YouTube Channel: Ion Perez

Personal Life

Ion Perez is in a committed partnership with actor and host Vice Ganda since 2019, confirmed publicly on It’s Showtime and culminating in a symbolic commitment ceremony in Las Vegas in 2021.

Their affectionate relationship is frequently shared through social media and celebrated by fans. They currently have no children.

Filmography

• The Mall, The Merrier (2019)
• Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim (2020)
• Kaka (2021)

Net Worth

Ion Perez has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million USD, primarily earned through modeling, television hosting, brand endorsements, and earnings from online content.

Sources also include public appearances, pageant prizes, and social media promotions.