Comedian, TV host, and box-office superstar Vice Ganda delivered a heartfelt and fiery speech at the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards (EDDYS) as he accepted the Box Office Hero trophy for his 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival top-grosser ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’
The award, presented by Senator Mark Villar and Regal Entertainment’s Roselle Monteverde, recognizes Vice’s continued box office dominance through films that resonate with everyday Filipinos.
Dressed in an elegant black ensemble, Vice took to the stage at Newport World Resorts on July 20 and addressed the ongoing criticisms of his films with raw honesty and emotion.
“Maraming nagtatanong kung bakit lagi raw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko… maraming nagtataas ng kilay, maraming nagku-question,” he began. “Para sa ilang kritiko, para sa ilang mga feeling mas magagaling pa sa kritiko, sa mga uma-arteng kritiko, ang mga pelikula ko raw ay walang kwenta, walang katuturan, slapstick, katsipan, puro kabaklaan, puro kabaduyan, bakyang-bakya.”
But rather than deny or downplay these comments, Vice leaned into the purpose behind his filmmaking: serving as a source of escape, laughter, and comfort for the Filipino masses.
“Bakit patuloy na pinipilahan ang mga pelikula ko? Dahil kahit hindi pumapasa sa panlasa ng ilang kritiko, ang pelikula ko ay nagsisilbing pangtakas ng napakaraming pangkaraniwang masang Pilipino,” he declared.
“Ang pelikula ko ay ginagamit para tumawa, humagalpak, at makalimutan kahit ilang segundo ang sakit, lungkot, at hirap ng buhay.”
He spoke about how many Filipinos, despite financial difficulties, still choose to watch his movies just to feel joy—if only for a moment.
“Ang hirap ng buhay nila. Konti lang ang pera nila pero nanonood pa rin sila ng sine, lalo na ng pelikula ko. Kasi gusto nilang tumawa. Ayaw nilang magpakakritiko. Ayaw nilang mag-isip masyado. Gusto lang nilang humalakhak. Kasi ‘yun ang nagpapatawid sa kanila. Para bukas, may lakas pa silang bumangon. Para bukas, may inspirasyon pa rin sila.”
Vice Ganda, who has consistently starred in box-office hits like ‘Petrang Kabayo’, ‘Praybeyt Benjamin’, and ‘Beauty and the Bestie’, took a moment to reflect on the special bond he shares with his audience—formed over 17 years through ‘It’s Showtime’ and his films.
“Ako at ang masang Pilipino ay may relasyon. Kami ay nagkakaunawaan. Iisang wika ang sinasabi namin. Iisa ang trip namin. May love-hate relationship kami pero hindi kami nag-iiwanan. Iniintindi ko sila. Iniintindi nila ako. At araw-araw, nagmamahalan kami.”
He also made a subtle but poignant observation about gender in awards.
“Suwerte ako sa mga award na walang gender. Box Office Hero, Phenomenal Box Office Superstar, Special Citation… ‘Yung mga walang gender, nanalo ako sa ganyan. Kaya maraming maraming salamat po.”
Vice ended his speech with gratitude—not just for the recognition, but for the unwavering support of the masses.
“Walang hanggang pasasalamat sa masang Pilipino na walang sawang nagmamahal. Tuwing may pelikula ako, lalong-lalo na sa Pasko, kami ang nagkikita. Kasi ako at ang masang Pilipino ay pamilya.”
Vice also expressed appreciation to SPEEd, Star Cinema, ABS-CBN, Viva Films, and the directors and creatives who have shaped his journey, including Jun Robles Lana.
