Comedian and ‘It’s Showtime’ host Vice Ganda earned praise from netizens and Madlang People after showing grace and humor when a contestant addressed the Unkabogable Star as “Sir” during the noontime show’s ‘Laro-Laro, Pick’ segment on Tuesday.
Instead of reacting negatively, Vice smiled beside the contestant and co-hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario, using the moment to explain why it was not an issue.
“Actually, for once and for all, let’s normalize me being called sir, para hindi na nagiging katatawanan ‘pag tinatawag akong ‘sir’ kasi okey lang sa akin na tawaging ‘sir’,” Vice said.
Vice reassured the male contestant that there was no need to apologize, saying it was normal. The comedian even added with a laugh: “Pero puwedeng-puwede rin daw siyang tawaging ‘Ma’am.’”
Following the broadcast, Vice’s remarks drew praise online for being lighthearted and respectful: “Kudos kay Meme Vice about not being offended and simply respecting other people’s mistakes & not making things awkward. We love you Vice!”
“Buti na lang si Vice hindi siya sensitive sa pronoun na tinatawag sa kanya. Sana gayahin siya ng ibang members ng LGBTQIA+ na OA kapag namamali ng tawag sa kanila.”
“Wala naman kasi talaga sa kanya ‘yun. Yung tao lang around him like Jhong and Vhong na natatawa, kaya ayun napapansin tuloy. Saludo kami sa iyo Meme!”
Vice Ganda, who is an openly proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, has long clarified that being addressed as either “he” or “she” is not an issue.
In a December 2022 interview with entertainment media in Quezon City, Vice put the matter to rest: “I am actually okay with he or she. That’s very important that you ask because not everyone is comfortable with he or she. Personally, sa akin lang ito, I don’t mind. Natatawag ako ng sir or ma’m. He or she,” said the comedian.
