Vice Ganda may be flattered by her new ‘Queen of All Networks’ title, but the Unkabogable Star is not about to let the distinction add unnecessary pressure to her career.
The comedian-host was officially given the title by MediaQuest chairman Manny V. Pangilinan after signing a two-year partnership with MediaQuest Holdings on August 12 at The Lighthouse at Meralco Center.
Asked by the entertainment press about her reaction to the new moniker, Vice characteristically responded with humor, pointing out that titles do not necessarily translate to a higher talent fee.
“Wala. Wala rin namang bearing yang mga ganyang title-title, ganundin naman bayad. Wala namang, ‘o, dalawa na title ko, dalawa na bayad ko,’ wala namang ganun,” Vice said.
Still, Vice admitted that receiving such recognition is both flattering and validating, particularly after everything she has accomplished throughout her career.
“Kasi siyempre bina-validate din yung mga nagawa mo, yung body of work mo, di ba? May nakakapansin ng binibigay mo at nakaka-appreciate kaya nagbibigay din sila ng ganung title. Nakakakilig yon, ‘no,” she said.
More than a decade into her run as one of Philippine television’s biggest personalities, Vice said she has developed a different attitude toward the unpredictable nature of show business.
For her, controversies, criticism, awards, endorsements and new opportunities have almost become part of a familiar cycle.
“Ano na nga siya, para siyang naging ano na, routine na. Yung mangangarag ako sa life tapos may bonggang mangyayari, yung ganun, nababasa ko lang online yon, eh. Pero sabi ko parang ganun na yung galawan, laging may makukuhang award, may makukuhang ganitong kontrata, may lalabas na bagong endorsement kaya nga sabi ko kanina, di ba, I just embrace life in general,” she explained.
Rather than trying to control everything that happens in her career, Vice said she has learned to adapt to circumstances and trust where life takes her.
“Parang give lang, sige, tanggap lang tayo. Wala naman tayong choice kundi i-embrace ang life. Wala naman tayong made-decide, eh, di ba? We can just adapt and adjust, pero lahat ng mangyayari hindi mo naman hawak, di ba?” she said.
The ‘It’s Showtime’ host admitted that she used to worry much more about losing opportunities or being “canceled,” particularly during the earlier years of her career.
“Kaya hindi na rin ako masyadong natatakot, di katulad dati, nung bago-bago pa ko, ‘sh*t anong mangyayari, mangangarag na ba ’ko, mawawalan na ba ‘ko ng trabaho, ika-cancel na ba ko?’ Hindi naman, eh. Kasi kung ano yung plano sa taas, yun ang mangyayari,” Vice shared.
Vice’s agreement with MediaQuest opens another chapter in her career while she continues her longstanding relationship with ABS-CBN.
For the comedian-host, the partnership goes beyond expanding her own presence across different platforms. She believes collaboration among major media players has become particularly important as the television industry navigates challenges.
“Iisa lang naman ang goal nila, so tayo-tayo dapat magtulong-tulong. May iniinda ngayon ang industriya kaya kung sino ang may kakayahan, dapat magtulong-tulong. Maganda ang konsepto ng collaboration,” Vice said.
She also agreed with Pangilinan’s position that companies can complement each other’s strengths instead of simply competing.
“At this point, we just need to unite because ‘I have what you don’t have and you have what I don’t have. So let us just unite because the industry needs for us to unite in order to survive.’ So that’s very clear. He has what we don’t have, we have what he doesn’t have so pag pinagsama mo yon, it’s a win-win for so many people,” she said.
The partnership brings together Vice, MediaQuest and Slingshot Studios, with MediaQuest president and CEO Victorico P. Vargas and Slingshot Studios Head for Partnerships, People and Business Development Ranvel Rufino also present during the signing.
Specific projects under the partnership have yet to be announced, but Vice hopes the collaboration will ultimately benefit not only herself and the companies involved but the broader entertainment industry.
“I hope I will be able to make myself and everyone behind this partnership very, very proud,” she said.
