Vice Ganda opens up on hesitation before saying yes to MediaQuest

MANILA, Philippines — After a long and “lengthy” process, Vice Ganda has finally signed a partnership with MediaQuest Holdings, the media conglomerate led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The signing was formalized Wednesday during a ceremonial event dubbed “The Phenomenal Partnership,” where the TV host-comedian was introduced as the “Queen of All Networks” following her entry into MVP’s media group, which includes TV5.

But while the partnership may now be official, Vice admitted that saying yes to MediaQuest did not come easy.

The Unkabogable Box-Office Superstar revealed that he initially hesitated to accept the company’s offer, particularly because of the cancellation of "It’s Showtime’s" run on TV5 in 2023.

“Inaamin ko medyo sumama loob ko pero di ba, in this industry naman we don’t burn bridges. So ako, dahil nagustuhan ko ang layunin nila, I eventually said yes,” Vice said.

He acknowledged that he needed time to process what happened before he could move forward.

“I allowed myself to heal muna. Parang valid naman siguro kung nagtampo ako. Pero I did not close doors. I did not burn bridges. Sabi ko nga, there was never a time na binad-mouth ko ‘yung TV5 after that,” he said.

Vice also clarified that he holds no resentment toward Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ, after "Eat Bulaga" moved to TV5 following "It’s Showtime’s" departure from the network.

Asked whether she felt hurt by TVJ’s arrival on the Kapatid network, Vice was quick to draw a distinction between the network’s decisions and the veteran trio.

“Wala akong sama ng loob sa TVJ, ha. TVJ has nothing to do with it. Wala naman akong relationship or deal with them. Hindi naman sila ‘yung nakasakit sa akin. Wala naman silang obligasyon sa akin. TVJ was just doing their job also as well, as entertainers,” he said.

For Pangilinan, Vice’s entry into MediaQuest is an opportunity to build something even bigger around an already established career.

“You have built an exceptional career with your exceptional talents. On your own, you have built a distinctive brand, an audience that is not only nationwide, but goes beyond the shores of the Philippines, in a career that very few people in this room can match,” Pangilinan said.

“This event completes the elevation of Vice Ganda to the title of Queen of All Networks,” he added.

Vice’s partnership with MediaQuest marks a new chapter for one of the country’s most recognizable entertainment personalities, whose career has been closely associated with "It’s Showtime" and ABS-CBN.

Rather than dwelling on the past, however, Vice appears ready to embrace what lies ahead — this time, with MediaQuest promising a partnership built around new opportunities and bigger possibilities.

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