Vice Ganda shrugs off critics

CEBU, Philippines - After producing his big-screen launch last year via the rehashed “Petrang Kabayo,” Viva Films hopes to continue cashing in on Vice Ganda’s huge popularity with another comedy flick in the works tentatively titled “Private Benjamin.”

Set in the testosterone-filled world of the Philippine army, the "Showtime" resident judge is beyond thrilled that he’s joined in his second movie starrer by the present apple of his eye and a slew of Kapamilya hunks playing the parts of his numerous love interests.

Talking briefly with the Cebu press before taking the stage during his recent Globe Prepaid-sponsored show dubbed "Super Party" at the Ayala Center South Surface Parking Area, Vice confirmed that one of his leading men will be PBA player Paolo Hubalde. The Barako Bull pointguard's brief stint as guest hurado in the ABS-CBN noontime talent show endeared him so much to the stand-up comic, that he recommended him to his Viva bosses.

Aside from Paolo, Vice will have plenty of eye-candy on set as he will also be paired with Zanjoe Marudo and Jon Avila. "Sundalo ako dito na openly gay. Kaya kailangan maraming boys," said Vice.

He feels lucky enough to be given a quick movie follow-up, but asked what else he hopes to be blessed with this year, Vice answered, "Super pwede kung magka-concert ako ngayong taon na Globe ang mag-sponsor, magkaroon ako ng maraming shows at magkaroon din ng bagong love life."

Amid persistent talk of Vice's diva demands or his success turning him into a swell-head, he refuses to believe that he is Showtime's main pillar, if not the program's only draw. His tongue-in-cheek put-down's, previously heard only in the comedy bar circuit and not on noontime TV, has earned him millions of fans. Just the fact that he holds the current record of the most number of Facebook followers in the Philippines says that Vice is one hot commodity.

"Kung ano man yung na-achieve ng Showtime, it's a collaborative effort. Hindi lang ako, kundi lahat ng production, crew, mga contestants...," he said.

He shrugs off the detractors, and even thanks them for giving him their time of day. "Salamat at binibigyan nila ako ng attention. Siguro hindi sila busy sa buhay nila. Kung patuloy nila akong pinag-uusapan, ibig sabihin, may kwenta pala ako sa kanila."

Among all the personalities who had their turn on the Showtime judging panel but were later evicted through audience text votes, Vice names Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario and Paolo Hubalde as the few he has maintained a friendship with.

"Madami talaga na I still remain friends with. Pag na-evict sila, lahat umiiyak kasi na-attach na kami sa isa't-isa. Malalim na kasi yung bonding at pinagsamahan namin. Biro mo, araw-araw gumigising ka at sila ang makakasama mo sa set."

He's looking forward to other friendships he will cultivate with future guest judges. "Kahit sino, okey sa akin. Hindi kailangang artista. Mas maraming tao kang kasama, mas marami kang matututunan at mas masaya kaya open ako kahit kanino."

While the Kapamilya station is still busy concocting another noontime show titled "Hapee, Yipee, Yehey!" with a new set of hosts, Vice's crew has been hard at work manning the highly-competitive lunchtime slot. Whoever expected that after starting out as Wowowee's pre-programming, they are now going head to head with noontime institution Eat Bulaga? Not Vice.

To ease the pressure, instead of treating it as a rivalry, Vice sees it more as an honor to be pitted against Eat Bulaga. "Nakakataba ng puso kasi malaking pangalan ang Eat Bulaga. Ang dami ng programang lumabas at tinapat sa kanila. Hindi naman namin tina-target na talunin din sila, basta ang sa amin, makapagpasaya lang kami sa madlang people," he ended. (FREEMAN)