What makes Vice Ganda ‘LOL’ nowadays

MANILA, Philippines — Vice Ganda’s comedy game show, “LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines,” has laughed all the way to the No. 1 slot on Prime Video Philippines.

The program assembles some of the funniest people in the country as contestants, all aiming to make each other laugh without cracking up themselves. The last one to never laugh wins the competition.

“LOL Philippines” is Vice’s first-ever all-out comedy show. Joining Vice are the comedic talents Victor Anastacio, Jayson Gainza, Pepe Herrera, Chad Kinis, Empoy Marquez, Kim Molina, Jerald Napoles, Negi, Tuesday Vargas, and Rufa Mae Quinto. Petite and Divine Tetay also make appearances throughout the program.

Asked what viewers can take away from “LOL Philippines,” Vice told The STAR in a one-on-one interview: “Ang takeaway ko, gusto kong ma-realize ng mga tao na hindi madali ang pagpapatawa. These comedians are talented, which is why you laugh at them. I want them to realize that those who make them laugh aren’t just funny; they’re showcasing (comedic) skill. I hope their respect for comedians rises, knowing they have the heart, mind, courage, and talent.”

Vice believes that through this program, viewers will get to know the comedians more and understand why their comedy is like that, what they stand for, what message they want to convey through their acts.

“May mga ganun, na nabigla din ako. Natusok ako dun ha! I thought it was just a simple act, but it turns out they have an advocacy, a deeper purpose behind why they want to perform that act on this program and be seen by many people. And I was so surprised. Sabi ko, ang ganda! That makes it an art,” Vice added.

Another takeaway Vice hopes audiences will get out of the show is that comedy takes different forms. “Para ‘pag nalaman nila na iba-iba yung comedy, malalaman nila na ‘Ah, hindi porket hindi ko ito nagustuhan, hindi na ito comedy. Maybe I’m not just the target market of this comedian,’” the host said.

“Because others would react, ‘Is that comedy?’ Kasi kung minsan, on Twitter (X) or on social media, kala mo kung sinong mga nakapag-aral ng anong history ng komedya ang mga tao na, ‘Comedy ba yan? Ganito ang comedy, dapat hindi ganyan.’ Wow! Yung ganun.

“Just because you’re not the target audience doesn’t mean it’s not comedy. It’s a genre… There are many forms of comedy, and that’s what you’ll see in ‘LOL’ — a variety of comedic styles and approaches from comedians in the Philippines.”

Vice also reflected on the challenges of being a comedian today, acknowledging the difficulty in making people laugh amidst current circumstances. The “It’s Showtime” host stressed the importance of “persistence” and “perseverance” in spreading joy through laughter.

“It really is very hard to make people laugh nowadays but you just have to keep going. You can’t stop. Imagine living in a world without funny people, without fun, ‘di ba?” said Vice.

“Kailangan mong paikutin yung tawa sa mundo, kailangang hindi mo pahintuin yung tunog ng tawa sa mundo ‘di ba? I can’t imagine living in a world without hearing laughter or seeing people smile and enjoy themselves, rolling in laughter while watching comedy. That is extra painful. So, that’s why even if it’s hard, you have to keep going.”

Nevertheless, Vice takes comfort in the fact that nothing is permanent, including challenging situations.

“Mababago din ang ikot ng mundo ‘di ba kasi pana panahon lang itong panahon (This time will pass, it’s just a phase). Life is really tough now because we came from a pandemic that put such intense fear in our hearts. The stress was so intense that we’re not over that yet, so people nowadays easily get angry, sensitive, and quick to get annoyed.

“And the political scene or climate in the Philippines will also change. Kasi ngayon malaking epekto ang takot sa mga certain personalities kaya ang mga tao rin ay natatakot ding magpatawa. Yung natatakot silang may masaling? They’re afraid of being called out.

“That fear really… don’t let fear consume you because it’s part of your job. You need to have courage to deliver your punchline,” Vice further said, also sharing words of advice to aspiring comedians.

“You have to have, right now, a strong personality to do you. And to do what you do. Kasi kung kahit gaano kaganda ang material mo, kahit gaano ka nakakatawa, kung mahina ang loob mo, lalamunin ka ng takot.”

Sharing more learnings from years of experience and success in the business, Vice also told comics still waiting for their break: “Embrace your craft. If you choose to be a comedian, you have to embrace it and take good care of that craft and hone it, develop it, reinvent it from time to time.”

As for comedians who are already making a name for themselves, Vice said, “My favorite advice to them is to save money. We can’t guarantee how long our careers will last, especially for gay comedians. Save money. You need to have savings.

For someone who has brought joy and laughter to many Filipino fans and households, The STAR asked: What or who makes Vice Ganda “LOL” or laugh out loud nowadays?

Vice was quick to mention two people — long-time partner Ion and mother Rosario.

On Ion: “Oo natatawa ako na hindi niya sinasadya. Mahiyain kasi yun, hindi siya palasalita. Kaya ‘pag kami, syempre kami magkasama lagi, yung sakin lang siya salita ng salita ng salita. Tawang tawa ako sa mga sinasabi niya na hindi niya alam na nakakatawa na minsan.

“I would remind him, ‘Sabihin mo yan sa Showtime ha.’ ‘(Sabihin niya) Bakit?’ ‘Nakakatawa kasi yun.’ ‘Wag mong… ginagawa mo (akong) komedyante.’ ‘Malay mo no yung komedyante ka pala hindi lang natin na-di-discover.’ Sobra siyang nakakatawa. He’s a natural.

“Yung pagiging natural niya ay natatawa ako sa kanya, hindi ko siya pinagtatawanan, alam mo yun? He makes me very happy, that’s why I laugh whenever I hear him.”

On mom Rosario: “Yung Nanay ko nakakatawa siya, oo, parang medyo jologs kaya minsan ayoko pinapa-interview, yung natatakot ako sa kanya, sobrang politically incorrect yung Nanay ko talaga na hindi mo pwedeng sabihin yan. Ganon din siya eh. Hindi naman siya aware sa ganun ‘di ba… Pero tawang-tawa talaga ako sa kanya, sa Nanay ko.”

(“LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines” is now streaming on Prime Video.)