Vice Ganda wants to be among PH comedy's best in 'LOL' return
MANILA, Philippines — It was an easy "yes" for Vice Ganda to host another season of "LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines," and not just because of contractual obligations.
The reality competition show on streaming platform Prime Video gathers 10 comedians into one room for six hours, where they must make the others laugh and refrain from reacting to anyone's attempts.
Chad Kinis won the inaugural series — beating out veterans like Rufa Mae Quinto, Tuesday Vargas, and Jayson Gainza — and the show's popularity scored it a rare second season renewal.
During the media conference last October 27 in Makati for "LOL Philippines" Season 2, Vice was asked why they agreed to host for another season.
The host-comedian initially joked that they needed money to fund their needs, "Kung libre 'to di ko naman tatanggapin! Pera talaga 'to!"
Vice admitted they signed on for two seasons from the get-go but was happy the show got renewed as they were still not over the high from the first season and it would be be a shame if that were the only one they did.
"We all made it a point that it wouldn't be the first and last season of 'LOL Philippines' kaya everone prepared for it and the showrunners did their best," they said.
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Another reason why Vice agreed to Season 2 was the opportunity to showcase the best of Philippine comedy and how unfortunate it would be not to be part of it again.
"Ito talaga 'yung pinakabardagulan na comedy show na mapapanood nating lahat," Vice said, pointing out how most projects only feature one or two comedians whereas "LOL Philippines" is fully formed by them.
They further stressed out Philippine comedy is very distinct and something to be proud of.
"It's a mirror of our culture, everything that is happening in the Philippines and around the world kayang-kaya natin gawin ng katatawanan," Vice added.
Returning for a second season also offered Vice a chance to witness new brands of comedy as seen by young contestants Esnyr and Charuth, as well as reconnect with friends, referring to Ethel Booba, and Pooh, and Candy Pangilinan.
Completing the "LOL Philippines" Season 2 roster are Chariz Solomon, Epy Quizon, James Caraan, Long Mejia, and Donna Cariaga, the latter whom Vice praised as a product of their noontime variety show "It's Showtime."
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Easier go
Vice was also asked to compare their hosting stints across the two seasons of "LOL Philippines," and for them, preparing for the inaugural season was harder as they had to binge watch all the other international versions based on Japan's "Documental."
They did not understand some of the jokes given each country had their own references and cultures so Vice was practically starting from scratch.
What made it easier, however, was some of the Season 1 contestants were their friends like Negi, Empoy Marquez, Jerald Napoles, Kim Molina, and Rufa Mae.
It was also a big learning experience for the whole production team attempting a lot of "hits and misses," which in turn helped refine the direction of the second season.
Vice further credited their experience on other game shows as well jokingly pointing out their job on "LOL Philippines" was much easier than the competitors.
"Mahirap na mahirap ginagawa nila kasi they all needed to prepare new material and unlearn 'yung pagtawa," they explained. "Bahagi kasi ng pagiging komedyante ay 'yung tumatawa kami sa joke ng sarili at ng kasama, kailangan namin simulan para gayahin kami at iparamdam na nakakatawa ang eksena."
The host-comedian humorously called themselves "a monitoring girl in front of numerous CCTVs," even comparing themselves to Kuya on "Pinoy Big Brother."
"Utos lang ako ng utos tapos palayas lang ng palayas 'tas maga-award ako... mas madali talaga trabaho ko," Vice ended.
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