Vice Ganda calls out critics, dedicates Box Office Hero win to fans

Posted by ReyFort Media

Comedian and box-office superstar Vice Ganda honored his deep connection with the Filipino masses as he accepted the Box Office Hero award during the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (The EDDYS) held at Newport World Resorts on Sunday, July 20.

Dressed in a black ensemble, Vice personally received the gold trophy from Senator Mark Villar and Regal Entertainment producer Roselle Monteverde, who presented the award to him.

The Box Office Hero award recognizes Vice for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival’s top grosser, And The Breadwinner Is…

During his speech, the “Unkabogable” star addressed long-standing criticisms of his work, calling out critics who dismiss his films as “slapstick,” “nonsense,” or “bakya.”

“Maraming nagtatanong kung bakit lagi raw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko… maraming nagtataas ng kilay, maraming nagku-question, bakit daw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko?” said Vice.

He directly addressed critics who accuse his movies of being shallow or low-brow.

“Para sa ilang kritiko, para sa ilang mga feeling mas magagaling pa sa kritiko, sa mga uma-arteng kritiko, ang mga pelikula ko raw ay walang kwenta, walang katuturan, slapstick, katsipan, puro kabaklaan, puro kabaduyan, bakyang-bakya,” he continued.

Despite these criticisms, Vice said his films have become a source of joy and escape for many ordinary Filipinos.

“Bakit patuloy na pinipilahan ang mga pelikula ko? Dahil ang mga pelikula ko po, kahit hindi masyadong pumapasa o hindi pumapasa sa panlasa ng mga kritiko, ang pelikula ko ay nagsisilbing pangtakas ng napakaraming pangkaraniwang masang Pilipino,” Vice added.

He emphasized how people still flock to cinemas to watch his movies, even as movie ticket prices continue to rise.

“Maraming Pilipino na patuloy na pumupunta sa sinehan para silipin at panoorin ang pelikula ko at pagtawanan ako para kahit papaano makalimutan nila yung lungkot, makalimutan nila ang dami nilang problema, para kahit papaano makalimutan nilang malapit na silang mawalan ng pag-asa rito sa Pilipinas,” he stated.

“Ang hirap ng buhay nila, konti lang ang pera nila pero nanonood pa rin sila ng sine, lalong-lalo na ng pelikula ko. Kasi gusto nilang tumawa. Ayaw nilang magpakakritiko at masyadong mag-isip sa panonood ng pelikula. Gusto na lang nilang tumawa kasi ‘yun ang magpapatawid sa kanila para bukas buhay pa sila,” he added.

Vice also pointed out how his success transcends gendered expectations in entertainment awards.

“Suwerte ako sa mga award na walang gender. Box Office Hero, Phenomenal Box Office Superstar, Special Citation. ‘Yung mga walang gender, nanalo ako sa mga ganyan. Kaya maraming maraming salamat po,” he said.

Closing his speech, Vice paid tribute to the masses who have loyally supported him throughout his 17-year career on television and film.

“Ako at ang masang Pilipino ay may relasyon. Kami ay nagkakaunawaan. Iisang wika o lengwahe ang sinasabi namin. Iisa ang trip namin. Ang relasyon ko sa masang Pilipino ay parang pangkaraniwang relasyon lang araw-araw. May love-hate relationship kami pero hindi kami nag-iiwanan [at] araw-araw nagmamahalan kami,” he explained.

He also thanked The EDDYS, the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), Star Cinema, ABS-CBN, Viva Films, and his past directors, including Jun Robles Lana, for the trust that helped launch his career. (A. Villanueva/ Manila Standard)