Vice Ganda delivers best performance yet in Jun Lana’s MMFF film

Posted by ReyFort Media

If you thought you already knew Vice Ganda, think again. That was my immediate impression when award-winning director Jun Lana didn’t hold back in praising the comedian and TV host when talking about their dynamic working relationship.

At a recent grand media conference held at Vice Comedy Club, Lana called Vice’s latest performance “his best yet.” He even joked that his own career as a director now seems tied to the star.

“Parang malinaw na sa akin na ang buhay ko ay nakatali na rin kay Meme bilang isang direktor. I looked forward to the next project kaya mas matagal yung proseso, mas matagal binusisisi, and gusto namin na higitan yung sa And The Breadwinner Is….” the director pointed

“Everybody in the production, when we were doing it, says that this is the best performance yet of Meme. The first few days pa lang talaga sinabi ko na kay Meme na mas confident siya ngayon.” 

Lana also acknowledged Vice’s growth as an actor, pointing out his hands-on involvement in bringing their 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry to life.

Call Me Mother, an official entry to the 51st MMFF, hits cinemas on Dec. 25, and the buzz is already huge. Its trailer garnered 20 million views within 24 hours, with the hashtag #CallMeMotherFullTrailer trending nationwide shortly after its release on Dec. 2.

The film tells the story of two mothers: Twinkle (Vice), a former queen maker turned adoptive queer mother, and Mara (Nadine Lustre), Angelo’s biological mom, who struggles with regret over the decision to give up her child to pursue her dreams. 

Twinkle reaches out to Mara to finalize Angelo’s adoption, but Mara demands a bargain—Twinkle must help her win the country’s biggest beauty pageant. What follows is a touching exploration of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a parent.

“When this movie explains na motherhood is beyond gender. It’s beyond bearing a child, giving birth to a child. Mas malawak at mas malalim pa yung ibig sabihin ng pagiging nanay talaga,” Vice said.

The cast is a star-studded mix of talent, including Klarisse De Guzman, Mika Salamanca, Brent Manalo, Esnyr Ranollo, River Joseph, Shuvee Etrata, Chanda Romero, Carmi Martin, Ces Quesada, John “Sweet” Lapus, MC Muah, Iyah Mina, Jennifer Sevilla, Robert Ortega, Tanya Gomez, and Divine Tetay.

Call Me Mother is produced by Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company, and Viva Films. (N. Wang/Manila Standard)