Vice Ganda Reflects on Films' Mass Appeal Despite Criticism

Box-office comedian Vice Ganda addressed critics who questioned his films' success during a heartfelt acceptance speech at the 8th Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards (EDDYS).

- By Patricia Dela Roca

Vice received the "Box Office Hero" award and earned a "Best Actor" nomination from the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED) for his hit 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, *And The Breadwinner Is...," at the 8th EDDYs held last Sunday.

During his speech after accepting the award on stage, Vice took the moment to respond to criticism that his work was "nonsense," "shallow" and "cheap."

"Maraming nagtatanong kung bakit lagi raw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko (Many are asking why people always watch my movies)," the TV host began.

"Just like last year, nakakatuwa na ang 'And The Breadwinner Is...' ang naging No. 1 sa lahat ng entries sa MMFF. Maraming nagtataas ng kilay, maraming nagkukuwestiyon: Bakit daw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko? Bakit patuloy na pinipilahan ang mga pelikula ko?"

(Just like last year, it's delightful that 'And The Breadwinner Is...' was No. 1 among all MMFF entries. Many raised eyebrows, many questioned: why do people keep watching my movies? Why do people continue to line up for them?)