Vice Ganda, who is officially 50, demonstrates that “it gets greater later” by continuing to be at the top of her game in spite of changes in the entertainment industry and the passage of time.
Vice’s mother Rosario Viceral, partner Ion Perez, and close pals Petite, Lassy, MC Muah, Tonton, Divine Tetay, and Rhea Tan joined her for a private birthday dinner in Angeles City on Monday night.
Vice’s definition of success has undoubtedly changed from school clown to celebrity.
Today, March 31, is Vice’s birthday. Let’s take a look back at some of her most famous moments, from real-life incidents that turned her become a cultural icon to viral TV and movie moments that cemented her superstardom.
The Kapamilya star didn’t start out as a permanent judge (“hurado”) for the then-new ABS-CBN talent competition show “It’s Showtime.” Nevertheless, her pop culture expertise and natural wit made her a permanent judge, and she went on to become a regular host. Her now-successful television career began when her famous “may nag-text” comment went viral at the time and became commonplace.
Despite some reviewers calling it “too corny,” her legendary character Praybeyt Benjamin, which made her a film office hit, represented much more: it was political.
Director Antoinette Jadaone stated it best during Vice’s podcast appearance: Given that straight male box office stars have long dominated Philippine cinema, Vice’s ability to turn that LGBT persona into a great success was a political statement.
The incredible talent won best actor for the first time at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (for “Call Me Mother”) and the 73rd FAMAS (for “And The Breadwinner Is”).
She used to think she was just a popcorn celebrity who wasn’t supposed to win any acting prizes, but after meeting director Jun Robles Lana, she changed her mind and realized there was much more to life than blockbusters. For many people who identify as queer, her two best actor awards were and still are significant.
Vice shows no fear by taking part in multiple protests to confront politicians and using her celebrity status on the “It’s Showtime” stage to highlight social issues.
According to Reader’s Digest, despite her enormous success as the nation’s most trusted celebrity, Vice never forgets her amazing fan group, the Little Ponies, who have always stood by her side.
Her affection for regular people, both on and off camera, is growing stronger every day, despite the expectations of many critics that her celebrity status would change who she is.
