Vice Ganda’s Special Jury Citation at the MMFF 50: A Comedian’s Dramatic Turn
The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival was a night of glitz and glamour, but one moment truly stood out: Vice Ganda, the beloved comedian and host, winning the Special Jury Citation for his role in “And the Breadwinner Is…”. Dressed in a striking red gown, Vice took the stage with his trademark humor, initially unsure of what the award even was. “Pagtayo ko, tinatanong ko si Direk Jun [Lana] at si Uge [Eugene Domingo], ‘Ano ba itong award na ito?’ Special Jury Citation for what? For best dressed of the night? Special Jury Citation for best performance? Ganun ba ‘yun? Ah okay. So, salamat po.”
The presenters, Lorna Tolentino and Dennis Trillo, then revealed the significance of the award: “The jury of the 50th MMFF awards Special Citation to a performer who has broken the ground and gone out of the familiar and comfort zone to prove his growth as an artist and tackle issues relevant to the contemporary society.”
A stunned Vice, with his signature wit, responded, “Thank you very much. Oh my god. I have long been waiting for this. At last, finally, I am seen.”
A Heartfelt Speech
But behind the laughter was a sincere gratitude. Vice’s acceptance speech was a journey through his emotions. He thanked ABS-CBN for their continued support, especially during challenging times. “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagkilala na ‘yun. Thank you very much… I am seen with this movie, with this project. I am finally seen. I have been participating at the Metro Manila Film Festival for years. This is the first time na mayroon akong award. Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat sa pagkakataon na ibinigay pa rin sa’kin ng ABS-CBN. Sa mga panahon na hirap na hirap na ‘yung kumpanyang kinabibilangan ko ay pinipilit pa rin nilang gumawa ng magagandang proyekto, magagandang mga contents. At nagpapasalamat ako dahil sa mga pagkakataong hindi na nila kayang gumawa ng maraming proyekto, maraming pelikula, maraming contents, isa ako sa mga napipili nilang gumawa ng mga pelikulang ilalabas nila bawat taon.”
He then expressed his deep appreciation for director Jun Lana, acknowledging the profound impact of the film’s story. “Maraming salamat kay Direk Jun Lana at binigyan mo ako ng ganitong istorya. Binigyan mo ako ng ganitong istorya na inaantay na rin ng marami. Binigyan mo ako nitong pagkakataon na gumanap sa isang karakter na hindi lang magpapatawa, isang karakter na hindi lamang mang-aaliw sa mga manonood kundi tutusok sa mga puso at kaluluwa ng mga makakakita into, at makapagbibigay ng maraming realizations at maraming, maraming aral sa mga makakatunghay ng pelikulang ito. Maraming, maraming salamat sa paggabay mo.”
Sharing the Recognition
Vice didn’t forget his co-stars, giving a shout-out to Eugene Domingo, Gladys Reyes, Maris Racal, and Malou de Guzman. He also shared the award with two of the most important people in his life: his mother and his husband. “Maraming, maraming salamat po talaga. Hindi ko alam kung ano’ng sasabihin ko pero gusto kong i-share ito sa nanay ko,” he said. “Nanay, may award tayo. Mabigat na mabigat. Meron ka na namang idi-display at pupunasan at ipagmamalaki sa mga kasama mo sa simbahan habang ipinagrorosaryo niyo ako. At inaalay ko rin ito sa aking asawa, si Ion Perez; siya ang pinakamasaya dito.”
Finally, he dedicated his win to the LGBTQIA+ community. “Maraming, maraming salamat at inaalay ko ito sa lahat ng bahagi ng LGBTQIA+ community. Para sa ating lahat ‘to. Maraming salamat sa Metro Manila Film Festival at kinikilala niyo ako at ang kakayahan ko, isang baklang performer. Maraming, maraming salamat.”
A Meaningful Comeback
“And the Breadwinner Is…” also marked Vice Ganda’s return to the MMFF after his 2022 entry, “Partners in Crime”. He expressed his excitement to be part of the festival’s 50th anniversary, especially alongside films featuring veteran actors like Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach. Taking on a dramatic role for the first time was a significant step for Vice, and he shared his pride in the film. “During and after doing this movie, we all felt like we have created the best Vice Ganda movie so far.”
Vice Ganda’s journey at the MMFF this year was proof to his growth as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level. His heartfelt acceptance speech and his willingness to step outside his comfort zone have solidified his place as one of the most versatile and beloved entertainers in the Philippines.
