Even with a calendar packed with tapings, shoots, and public appearances, It’s Showtime host and box-office movie star Vice Ganda understands the importance of work-life balance. Years in the industry must have taught the comedian-host that sustaining a long career goes beyond working hard. It’s about making space for moments that nourish the heart. True to form, Vice has mastered the art of blending play with purpose. Based on his updates, he is turning even work trips into meaningful personal experiences.
That philosophy was evident during Vice’s recent visit to Japan for the inaugural Philippines–Japan Film Festival 2026. While the trip was anchored on a major career milestone — the screening of two of his films directed by Jun Robles Lana, Vice and husband Ion Perez made sure their itinerary included a special personal mission. It was meeting the viral Japanese macaque named Punch.
Vice later shared a joyful update on social media after successfully seeing the internet-famous monkey.
“Success!!!! Nakita ko na si Punch!!! He looks OK. Niyayakap na sya ng malalaking jungoya. So happy,” Vice posted on X, later adding a simple but heartfelt “Hello Punch!” on an Instagram story.
In an interview before leaving for Tokyo, Vice revealed that the visit had been carefully planned even before the festival activities began.
“Maaga kami pupunta, two days before the festival. Bukod sa kumain, plano namin puntahan si Punch. Naiyak kasi ako nang nakita ko ’yung video. Malapit lang sa pag-stayan namin. So, pupuntahan namin si Punch,” Vice shared.
Punch, housed at Ichikawa City Zoo, captured global attention after videos showed the young macaque, reportedly less than a year old, struggling with rejection within his troop, including early separation from his mother. Caretakers later introduced a plush toy to help ease his anxiety. The small monkey was seen hugging, carrying, and sleeping beside the toy, turning it into a source of comfort in an otherwise stressful environment. The story resonated deeply online, drawing visitors from around the world who were moved by the animal’s quiet search for safety and belonging when other monkeys pushed him away.
For many fans, Vice’s emotional connection to Punch wasn’ really a surprise. Known in the industry not only for sharp wit but also for deep empathy, Vice has long been seen as a nurturing presence in showbiz. Younger artists like Ryan Bang, Awra Briguela, and Wilbert Ross have often spoken about the star as a maternal figure — someone who offers guidance, protection, and emotional support behind the scenes. That instinct to care, whether for colleagues or even a small, vulnerable animal, reflects a softer side of Vice’s larger-than-life persona.
The visit to Punch came amid an important professional engagement. Vice is in Japan for the Philippines–Japan Film Festival, where two of his films directed by Jun Robles Lana are part of the lineup. Call Me Mother serves as the festival’s opening film, while And The Breadwinner Is… is also scheduled for screening. Both projects were official entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival.
And The Breadwinner Is… follows OFW Bambi, who stages her own death in exchange for financial assistance to help her struggling family. In Call Me Mother, Vice takes on the role of a queer parent whose bond with her adoptive son is challenged when the child’s biological mother seeks custody—another emotionally layered portrayal that highlights the performer’s evolving range.
Between festival duties and film promotions, Vice’s detour to a small city zoo may seem like a minor side trip. But in many ways, it reflects the bigger picture of a career built on emotional connection. Whether headlining international screenings or making time to comfort a story that touched millions online, Vice Ganda continues to show that even at the height of success, compassion — and a little play — remains part of the work.
