In the world of Philippine entertainment, Vice Ganda has always been known for pushing boundaries while staying deeply connected to his audience. Recently, he shared a candid reflection about taking on a character in a book reading event and later in Bubble Gang, a decision he initially hesitated to pursue.

“I mean, kagaya ng sinabi ko, parang ayoko na nga sana gawin eh,” Vice admitted, recalling his first thoughts about embodying a character that required him to impersonate someone else. He explained that there was some initial hesitation not because of the material itself, but because of the sensitivity surrounding the character and the need to represent it respectfully.

Vice recounted that they had a conversation with Sir Rickel, who mentioned, “Hindi kayo close.” This made him feel a little self-conscious about how the character would be received. “Nahihiya siya nung part kasi ipapabasa nung nakita niya bagay sa’yo. So hinahanap pa nila yung handler mo para i-offer sayo kasi talagang bagay sa’yo,” Vice explained. Despite the initial nerves, he was immediately drawn in when given the opportunity. “Natuwa siya agad. Ka raw umoo, Oo kaagad. Right away nung nano Regili book launch,” he added.

Vice expressed his admiration for the work of Ricky, a scriptwriter whose approach deeply influenced his own performance style. “I’m a fan of Reg,” he said. “We often talk when we’re brainstorming for Bubble Gang, especially for shows like Pipito Manaloto. He writes standout stories that really pull you in. When he creates a character, he immerses himself into it, regardless of gender. And that’s what makes him such an effective writer.”

For Vice, this method resonated with his own approach to performance. “When I write or perform, I assume the voices, the movements, even the nuances of the character. It’s something I’ve personally adopted. It’s helped me tremendously in understanding the role I’m portraying,” he said.

Reflecting on his past dreams, Vice shared, “Palagi akong nangangarap dati na maging reader sa simbahan. Gusto kong magbasa ng first reading, second reading, sa microphone mismo. Pero nahihiya ako kasi baka mag-iba-iba ang boses ko. Eh baka pag demonyo ang gagawin ko, iba pa yung impact sa church.” Despite this hesitation, he saw the book reading as a safe and creative space to explore his craft. “So kahit anong gawin ko dito, pwede. Looking forward talaga ako dito sa PCE,” he said.

He also noted the unique clamor surrounding this particular character. “Time and people see you as someone else na naman. Isa ako sa mga nag-tag sayo, nakita mo yun. One of the many, many na nag-tag. Pero may kakaiba dito. Parang may clamor na yung character na gampanan mo. First time ba yun na talagang may ganitong reaction, kasi sa mga ginawa ko dati, wala.”

Vice candidly admitted that part of him wanted to step away from portraying female characters. “Meron na akong ruling sa Bubble Gang na ayoko na sana mag-is babae. Ayoko na mag-muher kasi baka hindi na bagay sa edad ko.” However, he recognized the strong demand from audiences. “So we have to give what the people want, and we have to do it responsibly. Hindi tayo basta-basta magpapatao at maninira ng tao. Dapat may restrictions tayo, dapat nasa tama.”

For Vice, comedy is not just about laughter. It’s about relevance and resonance with current issues. “This is comedy that is relevant, that reflects life. Especially now, when people are angry, you can use humor to open their eyes. Parang ayoko na nga sana gawin eh, pero kung magiging instrumento ito para magmulat sa ibang

He described how the original plan for the sketch was simple—a single segment—but evolved after seeing audience reactions during the first teaser. “Nung una, isang bagsakan lang na sketch. Sabi ko, mas maganda siguro gawin nating tatlo na nakakalat sa show para mas ma-digest ng mga tao at mas namnamin nila yung character at mensahe,” Vice explained.

The feedback was immediate and overwhelming. “Unang teaser, naglalakad ka lang, pero kinabukasan, 10 million views. Alam mong gustong-gusto talaga ng mga tao. If makakatulong, then by all memes, by all memes, gawin natin,” he added with his trademark humor.

Vice concluded by inviting viewers to tune in and see the full performance. “Antayin niyo ngayong Sunday, 6:10 p.m. sa GMA. Maraming ire-reveal si Shala Desmaya. Sana hindi kayo ma-dismaya at bumaha ng katatawanan.”

Ultimately, Vice Ganda’s candid reflections reveal the thoughtfulness behind his craft. He balances audience expectations, social relevance, and personal artistic integrity. Through characters that challenge him and sketches that resonate with viewers, Vice continues to demonstrate that comedy is not just entertainment—it is a powerful tool to engage, enlighten, and connect with people across the Philippines.