Vice Ganda once again proved that life’s greatest victories are often born from the toughest battles. Fresh from his historic win as the first Filipino to snag the FAMAS Best Actor award for his role in “And the Breadwinner Is…,” he took to the stage with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit that refused to be dampened by adversity.
In an emotional declaration during his acceptance speech, Vice dedicated the award to the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledging the challenges they face while celebrating their resilience. “I am sharing this award to all the members of my community, to the LGBTQIA+ community. I am sharing this award to you,” he said, eyes shining with pride. “Sa lahat ng mga batang bakla na nakakakita sa akin ngayon, sana ma-inspire kayo dito sa karangalan na ito. Sa queer kid, sa batang bakla: kung pipiliin mo, you can be the best of anything because you are limitless, so please embrace the limitless possibilities that the world has given you. Sa lahat ng bakla, kayang-kaya natin iyan.”
His words carried the weight of a champion’s resolve, reminding everyone that personal triumph often signifies collective progress. Vice humbly admitted he was caught off guard by the win, saying, “Nakakaproud lang kasi nagpunta ako doon kasi proud na proud ako and gusto kong suportahan si Direk Jun Lana kasi yung ‘And The Breadwinner Is…,’ isa siya sa most nominated movies last night sa FAMAS.” His excitement was palpable as he recalled the moment of the announcement, how he felt both thrilled and nervous alongside icons like Vilma Santos and Nadine Lustre, whose hands he briefly held in a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.
He characterized the night as “a very very happy stress,” a whirlwind of emotions that ultimately culminated in a profound sense of achievement. “First time ko na nagkaroon ng pelikulang ang daming nominations sa mga award-giving bodies kaya sabi ko, ang taray. Sabi ko, kahit walang kasiguraduhan na mananalo, proud na proud akong umattend kasi ipinagdiriwang ko iyong pelikula namin kasi sobra kong ikinararangal itong pelikula na ito,” he shared, still overwhelmed by the moment.
Yet, beneath the celebration lay a layer of reflection. Vice revealed that he hadn’t expected to win, initially just attending to support the film and his director, Jun Lana. “Nakakaproud lang kasi nagpunta ako doon kasi proud na proud ako,” he said. “Kapag tinatawag ‘yung pelikula, para akong lumulutang. First time ko na nagkaroon ng pelikulang ang daming nominations sa mga award-giving bodies kaya sabi ko, ang taray. Sabi ko, kahit walang kasiguraduhan na mananalo, proud na proud akong umattend kasi ipinagdiriwang ko iyong pelikula namin kasi sobra kong ikinararangal itong pelikula na ito,” he said, eyes shimmering with humility and pride.
Amid these triumphant reflections, Vice did not shy away from recognizing the hurdles he faced in the days prior. “Just last week, hindi ko alam na binabash ako ng malala kasi hindi ako nagso-social media,” he confided. Following a concert trip to Singapore for rest, he was blindsided by online bashings linked to his humorous spin on the “Jet2 holiday” meme, which some connected to tense issues like the West Philippine Sea and the detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague.
“Right after the concert, I just decided to rest. I was very, very tired physically, mentally, and spiritually. Sabi ko, papahinga lang ako,” he explained. “Hindi ko alam na binabash ako nang malala.” Despite the negativity, Vice showed peaceful acceptance, trusting in divine guidance. “Sabi ko, Lord, hindi ko naman hawak ang cellphone ng mga tao, so hindi ko maco-control kung ano ang pipindutin at ipopost nila about me. Sabi ko, Lord, ikaw na bahala sakin. You control me,” he shared.
@mhatutsfrank.22 “Thank you for making me win, win, win!” #ItsShowtime #ABSCBN #Kapamilya #viceganda ♬ original sound – JFrank.22
Even in moments of personal challenge, Vice regarded his recent blessings as divine rewards. “Hindi ka lagi ipapanalo ni Lord sa oras at sa pagkakataong gusto mo. Ipapanalo ka Niya sa tamang pagkakataon kasi Siya ang nakakaalam kung kailan. Maybe I should have won this award noon pa, pero baka hindi ko kailangan noon.” With sincere gratitude, he declared, “Maybe He made me win because He wanted to redeem me. Nakakakilabot talaga. Thank you thank you thank you very much.”
Throughout the celebration of his milestone, Vice expressed heartfelt gratitude towards those who supported him along the way. He extended his thanks to Star Cinema, ABS-CBN, director Jun Robles Lana, and the entire cast and crew of “And the Breadwinner Is…,” emphasizing that the award was not just a personal victory but a triumph for everyone involved. “Maraming, maraming salamat sa FAMAS. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa parangal na iginawad niyo sa akin,” he said, echoing his appreciation. “Yung Ate ko, iyak ng iyak kagabi. ‘Yung Nanay ko, ang aga-agang tumawag. Kasi usually ‘yung nanay ko ang tawag niya 10:30 ng gabi bago siya matulog, araw-araw tatawag siya, pero kagabi first time siya tumawag ng maaga sa akin. Ang saya-saya niya.”
He recounted the joy at seeing his family’s reactions—his mother Nanay Rosario calling him earlier than usual and his sister crying tears of happiness. “Nakakatuwa kasi ang saya ko at ang saya ng lahat ng nagmamahal sa akin, sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa akin,” he shared emotionally. “Ipinagdiriwang natin ang saya at tagumpay natin dahil tayong lahat ang nagtagumpay.”
Despite the unexpected nature of the win, Vice remained humble and grateful. “Nakalakad lang ako sa landas na ito dahil iniwan ko ang lahat ng hindering makapagpabigat sa akin,” he reflected. “Hindi ko masyadong ini-expect pero I’m forever grateful. This is a blessing in the most perfect timing.”
He closed his heartening speech with a final note of faith and perseverance: “Lord, thank you very much for making me win win win no matter what. Hindi ka lagi ipapanalo ni Lord sa oras o panahon na gusto mo. Ipapanalo ka Niya sa tamang panahon kasi Siya lang ang may alam. Sabi ko nga, ‘Maybe He made me win because He wanted to redeem me.’ Nakakakilabot talaga. Thank you, thank you, thank you very much.”
