MANILA, Philippines — Host-comedian Vice Ganda reached a career-defining moment after finally winning Best Actor at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal, an achievement many considered long overdue.
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| Vice Ganda clinches historic Best Actor honor at MMFF 2025. Photo Courtesy: Star Cinema |
The victory was historic, as Vice became the first openly queer actor to receive a major acting award at the MMFF, marking a milestone for inclusivity in Philippine cinema.
The award came after more than a decade of festival participation, with Vice earning the Best Actor trophy following 10 MMFF entries and four official nominations.
Vice was honored for his performance in Call Me Mother, where he portrayed a queer mother longing to adopt a child, a role widely praised for its emotional honesty and vulnerability.
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In his acceptance speech, Vice admitted he did not prepare any remarks, saying, “Mas inexpect kong hindi mananalo, mas inexpect kong hindi nakikita, mas inexpect kong nagugustuhan pero hindi pinipili.”
He continued, “Mas nasasanay ako doon sa napipili pero hindi maaari, pero tonight, maaari na,” drawing loud applause from the audience.
Vice emphasized how unexpected the moment was for him, declaring, “Sa film festival, hindi talaga ako nag-eexpect. Hindi ako nagpe-prepare ng speech. ‘Ako nga?’ ang unang pumasok sa isip ko.”
Reflecting on the significance of his win, Vice said, “It is really 2025. It is really possible. It is real. Queer people can be Best Actor.”
He added, “A queer person in a gown can be Best Actor. It’s about damn time,” underscoring the broader impact of his recognition.
Vice explained the heart of his performance by saying, “Ginampanan ko ang isang taong may sapat na kakayahan, malaking puso, at lakas ng loob mag-mahal pero takot na takot dahil baka ‘di payagan.”
The Best Actor win marked Vice’s fourth MMFF nomination, following earlier nods for Sisterakas (2012), Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy (2013), and And The Breadwinner Is..., which earned him a Special Jury Citation.
He also shared a light moment about concerns over a predominantly male jury, including a priest, noting that recognition still prevailed.
Vice dedicated the award to his It’s Showtime family, particularly Ryan Bang, whom he fondly calls his “first child,” and his husband Ion Perez.
Fighting back tears, Vice apologized to Ion for repeatedly postponing their plans to have children, saying, “Taon-taon parang may namamatay na anak sa amin dahil hindi natutuloy ang plano.”
Vice concluded his speech with a powerful declaration: “Gusto ko na talagang maging nanay kasi puwedeng-puwede na. Nanay na ako.”
Vice Ganda’s long-awaited triumph stood as one of the most powerful and defining moments of MMFF 2025, signaling a more inclusive and evolving future for Philippine cinema.
— The Summit Express