Despite the consistent box-office success of Vice Ganda’s films, particularly during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), many question why comedy as a genre rarely receives recognition from critics and award-giving bodies.
Vice Ganda, known for bringing families to theaters during the holidays, continues to dominate the MMFF year after year, but awards recognition remains elusive.
Veteran writer and columnist Dindo Balares shared his thoughts on the long-standing prejudice against comedy in Philippine cinema. In a recent social media post, Balares wrote, “Walang sumeseryoso sa comedy. Kapag ginaganap ang MMFF, laging nilalait ng highbrow critics ang number one blockbuster hit, lalo na ‘pag comedy.”
He noted that intellectual critics often dismiss the genre, associating it with the so-called “bakya crowd,” perceived to have shallow tastes. “Panay ang lait nila sa taste ng masa pero ano na ba ang ginawa nila para maitaas ang antas ng kamalayan ng sektor na ito?” he pointed out.
Balares also emphasized the economic and cultural value of comedy, adding, “Nakakapagpasuweldo rin ang comedy sa maraming manggagawa sa industriya at may ekstrang pondo pa para makapagprodyus ng ibang genre ang kanyang studio.” He urged critics to reconsider their elitist perspectives and acknowledge the broader impact of comedy in Philippine entertainment.
Since debuting with ‘Petrang Kabayo’ in 2010 and solidifying his MMFF presence with ‘Sisterakas’ in 2012, Vice Ganda has been a consistent box-office draw. His films are known for their family-friendly themes, resonating with audiences who flock to theaters during the holiday season.
This year, Vice Ganda returned with ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’, a film that offers a fresh narrative while maintaining his signature comedic style. Even before its official release, the movie had already garnered millions in pre-sales. Once the MMFF 2024 entries opened, Vice Ganda’s film topped the box office, reportedly far ahead of the second-placer, ‘The Kingdom’.
While his films have often been overlooked for major awards, this year’s MMFF recognized ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ with a Special Jury Prize and the Gender Sensitivity Award. These accolades further boosted its reach, with over 220 cinemas nationwide now screening the film, ensuring its continued commercial success.
In response to the ongoing success of his films and the criticisms they face, Vice Ganda took to social media to express his gratitude to his loyal audience.
“Dahil po ako at ang masa ay may ugnayan. May relasyon. Nagkakaunawaan kami. Nagmamahalan. Iisa ang lenggwahe namin. Iisa ang pulso. Nagkakaintindihan. Kaya’t di namin iniiwan ang isa’t isa anuman ang mangyari,” he wrote.
Vice Ganda explained that his films reflect the realities and stories of ordinary families, saying, “Ang kwento ng And The Breadwinner Is… ay totoong istorya nila. Kwento ng aming mga pamilya. Masa ang nagbibigay sakin ng tagumpay. Sila ang pamilya ko. Kaya sa masa, labis-labis ang pagmamahal at pasasalamat ko!”
@lionheartv Nilapitan ni @Vice Ganda ang inang si #RosarioViceral pagkatapos ng premiere night ng kanilang #MMFF2024 entry na #AndTheBreadwinnerIs ❤️ #ViceGanda #EntertainmentNewsPH #TiktokTainmentPH #NewsPH #BestOfTiktokPH #LionhearTV #RAWRNation
While comedy remains undervalued by certain sectors, the enduring appeal of Vice Ganda’s films highlights the genre’s vital role in connecting with audiences. Beyond providing laughter, these films serve as a mirror to society, offering relatable narratives that resonate with the everyday experiences of the masses.
As ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ continues to dominate theaters, its success serves as a reminder that comedy is not just about humor—it is a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural reflection.
