Kapamilya superstar Vice Ganda was recently named Box Office Hero at the 8th Eddys by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED).
$ads={1}
Dressed in a chic black ensemble, Vice accepted her gold trophy personally from Senator Mark Villar and Regal producer Roselle Monteverde.
During her heartfelt speech, Vice Ganda addressed the critics of her films. Her movies often receive harsh reviews from high-brow critics, but remain crowd favorites.
“Maraming nagtatanong kung bakit lagi raw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko… maraming nagtataas ng kilay, maraming nagkukuwestiyon. Bakit daw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko,” Vice began.
$ads={2}
She acknowledged that some call her films “walang kwenta, slapstick, puro kabaklaan at kabaduyan.”
But Vice defended her brand of comedy, emphasizing how it serves as an escape for ordinary Filipinos.
“Kahit hindi masyadong pumapasa o hindi pumapasa sa panlasa ng mga kritiko, ang pelikula ko ay nagsisilbing pangtakas ng napakaraming pangkaraniwang masang Pilipino,” she said.
Vice added that despite rising movie ticket prices, Filipinos still choose her films to ease their burdens:
“Ang hirap ng buhay nila, konti lang ang pera nila pero nanonood pa rin sila ng sine… Gusto nilang tumawa. Kasi ‘yun ang magpapatawid sa kanila para bukas buhay pa sila.”
She credited her unbreakable bond with the masses, formed over 17 years of hosting “It’s Showtime.”
“Ako at ang masang Pilipino ay may relasyon. Kami ay nagkakaunawaan. Iisang wika o lengwahe ang sinasabi namin. May love-hate relationship pero hindi kami nagkaka-iwanan,” Vice shared emotionally.
Vice thanked Star Cinema, ABS-CBN, and all her directors, ending her speech by declaring that Filipinos are her family.