Why Vice Ganda Should Not Be Emulated or Supported: A Call for Mindful Media Consumption

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In today’s entertainment landscape, where celebrities hold immense influence over public opinion and behavior, it’s crucial to critically examine the values they represent. Vice Ganda, a prominent figure in Philippine entertainment, has become a divisive personality whose influence, both on-screen and off, raises valid concerns. It’s time to seriously reconsider whether his behavior, humor, and public persona are worth emulating or supporting.

The Harmful Influence of Vice Ganda’s Persona

Vice Ganda’s brand of humor often relies on mockery, insults, and offensive jokes that, while entertaining to some, have contributed to a culture of insensitivity and disrespect. Many of his shows and public appearances normalize behavior that should not be seen as acceptable—especially by younger audiences who are highly impressionable.

Children and teenagers naturally mirror what they see on television and online. When the figure they admire openly engages in crass humor or arrogance, it creates a ripple effect. Instead of promoting kindness, respect, and humility, Vice Ganda’s content often reinforces sarcasm, vanity, and a lack of accountability.

Not a Role Model: Public Behavior Matters

Public figures are not only judged by their on-screen performances but also by their actions in real-life encounters. Reports of Vice Ganda exhibiting dismissive and arrogant behavior, such as during a public sighting at Glorietta where his bodyguards reportedly acted aggressively, reflect poorly on his character. These incidents aren’t isolated but are recurring themes in stories shared by fans and casual observers.

Compare this with figures like Ricky Reyes, who earned public admiration not just for their talents but also for their humility and grace. The entertainment industry should highlight personalities who embody positive traits rather than those who reinforce entitlement and arrogance.

The Responsibility of the Audience

As consumers, we must recognize that every ticket bought, every show watched, and every product endorsed by Vice Ganda sends a message—it normalizes his behavior and validates his influence. By continuing to support such personalities, we inadvertently contribute to the erosion of values that society claims to uphold.

Instead of turning a blind eye to problematic behavior, audiences have the power to demand better. Entertainment should not be an excuse to overlook actions and words that damage cultural values and social harmony.

Vice Ganda’s Influence on Youth Culture

It’s undeniable that Vice Ganda holds sway over millions of fans. However, the values his shows project—be it through his humor or public interactions—often fall short of being constructive. The normalization of disrespect, vanity, and arrogance in his content has subtly infiltrated youth culture, shaping the attitudes of many.

Do we really want the next generation to see these traits as acceptable or even admirable? The answer should be a resounding no.

A Call to Action: Stop Supporting Vice Ganda’s Content

It’s time to take a stand. Stop watching his shows, stop attending his concerts, and stop supporting the brands he endorses. Influence is a powerful tool, and we must ensure it is wielded by individuals who embody responsibility, humility, and respect.

Entertainment should inspire and uplift—not degrade or normalize harmful behavior. Vice Ganda, with his repeated display of questionable values, should not be a figure we allow to shape the mindset of our children or society as a whole.

Final Thoughts: Choose Better Role Models

Every peso spent, every show streamed, and every endorsement supported sends a signal. It’s time to be more discerning about who we celebrate and elevate as public figures. Vice Ganda is not the role model our society needs, and it’s our responsibility as consumers to make that clear.

Let’s champion entertainers who bring not just laughter but also positive values—those who build, rather than break, the moral fiber of our culture.

Espantaho: A Horror Film That Fails to Scare but Succeeds in Social Commentary

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Directed by Chito S. Roño and written by Chris Martinez, Espantaho presents itself as a horror film but struggles to deliver the scares expected from the genre. While it excels in tackling heavy themes of female rage and toxic masculinity, the movie falls short of creating genuine fear, leaving horror enthusiasts wanting more.

The Horror That Wasn't There

From the start, Espantaho sets up an eerie atmosphere with its use of pests—balang (locusts), linta (leeches), and daga (rats)—as metaphors for the parasitic nature of toxic masculinity. While the symbolism is clever and the metaphors land well, the execution lacks the tension and spine-chilling moments necessary for a true horror experience. The supernatural elements feel secondary, almost like an afterthought, overshadowed by the heavy-handed drama.

The ghosts and creepy visuals are present, but they never quite reach the level of dread or terror one would expect from a Chito Roño horror film. Instead of delivering scares, the film leans heavily into its social commentary, often at the expense of building real suspense.

A Dramatic Core Wrapped in a Horror Aesthetic

At its heart, Espantaho thrives as a drama with horror elements rather than a horror movie. The complex dynamics between Chanda Romero and Lorna Tolentino's characters are compelling, showcasing how women are often forced to turn against each other because of a man’s manipulative actions.

Meanwhile, Judy Ann Santos shines as a mother, daughter, and partner trapped in societal expectations. Her performance is raw and deeply moving, but again, it feels more suited to a family drama than a horror film. The emotional weight of her character's struggles carries the film, but the lack of frightening moments prevents Espantaho from fully embracing its horror identity.

The Real Horror: Family Greed

While the movie misses the mark on scares, it does succeed in highlighting one universally terrifying reality—family disputes over inheritance and land. In true Filipino fashion, the most unsettling moments of the film don’t come from ghosts or supernatural threats but from the betrayal, greed, and dysfunction within families.

It’s a sharp commentary on how real-life horrors often overshadow fictional ones, but audiences expecting classic horror thrills might feel let down.

Chris Martinez's Sharp Script

Chris Martinez’s screenplay is rich with metaphor and meaning, offering thought-provoking commentary on gender roles, toxic masculinity, and societal expectations. While the themes are well-explored, they often overpower the horror narrative, leaving little room for tension or fear to build.

A Missed Opportunity for True Horror

If Espantaho had fully committed to being a horror film, with the same level of care given to its social commentary, it could have been a standout entry in the genre. Instead, it feels like a powerful drama disguised in horror aesthetics—a film more thought-provoking than frightening.

Should You Watch Espantaho?

If you’re looking for a bone-chilling horror experience, Espantaho will likely disappoint. However, if you’re open to a socially charged drama with horror elements sprinkled in, the film has plenty to offer.

In the end, Espantaho might not keep you up at night with fear, but it will leave you reflecting on the deeply rooted societal issues it boldly addresses.

“And the Breadwinner Is…”: A Missed Opportunity Despite a Promising Core

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“And the Breadwinner Is…” had all the ingredients of a powerful and memorable family film—an A-list comedian in Vice Ganda, a capable director in Jun Lana (known for Die Beautiful), and a core message that resonates deeply with Filipino culture: the sacrifices of the family breadwinner. Yet, somewhere between slapstick humor and heavy-handed melodrama, the film stumbles, leaving behind a product that feels uneven, forced, and, at times, painfully cringeworthy.

A Family Film That Struggles to Find Its Identity

Coming off a Christmas trip abroad, watching a family film with loved ones seemed like the perfect way to cap off the holiday season. The buzz around “And the Breadwinner Is…” suggested a ‘different’ Vice Ganda movie—one that would blend humor with meaningful drama. Unfortunately, the execution fell short of expectations.

The film starts with Vice Ganda’s signature brand of slapstick comedy, but instead of delivering sharp wit and lighthearted laughs, the humor often relies on tired tropes. Jokes about physical appearances, weight, and even death dominate the first half, many of which feel outdated, punching down rather than uplifting. For a seasoned comedian like Vice Ganda, it’s disappointing to see such humor executed without nuance or cleverness.

A Tale of Two Halves

The second half of the film shifts into dramatic territory—a tonal shift that, while promising on paper, feels jarring on screen. Much of the narrative relies on family confrontation scenes, particularly around Vice Ganda’s character discovering betrayal and unfulfilled promises after years of financial sacrifice.

However, the emotional moments fall flat, primarily because of poor pacing and inconsistent characterization. Key confrontation scenes occur at odd moments in the narrative. When Vice’s character learns about the truth behind the ‘multi-level dream house,’ one would expect an immediate, explosive confrontation. Instead, the film drags this moment out, diluting its impact.

Kokoy’s character, in particular, is an enigma. His dialogue in crucial scenes feels out of place, as if shoehorned in to deliver a ‘moral lesson’ rather than flowing naturally from the character’s motivations. This disconnect in timing, delivery, and emotional payoff ultimately robs the film of its cathartic potential.

The Missed Opportunity of a Strong Message

At its heart, “And the Breadwinner Is…” grapples with real, deeply relatable issues—family expectations, sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, and the often-unspoken sacrifices made by LGBT individuals who are frequently seen as their families' default providers. These are themes that could have been mined for profound emotional storytelling.

In a rare bright spot, the moments between Vice Ganda and the younger characters, particularly Argus and the little girl, stand out. Their discussion about calling Vice “MaPa” (a combination of Mama and Papa) touches on identity and respect in a way that feels authentic and heartwarming. Similarly, SB19’s “MaPa” song as part of the film’s OST serves as a perfect emotional anchor.

These glimmers of brilliance, however, are buried under layers of awkward dialogue, misplaced comedy, and undercooked dramatic arcs.

Jun Lana and Vice Ganda: What Went Wrong?

Director Jun Lana has previously shown his skill with emotionally charged narratives (Die Beautiful), and Vice Ganda has proven his box-office appeal in films like Praybeyt Benjamin. Together, they could have created something extraordinary. Yet, “And the Breadwinner Is…” feels like a mismatch of intentions—an attempt to balance Vice Ganda’s comedic persona with Jun Lana’s flair for melodrama.

It seems that the script was the film’s biggest weakness. The dialogues often felt contrived, the pacing uneven, and the emotional beats rushed or delayed.

Final Thoughts: A Film With a Good Heart, But a Flawed Execution

Despite its shortcomings, “And the Breadwinner Is…” does have a heart. Its themes are undeniably important, and there are moments—though fleeting—of genuine emotional resonance. The “MaPa” scene and SB19’s OST are clear highlights.

However, the film ultimately falls short of being the transformative Vice Ganda movie it aspired to be. The humor often misfires, the drama feels forced, and the emotional payoffs lack the impact they deserved.

For audiences seeking light entertainment and fleeting moments of emotional depth, “And the Breadwinner Is…” might still offer some enjoyment. But for those looking for a well-crafted narrative that truly delivers on its promises, this film might leave them wanting more.

Final Verdict: An ambitious but flawed attempt to blend humor and drama. It has its moments, but they are overshadowed by inconsistent storytelling and misplaced humor.