How do you solve a problem like Vice Ganda? The phenomenal TV host and movie star, Vice Ganda, seems to be unfazed by this scourge of a pandemic that has affected greatly the entertainment industry. This is not to even mention the fact that his home studio, ABS-CBN, has also been beleaguered with many among the big-name stars finding themselves with no projects at all.
In a recent virtual press conference attended by Manila as well as Visayas and Mindanao media, including this columnist, Vice Ganda was her usual bubbly self, not displaying a tinge of unfavorable emotion despite the rather abnormal circumstances.
“Hindi ito ang panahon na palagi tayong mag-iisip ng mga nega(tivity). Tama na itong pandemya na nagdudulot ng malaking pinsala sa ating lahat. Pero, nandito na siya, ano pa ba ang magagawa natin?” opines the versatile comedienne. She adds: “Alangan namang titigil tayo sa paghinga? Ibang istorya na yan!”
Even if she may still continue to host the long-running noontime TV show on cable this time, the Kapamilya Channel’s “Showtime,” Vice Ganda admits that things have not been the same since the start of the pandemic last year. Now that it is on its second year, without a clear timeline as to when this will finally be over, she can only heave an exasperated sigh.
“Kaya napag-isipan kong mag stage nitong concert ko, of course, virtually kasi hindi pa naman talaga tayo puwedeng mag converge and all. Sa isip ko, kahit man lang sa maliliit nating mga screen sa laptop, sa iPad, o di kaya’y sa TV natin sa bahay, basta ba may wi-fi kayo, puwede tayong magkasama,” explains Vice Ganda.
Asked as to the reason why he was able to think about mounting such, he gave just one answer: “Passion.” And, it is easy to empathize with Vice Ganda as she excitedly talks about what to expect from her forthcoming concert.
It may be unlike her previous concerts where the production is massive, but this time, it will be a combination of songs, fun spiels that she has been known for, and, perhaps, one or two special guests that will keep her company.
“Ayoko pa munang i-reveal kung ano ang repertoire ko and all, But, if you have watched my past concerts, you would know my style,” she shares.
Certainly, the interaction and personal repartee with the audience will be missed. The daring movements may be subdued and the instant feedback from the audience will not be experienced by Vice Ganda herself.
As she relates, “Yan naman ang ginagawa naming sa Showtime. Kami-kami lang ang nandun, walang live audience or kung papayagan naman, limited lang talaga. Iba pa rin kung naririnig mo ang palakpakan at hiyawan ng mga fans. Ang live audience talaga ang nakakapag energize sa aming mga artista.”
She also admits in the same press conference that her earnings now has been drastically reduced. Without movies and other TV and live shows, including performances abroad, finances can be tight even for established stars like Vice Ganda.
“I can say at this point in my life that I have invested and saved more than enough to tide me and my family over. Of course, there really is a drop in the professional fees that I get, but I can say that we are still comfortable,” adds Vice Ganda.
Aptly titled “Gandemic: Vice Ganda, the VG-tal Concert,” it will have its Philippine streaming, Manila time, on Saturday, July 17 at 9 p.m. and a worldwide streaming on Sunday, July 18 at 11 a.m. Manila time and the respective time zones all over the world.
Ticket prices are: P1,000 for regular and P1,500 for VIP and are now available on http://bit.ly/Gandemic.
As Vice Ganda rejoins: “Magkita-kita tayo soon dahil ipapakalat na ang kagandahan at tawanan ngayong July 2021. Hatid naming ay unkabogable at pasavogue na good vibes!” – NWI
