Vice Ganda talks about his bond with co-stars in ‘And the Breadwinner Is’

“They’re so into me here. They loved me so much and supported me. They have plans for me. They have a project for me. They want people to see something in me when they watch the movie,”

This is what Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda said as he described working alongside his co-stars in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, And The Breadwinner Is.

During the media conference for their film, Vice shared that he personally requested his close friends Jhong Hilario and Gladys Reyes to join the movie, even before the concept was fully developed.

“From the beginning, we didn’t have a full concept yet, my only request right away was Gladys (Reyes) and Jhong (Hilario) because the concept wasn’t complete yet but we wanted it, we all decided, it’s not just a comedy movie, we want a drama comedy (genre),” he shared.

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Vice explained that he needed their help, especially for the drama aspects of the film.

“I knew from the beginning that I needed help so I would ask for help from those close to me, so it was Gladys and Jhong because I was very close to both of them and I knew they were great at drama so I wouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help and I’m sure they would support me.”

Vice also spoke about working with Maris Racal, with whom he had hoped to collaborate in the past.

“Maris has always been there. She’s always been in my movies but she doesn’t always make it,” he said.

Vice also commended Maris and her on-screen partner, Anthony Jennings, on their craft as actors.

“They are really charming. Their partnership worked in their first series and it was really good. Maris is very talented. We can’t discount that or disregard it. Maris is really talented.”

“Anthony Jennings, we can’t deny that he also has a unique brilliance when you watch him on screen. So when management and Star said, ‘Let’s go’, I said let’s take them with us, I’ll go right away,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, Vice admitted that he initially was not ready to work with Eugene Domingo as he had envisioned a different kind of project for them. However, director Jun Robles Lana wanted Eugene to be part of the film.

“As for Eugene, I actually don’t want Eugene to join me,” Vice said. “He has a personal relationship with Direk Jun. Direk Jun used the friendship card because he really wanted Uge for the role.”

“I said, ‘I don’t want it anymore’ because I have a dream project with Uge.’ I said, ‘I don’t want it anymore because I want us to be the two leading ladies,’ because we are the two leading ladies so I don’t want it for now,” he explained. “I’m ashamed of Eugene because I said I’m ashamed that (he) is the support.”

He then expressed his gratitude for Eugene’s generosity, saying: “Ang generous niya. She didn’t mind na ‘Support ko si Vice? Okay.’ Ganoon.”

Reflecting on his experience working on the film, Vice emphasized the strong bond he formed with his co-stars.

“That’s why this movie really touches me every time it’s talked about because it’s different. My love for this movie is different, my love is different, and the love I got from my friends is different,” he said.

Director Jun also spoke about the film’s process, highlighting the importance of staying authentic while creating the story.

“We were able to achieve a story for the family and in terms of how the audiences are going to see Meme in a new light. Familiar pa rin pero mas marami pa kayong mamahalin sa kanya ngayon,” he saidm

And The Breadwinner Is is one of the official entries for the 50th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival. It also marks Vice Ganda’s return to the festival after a year-long hiatus.