Is Vice Ganda a bad influence on Awra?

MANILA — Comedian Vice Ganda on Thursday responded to criticism that he is influencing 13-year-old child actor Awra Briguela to embrace homosexuality.

The two have already starred in the box-office hit “The Super Parental Guardians” and are set to work together again on the upcoming concert “Pusuan Mo Si Vice Ganda Sa Araneta” on Valentine’s Day.

At a press conference for his Araneta Coliseum show, the 40-year-old “It’s Showtime” host emphasized that there is no prescribed age for coming out.

“Wala kasing edad ‘yon. Walang tamang edad kung kailan ka dapat mag-bakla. Walang tamang edad kung kailan ka dapat puwede nang mag-bakla,” he said in a calm tone.

Vice Ganda noted that Briguela actually became much happier when they met.

“Pinagbabawalan muna kaming magsama kasi si Awra masyado nang masaya mula nung nagkakilala kami. Hindi na raw maka-iyak. Hindi na makahugot kasi happy na siya,” he said.

According to Vice Ganda, he treats Briguela like a younger sibling and even gives him tips to improve his performances on “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.”

The “Gandang Gabi Vice” host lamented that many Filipinos still do not fully understand gender and sexuality.

“Hindi natin ‘yon nauunawaan kasi kulang pa ‘yong kaalaman ng mga Pilipino dahil nalimitahan tayo ng edukasyon na available sa Pilipinas pati na rin ng mga nakagawian natin — ng mga tradisyon, relihiyon. Maraming factors ‘yan,” he said.

“Mahabang usapin ‘yan e. Kailangan mo talagang i-explain sa kanila. Dapat talaga ang Pilipino ay ini-educate,” he added.