Vice Ganda: The Phenomenal Superstar's Triumph in Philippine Entertainment

 

Jose Marie Borja Viceral, born on March 31, 1976, professionally known as Vice Ganda (lit. 'Beautiful Vice'), is a Filipino comedian, actor, host, singer, and television personality. Regarded as one of the most successful entertainers in Philippine show business,[4][5] he is acclaimed for his stand-up routines, utilization of observational comedy, situational irony, and sarcasm, particularly in addressing Filipino culture and human sexuality. Vice Ganda serves as a regular host on ABS-CBN's noontime variety show, It's Showtime, and has taken on roles in six[6] of the top 10 highest-grossing films in Philippine cinema.[7][8]

Vice Ganda embarked on his career as a singer and stand-up comedian at Punchline and The Library in Manila. He also played minor or guest roles in various television programs and films. His recognition soared through the talent search program It's Showtime (2009), and he gained widespread popularity with his first lead role in the 2010 remake film Petrang Kabayo. That same year, he staged his inaugural major concert, May Nag-Text.. 'Yung Totoo! Vice Ganda sa Araneta. He went on to break several box-office records in subsequent releases, including the sequels The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin (2011), Sisterakas (2012), Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy (2013), The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin (2014), Beauty and the Bestie (2015), The Super Parental Guardians (2016), Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad (2017), Fantastica (2018), The Mall, the Merrier! (2019), and Partners in Crime (2022).

Dubbed the "Phenomenal Superstar" by the media,[9][10] Ganda holds the record as the highest-grossing Filipino movie actor of all time, accumulating a total movie gross of ₱4.6 billion since 2022.[11][12] He has received numerous awards, including 2 Asian Academy Creative Awards, a FAMAS Award, a Guinness World Record[13], and a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.[14] Boasting nearly 50 million combined followers,[15] he stands as one of the most followed Filipino personalities across leading social media platforms.[16][17] Forbes Asia recognizes him among the most influential celebrities in the Asia Pacific[18], and Reader's Digest named him one of the most trusted personalities in 2023.[19] He holds the distinction of being the first LGBTQ endorser for Globe Telecom.