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Vice Ganda

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Vice Ganda is a prominent Filipino entertainer who has shaped modern Philippine show business. Born Jose Marie Borja Viceral on March 31, 1976, he is a comedian, actor, singer, and television host. He is widely recognized for his unique comedic style. This style relies heavily on observational comedy, which involves making jokes about everyday life. He also utilizes situational irony and sarcasm to comment on Filipino culture and human sexuality. Because of his massive success, the media has given him titles like the "Unkabogable Queen" and "Phenomenal Superstar."

His career began in the comedy clubs of Manila. He performed as a singer and stand-up comedian at venues called Punchline and The Library. During this time, he worked under the mentorship of Hans Mortel. A man named Andrew de Real, known as the "King of Comedy Bars," gave him the stage name Vice Ganda. These early years were essential for developing his comedic material. He spent several years honing his skits before moving into television and film.

Showtime Goodtime
Showtime Goodtime

Vice Ganda's rise to widespread fame was driven by several key career milestones. In 1999, talent scout Ogie Diaz discovered him in the comedy bar circuit. He began appearing in small roles on networks like ABS-CBN and GMA. He even participated in singing contests like "O Diva" and "Birit Queen" on the show Eat Bulaga!. However, his biggest breakthrough came in 2009. He joined the talent search program It's Showtime as an "unelectable judge." This role provided the platform he needed to reach a national audience.

His film career has been defined by record-breaking box-office success. In 2010, he starred in the remake of Petrang Kabayo, which became a best-selling film. He followed this with a string of hits, including The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin in 2011. This film was the first local movie to reach 100 million in ticket sales. Other major successes include Sisterakas (2012), Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy (2013), and Beauty and the Bestie (2015). His 2016 film, The Super Parental Guardians, set a record for the highest opening day gross for a Filipino film.

Leni Republika rally Malolos Sports Complex Vice Ganda (Bulacan; 04-27-2022)
Leni Republika rally Malolos Sports Complex Vice Ganda (Bulacan; 04-27-2022)

The scale of his influence is visible in both financial and social metrics. Since 2022, his movies have earned a total gross of billions of pesos. He holds the title of the highest-grossing Filipino movie actor of all time. Beyond the box office, he maintains a massive digital presence. He has nearly 50 million combined followers across various social media platforms. This popularity has led Forbes Asia to list him among the most influential celebrities in the Asia-Pacific region. He was also the first LGBTQ individual to serve as an endorser for Globe Telecom.

His personal history also informs his public persona. He grew up on Tambunting Street in Santa Cruz, Manila, as the youngest of six children. His father, Reynaldo Viceral, was a barangay captain in Tondo. In 1991, his father was killed in a traumatic incident in front of the family. This event led his mother, Rosario Borja, to work abroad as a caregiver. To support his education, Vice Ganda received a scholarship from a donor named Noriko Tokura. This generosity allowed him to study from the third grade through his second year of college at Far Eastern University.

Today, Vice Ganda's impact reaches into many different industries. He has expanded into entrepreneurship with his own makeup brand, Vice Cosmetics. He has also achieved international recognition through various accolades. He is a recipient of two Asian Academy Creative Awards and a FAMAS Award. He also holds a Guinness World Record and has a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame. Whether hosting variety shows, starring in films, or appearing at public rallies, he remains a central figure in Filipino media.

Leni Republika rally Malolos Sports Complex Vice Ganda (Bulacan; 04-27-2022)
Leni Republika rally Malolos Sports Complex Vice Ganda (Bulacan; 04-27-2022)
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