MANILA — “I wasn’t prepared!” exclaimed Vice Ganda as she recalled the shock of winning Best Actor for Call Me Mother at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal.
In Friday's episode of "It's Showtime," Vice took the chance to thank the show’s hosts, her co-stars, and the fans whose support helped make the film a hit.
"Maraming-maraming salamat, madlang people. Mula sa kaibuturan ng puso at kaluluwa ni Mother Twinkle, maraming-maraming salamat po," she said
"Ang saya-saya ko. Hanggang ngayon ay cloud 9 pa rin ang pakiramdam ko, nakakatuwa. Lahat sa inyo pinasasalamatan ko. Sa aking mga little ponies thank you very much. Maraming salamat sa madlang people na sumugod sa sinehan unang araw pa lang, December 25, pumila nang mahaba, nag-antay dahil maraming sold out. Maraming salamat sa pagtitiis niyo para lang panoorin ang pelikula. Maraming-maraming salamat," Vice added.
The comedian also acknowledged the positive reviews that the film received.
"Maraming-maraming salamat din sa mga nag-review, sa film critics saan mang platforms. ... Ano mang uri ng critique, maraming-maraming salamat because generally positive feedback ang nakuha ng 'Call Me Mother,'" she said.
A good surprise
Vice revealed that she really had no intention of attending the Gabi ng Parangal but it was ABS-CBN executive Cory Vidanes who reminded her to attend the event to show her support for the movie industry, her film and co-stars.
"First day pa lang ng shooting, sinabi ko, 'Direk, hindi ako pupunta ng awards night.' Hindi ako pumupunta ng MMFF, bihirang bihira, most of the time umaalis kami ng nanay ko. So hindi ako pupunta. December 27 kasi 'yon, hanggang December 26, kinausap ako ni Tita Cory, 'Hindi ka raw a-attend?' 'Tita hindi kasi baka ipahinga ko ang araw na 'yon kasi pagod na ako. Saka hindi naman ako nananalo sa MMFF.' Sabi ni Tita Cory, 'You go to the awards night, you attend not because you are expecting to win but because you support the industry and you support the festival and you support your movie and co-actor,'" Vice narrated.
"Siyempre kapag nagsalita si Tita Cory parang si Sister Faustina na ang kumakausap sa akin o kaya si Mother Ignacia, siya talaga si Mother Ignacia dito sa Quezon City," she recalled.
But during the ceremony, Vice admitted that she did not believe that she will win a major award.
"Tapos 'yung mga set of awards puro sa iba napupunta kaya sabi ko 'ay wala na ito.' 'Yung mawawalan ka talaga ng pag-asa. Tapos nag-a-apologize rin ako sa mga jurors kasi jinudge ko rin sila. Noong sinabi 'yung mga jurors, lumalabas 'yung pangalan nila 'ay puro lalaki.' Eh siyempre sanay ako na hindi ako biased ng mga lalaki, puro lalaki. Tapos may pari. 'Ay, may pari.' Sorry jinudge ko sila. Kinukuwento sa akin ng organizers na sobra nilang fair at ako talaga ang pinipili nila," she shared.
After taking a restroom break, Vice returned to the venue and was shocked when her name was called as best actor.
"Pagpasok ko na award na 'yung Best Actress agad. Tapos Best Actor na. So hindi talaga ako emotionally and psychologically prepared. Kaya noong tinawag ako gulat na gulat ako, hindi ako nakaarte," Vice said.
"Hanggang leeg na 'yung kaba ko. Gulat na gulat talaga ako tapos hindi ako nag-prepare ng speech, buti na lang talaga kahit hindi ako nagpi-prepare haba lagi nang sinasabi ko. Ang sarap ng pagkagulat. Ang sarap ng experience. Sabi ko hindi ako sanay sa ganoon. Sa edad kong ito ang dami ko pang hindi nararanasan na masasarap at ang sarap-sarap nang naranasan ko noong gabing 'yon," the best actor added.
In the noontime program, Vice also received video messages from his "Call Me Mother" co-stars including Nadine Lustre, and her family who congratulated her.
Apart from Vice, "Call Me Mother" child actor Lucas Andalio, took home the Best Child Actor award.
Directed by Jun Lana, the film also won the Gender Sensitivity Award and was named Third Best Picture.
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