Who is the country’s most successful comedian?

VICE GANDA is one of the biggest names in the Philippine show business. In the Tagalog language, the word ‘Ganda’ is short for ‘Maganda’, which translates to the feminine word for ‘beautiful’. Vice Ganda is comfortable being addressed with the pronouns, he and him. He was born with the name Jose Marie Borja Viceral, but is better known by his stage name, Vice Ganda. Vice Ganda is considered one of the highest paid celebrities in the Philippines, along side other singers and actors/actresses. He started off as a comedian, and has expanded to become an endorser, actor, and has recently began hosting his own evening show titled, “Gandang Gabi, Vice”–“Good Evening, Vice”.

What people might not know about the Philippines, is that it has a fairly large LGBTQ community, but because it is frowned upon in the film industry to be other than a cis-gendered male or female, there are not many people like Vice in the spotlight. Vice Ganda’s stand-up comedy, is said to be both observational and sarcastic material. Although many Filipinos do not look past the fact he is homosexual, he is considered one of the funniest individuals in the country. Being very open with his sexuality, he has come to be one of the most influential artista’s in the nation.

One of his greatest accomplishments was starring in a film considered to be the highest-grossing movie in Philippine cinema, and is the first openly gay endorser of multiple products in the Philippines. He often holds comedy tours in and outside the country, to perform and collaborate with other well known Filipino celebrities.

Here in North America, we can be quick to name a hand full of celebrities open about their sexuality, such as, Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Patrick Harris, and Caitlyn Jenner. In the Philippines, Vice Ganda is a big name. He is known for uplifting and inspiring the LGBTQ community in Philippine show business. Due to his inspirational rise to fame, there has been a slow increase of gay and transgender people entering the spotlight. Maria Sofia Love, who is a transgender woman, gives thanks to Vice Ganda for providing her the opportunity to be featured in multiple television productions, and is now the first transgender socialite in the Philippines.

If you are interested in watching a teaser commercial for his show, and are comfortable with not understanding the language, feel free to view the video below:

…and after watching the video, share your thoughts on this post, in the comment box below.