Icons Only: Our Favorite Vice Ganda Movie Characters

If ever there was a Mount Rushmore of Filipino celebrities, Vice Ganda would be a top pick for inclusion. The political science student-turned-comedian is the epitome of a rags-to-riches story, having worked her way up from being a stand-up comedian in comedy bars to becoming a host on It’s Showtime and eventually dominating the local film industry as one of the most influential celebrities in showbiz. For more than a decade, Vice’s movies have consistently broken box office records and become deeply embedded in Philippine pop culture consciousness.

It’s also in her films where we’ve met characters that showcase Vice’s versatile yet underrated skills as an actor, giving them a real, dynamic, camp, and over-the-top energy that you can’t help but love. These fictional characters and their stories resonated with audiences long after the credits rolled and became beloved figures in their own right. Below, we’ve listed some of Vice Ganda’s most memorable movie roles whose presence and pop culture impact extends beyond the screen.    

​RELATED: Vice Ganda Removes Her Wig on It’s Showtime to Raise a Powerful Message

Peter Kasimsiman/Pedro/Petra from Petrang Kabayo

Vice Ganda’s first film as the lead role, this 2010 remake of the 1988 classic is a bit underrated as compared to the rest of Vice’s filmography, but it’s still worth the watch because it showcased just how good Vice could turn any character into a memorable role, began Vice’s collaboration with Wenn V. Deramas, and also started the running joke of comparing Vice Ganda to a horse.

Peter is successful, but his arrogance leads him to mistreat the people around him. When he’s cursed by transforming into a horse whenever he does something bad, Peter goes on an internal and external journey to change his ways and have a kinder heart. It’s a simple yet effective character arc made more special by Vice’s inherent charisma.  

Benjamin “Benjie” Santos XIII from The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin

Iconic is an apt way to describe Benjie from the Praybeyt Benjamin franchise. Benjie, a gay man hailing from a military family, is shunned by his grandfather for not conforming to typical masculine traits. But he enlists in the army in secret from his family with the goal of stopping a terrorist organization that kidnapped his grandfather and other high-ranking officials. At first, Benjie hides his queerness, and it’s used against him as a reason why he’s not fit to be a soldier. While this struggle is played for laughs in the movie, it also touches upon more relevant themes.

It’s only through embracing who he truly is that Benjie is able to overcome his challenges. The role sees Vice deliver one of her best and most comedic performances to date, but it’s also in the message of how being LGBTQIA+ is not a hindrance in succeeding in historically male-dominated spaces where Benjie really shines.

Bernardo “Bernice” Laurel Sabroso from Sisterakas

@netflixph Hirap mag-explain ha #sisterakas #viceganda #danielpadilla #fyp ♬ original sound – Netflix Philippines

There’s a reason why Sisterakas still goes viral on social media to this day. From the outfits, over-the-top personality, witty lines, sharp insult-style comedy, and rags-to-riches story, fashion designer and mogul Bernice stands tall as one of the movie’s best parts. Not only does Vice Ganda hold her own against Kris Aquino and Ai-Ai delas Alas, but she also makes Bernice a true showstopper who commands every scene he’s in. Chances are, you can even quote some of Bernice’s lines.  

Marklyn Monroe “Girlie” Jackstone from Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy

Vice Ganda plays four different characters in her 2013 entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. In each role, she embodies a different gender and sexuality, namely straight male, straight female, gay, and tomboy. While Vice does well in each role, among the four, it’s Girlie, the straight female, who has left the biggest impact on pop culture. With the blonde wig, black and white striped top, and red skirt, Vice introduced an icon and a diva who embodied the rich, dumb blonde stereotype so well. The look alone is iconic with how it’s referenced and parodied to this day. You could tell Vice was having fun in the role with the ditzy voice and accent that made every scene she was in even funnier.

Erik “Erika” Albano Villavicencio/Natalia Thalia Nutriela from Beauty and the Bestie

@netflixph Ediiiithhhh!!! Wag kang sumakay sa motor #ViceGandaCore #ViceGanda #BeautyAndTheBestie #TiktoktainmentPH #Netflix ♬ original sound – Netflix Philippines

Before there was Chappell Roan, there was Ms. Uzeklovakia. Vice Ganda plays double duty in this movie, and she shines in both parts. As Erika, Vice gives the role a cynical yet caring personality as she tries to take care of her family while dealing with the return of her former best friend Emman (Coco Martin), as he asks her to help him by pretending to be Ms. Uzeklovakia for a pageant. The Japanese restaurant and “Their blood runs” scenes are some of Vice’s most viral movie moments.  

The dynamic and back-and-forth banter between Erika and Emman is fun to watch. Meanwhile, as Ms. Uzeklovakia, Vice commits to the role of the fictional beauty queen, complete with a fake language and big red hair that has become one of her signature looks.  

Bamboo “Bambi” Salvador from And the Breadwinner Is…

The movie notably features cameos from Vice’s iconic characters, but that doesn’t mean Bambi should be forgotten. Regarded as Vice’s first foray into heavy drama in film, the role won Vice Best Actor at the 73rd FAMAS Awards, showcasing a more serious side that she is more than fit to handle. Bambi proved that the actress and comedian can handle serious roles. She gave Bambi a weariness fitting for an OFW who spent so much of their life working overseas just to be disrespected back home. Vice digs deep with Bambi as he serves as an embodiment of all the people who are tired of seeing their hard work and sacrifice being ignored and disregarded by their family.

Twinkelito “Twinkle” Paoros de Guzman/Reyes from Call Me Mother

A tour de force performance unlike what we’ve seen from Vice to date, Twinkle from Call Me Mother already has a place in the Vice Ganda characters hall of fame. When he’s suddenly made the guardian of his mom’s adoptive son, Angelo, Twinkle decides to leave behind his life as a pageant coach to raise him as his own. Over time, Twinkle becomes a mother to him as well as to other young people she cares for. However, when Twinkle officially moves to legally adopt Angelo, he must deal with a figure from his past that changes everything.

Equal parts comedic and serious, Twinkle is a stunning showcase of Vice’s acting roles. The character itself is a dynamic and maternal figure who will do anything to treat Angelo right and be the mother he deserves.

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Photo: MEGA ARCHIVES

The post Icons Only: Our Favorite Vice Ganda Movie Characters first appeared on MEGA.

Icons Only: Our Favorite Vice Ganda Movie Characters
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