Ysabel Mariz Austria

Vice Ganda heads to Tokyo as ‘Call Me Mother’ opens Philippines-Japan Film Festival

Article (news)

Xian Oquendo

<p>Mother Twinkle and Bambi are bound for Tokyo — and the Japanese audience better be ready! Both “Call Me Mother” and “And The Breadwinner Is...” have been selected for the Philippines-Japan <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Film</a> Festival 2026, with “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2025/12/3/vice-ganda-nadine-lustre-exchange-fiery-mom-energy-in-call-me-mother-trailer-1347" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Call Me Mother</a>” set to be the festival’s opening film. </p><p>The Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda expressed his gratitude as he departed for Tokyo on February 25 to personally attend the event. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bqqb4sq0rVM?si=StxEGIDMcE7mXUEJ" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>In a quick airport interview before boarding, Vice admitted he was pleasantly surprised to learn that two of his films made the lineup: “Nakakatuwa na dalawa ‘yung pelikula na entry ko.”  </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772086643095Vice Ganda is off to Tokyo Japan (Star Cinema).png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div><p>For Vice, the moment represents more than just personal recognition — it’s a chance for Filipino storytelling to reach a wider audience. </p><p>“’Yon naman ang gusto natin ‘di ba? Maging global,” he said. “Masarap naman ngayon na ma-experience din natin na naa-appreciate s’ya ng mga ibang makakapanood na ibang lahi.”  </p><p>He also hopes international viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Filipino life, especially that of overseas workers. He explained, “’Pag napanood nila ‘yung ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’, maa-appreciate nila kung ano ‘yung klaseng paghihirap at sakripisyo ‘yung ginagawa ng mga Pilipino na nagtatrabaho sa bansa nila.”</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1995328334740242%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>When asked about a possible new collaboration with director Jun Robles Lana, Vice gave a playfully exciting hint: “Parang tanggap n’ya na nakatali na s’ya sa ’kin, di ko na s’ya pakakawalan. So ‘yung next movie ko, definitely, kami pa rin ni Direk Jun Robles Lana [ang] magsasama.” </p><p>With “Call Me Mother” and “And The Breadwinner Is…” taking center stage in Tokyo, Japanese audiences can expect a powerful mix of laughter, heart, and distinctly Filipino storytelling. </p><p>Catch exclusive videos of “Call Me Mother” and “And The Breadwinner Is...”, such as cast interviews and behind-the-scenes clips, only on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ABSstarcinema" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Star Cinema’s official YouTube channel</a>! </p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS: </strong></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eBK3ksrLIjk?si=FGpfNuDAQOfHyIfK" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4VmRLYx8Cwg?si=NQSaPI8bwyPHYsR-" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>RELATED STORIES: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2025/12/5/vice-ganda-nadine-lustre-lead-star-studded-call-me-mother-grand-media-day-1900" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre lead star-studded ‘Call Me Mother’ Grand Media Day</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2025/8/26/vice-ganda-shows-famas-best-actor-prowess-in-these-5-bts-moments-from-and-the-breadwinner-is-1518" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vice Ganda shows FAMAS Best Actor prowess in these 5 BTS moments from ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’</a></div>

<p><b>Vice Ganda heads to Tokyo as ‘Call Me Mother’ opens Philippines-Japan Film Festival</b></p>