Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Throwback: Vice Ganda delivered heartfelt drama, charming comedy in these “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episodes

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745603200845Vice-Ganda-delivered-heartfelt-drama-charming-comedy-in-these-Maalaala-Mo-Kaya-episodes-.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>&quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>Maalalaa Mo Kaya</em></u></strong></a>&quot; has delivered decades&#x27; worth of iconic episodes, featuring some of the biggest names in drama and entertainment. Among these stars is Vice Ganda, or Vice, who became a part of the show during the early days of his rise to fame. He appeared in two very diverse presentations—one where he portrayed his own life story, and another where he brought his brand of comedy to the screen. </p><p>In 2009, Vice&#x27;s life journey was narrated in the episode titled &quot;Bola,&quot; where he showcased a different, more dramatic side of him as an actor. The Unkabogable Superstar took on the challenging task of portraying himself and revisited the chapters of his life that shaped his identity. </p><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QwyGSp9Qd6w" title="Bola | Vice Ganda, Mark Joshua Sarayot, Al Tantay | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Viewers were given a glimpse of Vice’s vulnerability as he unpacked the internal struggles he faced growing up, particularly the fear of being rejected in a world that’s often quick to judge. The story revealed how even within the walls of their family&#x27;s own home, his two older brothers, who are also gay, were never truly accepted by their father.</p><p>That fear led Vice to hide his true self, but this decision eventually created emotional distance between him and his siblings. So while their family remained living in the same household, it never truly felt whole. He also felt immense pressure, being the only “man” among the three brothers, to conform to his father&#x27;s expectations. He tried dating girls to please his dad and played basketball to appear more masculine, —hence the title, &quot;Bola.&quot;</p><p>Beyond keeping his true self a secret, Vice also endured a string of family struggles, including the near separation of his parents and the traumatic moment when his father was shot right outside their house. With their &#x27;padre de familia&#x27; gone, his mother was forced to work abroad, leaving him and his siblings to fend for themselves.</p><p>Eventually, Vice found the courage to come out, though initially only to his friends. He experienced love, and the joys and heartbreak that came with embracing the real him. </p><p>Through this &quot;MMK&quot; episode, not only did Vice revisit his past, but he also gave viewers an honest, moving performance as an actor, joined by screen veterans Al Tantay and Malou de Guzman, who portrayed his parents.</p><p>On a lighter portrayal, Vice also took part in the episode titled “Taxi,” as the witty and ever-supportive best friend of Arnie (Frenchie Dy), a woman who faced heartache and harsh judgments because of her weight. Despite her struggles, Arnie’s story ultimately became one of hope when she met Jake (Janus del Prado), a kind and persistent taxi driver who loved her for who she truly was.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6UGi7iQA8LM" title="Taxi | Janus del Prado, Frenchie Dy, Vice Ganda | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Though he wasn&#x27;t the main character, Vice&#x27;s unique charm infused the episode with good vibes. His brand of comedy added a refreshing layer to the narrative, such as in scenes where he would cheer on Arnie in his signature punchlines. </p><p>&quot;MMK: Taxi&quot; is worth re-watching for its heartwarming message about love, and just because Vice is a joy to watch as he shines alongside his co-stars.</p><p>Now that &quot;MMK&quot; is making its comeback after a two-year hiatus, fans are sure hoping to see Vice once again grace the drama anthology. With the endless possibilities each new MMK episode brings, who knows what surprises are in store?</p><p>Catch the all-new, inspiring stories brought to you by “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>MMK</em></u></strong></a>,” on iWantTFC, streaming 48 hours in advance. “MMK” also airs on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and A2Z every Saturday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.</p>

<p>Revisit Vice Ganda's diverse, unforgettable appearances on Maalaala Mo Kaya. </p>

Revisit Vice Ganda's diverse, unforgettable appearances on Maalaala Mo Kaya.